Factory Five Cobra: 0-60MPH

This video shows a few 0-60MPH attempts made in my Factory Five MK4 Cobra using GPS gauges from Speedhut to time the runs.

[@discogodfather22]

It's the zero to 100 that will really embarrass a lot of performance cars out there. Probably a 12 in the quarter. But this was made to road race, so the real measure is a lap time. My friends old factory five he built nearly 20 years ago with an awful 5.0 donor motor (all stock) did very well at Laguna Seca track days. It could run with any C6 Vette at the time. Hard to set up a solid axle sometimes without a panhard bar.

[@BradThePitts]

Great comment, I have a solid axle with 5-link, it handles *better* than my Factory Five with IRS, although it's comparing a park bench to a LaZ-boy chair...

[@dickjohnson5025]

The real magic of these cars is 50mph to 120mph. They aren’t drag cars, so they aren’t meant for blindly fast 0-60. That said the 4 second range is very respectable. Pulling hard 2nd, 3rd and 4th is pure madness. I have a 65 replica with a Roush sb 427 dyno’’d at just over 500hp and 520 torque. Its stupid fun.

[@tammyforbes2101]

Anything V8 that weights 2350lbs is gonna be fast. Take a new 650hp with a 6 speed and some sticky tires they fly run 11’s right out the box!

[@sepg5084]

@@BradThePitts a C6 vette is not a kit car. It is actually a contemporary road car; you won't be wet when it rains, you won't suffer hypothermia when it is cold, you won't suffer heat stroke when it is hot and you're stuck in traffic, it is actually crash safety compliant, etc. Comparing apples to oranges is pointless.

[@hanshoogendyk2203]

A solid axle performs best with a watts linkage, as it elaminates side.movement, properly set up it can also be fine tuned to alter rear roll centre,

[@KensGarage1]

I love these Cobra videos. That was cool. Thanks for putting it up!

[@alant5757]

Thanks for the video. And I just found out that the Cobra Experience is in Martinez California which is about 20 minutes for me. How did I not know this...? Unbelievable... and it looks like an awesome exhibition.

[@aleksandars9254]

Amazing work man. Love your videos!

[@doublenickel1000]

If you're making 300 lbs of torque at 6000 you've got 300 x 6000/5252= 342 hp. Gorgeous car, btw!

[@CraigK5thGen]

Thumbs up if you know why he used 5,252 here 😜👍

[@lgisdatdude]

Great content just subscribed. I've always wanted to build one myself. You're build is awesome and nowhere near over the top keep it up!

[@TacoJoe]

Hey thanks for the nice comment / i say go for it!

[@nadronnocojr]

Hard work payed off congrats to you sir

[@40mick]

I really enjoy your video's the production is outstanding!!!

[@BradThePitts]

BEST around, and that includes the videos from Factory Five!

[@michs1708]

no school like old school !! awesome build

[@Hutch400]

I was waiting for this!!! Awesome 👍👍👍👍

[@253speedgarage5]

Great video love the on screen stats. Now I will have to go out and see my 0-60 in my MarkIV Cobra. Running a Coyote with 3.73 gears should get under 4 sec.

[@TacoJoe]

Let me know what you put down / that’s a nice combo you have there!

[@zeppelinmexicano]

Curious to know why so many Cobras have such high (to me) gears. My old '56 Vette had 4:56 and I could blow anything off to 140. Of course I had also drilled out the frame so it weighed around 2k. My whole thing was getting to 100 before everybody else, didn't give a hoot about top end. You better have a plan for traction though if you go with gears like that. A big plan.

[@brianhuff5127]

I've got an mk4, coyote, 3.73, nt01 tire. It easily goes 3.5s to 60, but with some heat in the tires, I've gotten 3.0s in 141ft.

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

thats a sick combo

[@psyberiusblack]

I’m simply guessing from the comfort of my toilet and my phone here. But I suspect it may make it easier to put the power down with taller gears. Shorter gears would make launching an already beast of a car with a crazy power to weight ratio even gnarlier. Plus, the original car was set up for track use where top speed kinda matters more than on the street.

[@sum12see]

Awesome brother...Live and learn!...Sweet machine my friend!

[@TacoJoe]

Thanks 👍

[@randyreid2916]

Great videos...thanks for sharing!

[@adrianharrison5208]

For what this cost you to build I don't really think there is another new car out there that could touch this for the price.. love it!

[@dickjohnson5025]

Absolutely. It literally is a street legal race car

[@COBRATV427]

Great vid. Thank you for sharing.

[@mdavis472000]

Another awesome video!!!

[@onefortheroad2291]

Great quality production on your videos man. I have a mark iv with a 408 in it but nearly zero drive time so far. Check it out if you have a second. Btw the 5.0 gt40p/TFS stage 1 is probably good for about 280-290 hp and maybe 320lbs torque. That was a very popular budget combo on mustangs back inthe day and those were. The usual numbers

[@TacoJoe]

Hey thanks for the details Nepa- yeah might be hot on the torque # there / love the motor - will check out your setup here shortly - thanks for the comment!

[@edwardbedford8233]

Great build! I built a MK2 a few years ahead of you (like 12) with a 331. Little more cam and EFI. With tires (drag radials) and about a 3000 rpm launch you can really leave hard. Heck I was 7.02 at 101 in the 1/8th and my kit is heavy (2450 with me and a full tank of gas). Just need the tires to hook and you will really see the times fall.

[@TacoJoe]

Thats a nice setup / I have a 331/347 in the long term plans for mine / 7.02 @ 101!!!! spacetime warped :)

[@benjaminrodriguez9968]

Awesome can’t wait to build mine

[@BCEngineer321]

Very nice. Great video.

[@bodieb.1239]

Really good video. I had an MKll a little more HP maybe 330 but that damn hook up was a problem that I solved with some Bridgestones. Loved the car and so did the public. Only reason I sold it was use was limited by not only time but weather and I don't mean rain. It was like sitting in a toaster on so many days. But I miss just spraying it with zanoe and looking at it. A lot of fun.

[@TacoJoe]

Hey Bodie- on hot days, the Shelby toaster description is 100% accurate - LOL - still love the car though / I also haven't been able to hook mine through 2nd gear with 295 Cooper Cobras and my wimpy 5.0 - its actually kinda scary / thanks for the comment!

[@curtisbrechter5620]

LOL being your friend has got to be cool and hearing you tell the wife "hun Curtis and I are going to practice my 0-60 times. Be back in a while." ........I'd by the gas. Thanks for the great video.

[@TacoJoe]

Thanks Curtis - the car is a hoot - what the video doesn't capture is the engine roar/vibration/tire spin/etc - that really gets you going / especially when you air it out! Thanks for the comment-

[@bigbenstivers7717]

I read my comment i didn't mean it as a put down. I'm very envious of that Gorgeous Cobra of yours Outstanding Job. My friend . I have a 57 chevy two door 210 wagon . I know what it means to put your heart and soul into something. Good on ya my friend. BIG Ugly Ben.

[@TacoJoe]

Its all good Ben :) - Guess a future video production might be power shift 101 :) - I'll never forget the first time I power shifted - a mix of emotions between "this doesn't seem right" and "OK well, here we go"

[@flattire707]

Wow, what fun. Nothing looks like a Cobra. Times look like a good match for my Model 3LR.

[@gregswartz1900]

Great video

[@driver8438]

Dude I admire your project management skills

[@inVINSONable1]

This is the Honda S2000 of the 60's. These two machines are my all time favorite roadsters . So different from each other but so close in how they accomplish the same type of fun.

[@TacoJoe]

S2000s are cool cars / vtec baby! That has the cool one of a kind honda noise too: the vtec wail - bwaaaaaaaaaaa! Thanks for the comment :)

[@goldsburyam1234]

Not even close lol the s2000 wishes it was this cool

[@T0YCHEST]

More like a viper is

[@brisiobrien1]

Some time ago I wanted to get a Honda S2000 for my wife and I. I rode a few used ones but never actually bought one. One day looking in the internet, I came across a DIY Cobra replica kit called Factory Five Racing MKIV Roadster. I got it, built it and could not be happier ever! A truly iconic car!

[@advicemaster1365]

Excellent video! Where and how did you mount your camera? I've tried a go-pro in my Cobra, (on the dash, right above the passenger rear seat, on the roll bar. - Can't seen to get rid of the vibrations!)

[@TacoJoe]

Roll bar with some brackets and ingenuity and even a little duct tape :) The newer Gopros are very good at eliminating vibration (active image stabilization) - which model GoPro are you using? My older model was not good at all and perhaps its the same situation for you.

[@advicemaster1365]

@@TacoJoe YEs. roll bar was my best result. Using an old Hero3. Time to upgrade!

[@yodaddamilkman8422]

5-60 is more of a usable real world performance reference

[@TacoJoe]

Right you are Luke- I love it when i get the stoplight with a suburbanite who's annoyed with my loud exhaust and guns it at green- it gives me a chance to roll on hard 5-60 and lets the 5.0 sing! Thanks for the comment :)

[@kimmorrison9169]

very mild motor in yours

[@billmcgarry3300]

I really like your GPS speedo, gotta get one for my Sunbeam Tiger 🐅 As a young pup, I ran a 300 hp Corvette engine in my Austin Healey...4:10 rear and 0-60 time was 4.3 sec ...never lost a race :)

[@TacoJoe]

That sounds like.a nice setup (V8 in the Healey) - The GPS gauges are GREAT - I will never run a set of electronic sender / cable speedometer gauges again - They are very easy to install and have TONS of functionality / I say go for GPS gauges and thanks for the comment!

[@Goodvibrations-by4vp]

Love that cat and that engine. A lot of time is lost slow shifting.

[@TacoJoe]

Powershifting is an option, but with street tires on a short wheelbase car on the street, that could get pretty dangerous with wheelspin/etc - I suspect a professional driver with tires could drop time another 1/2 second. Thanks for the comment!

[@AdventureWithHunter]

Live the videos man. Do you still have the c3 or did you sell it?

[@TacoJoe]

Still have my C3 / it’s a future project for sure- do you roll one?

[@hanshoogendyk2203]

You mentioned 50+ year old technology, but the only thing that can refer too is the body shape and the v of the engine, everything else is less than 20 years old, my cobra is 25 years old, i am the 3rd owner, and its never got past the rolling chassis stage, after 18 months of ownership and background study i am about to start building a new chassis and suspension from one of the best handling production cars of the last 20 years and no sun ts not a corvette, it was better than that, thanks for sharing, awesome car as ever

[@TacoJoe]

Thanks for the comment hanshoogendyk2203 - I guess to clarify I meant the car is still crazy fast with out launch-traction control-etc that wasn't available in the old days / thanks for the comment!

[@garybowmansr8412]

Taco-I owned 2 BDR Cobras. First was a 427 Ford Racing all alum motor making around 575 BHP and second was a 445CI Windsor making closer to 700BHP though loss through the sidepipes etc...was significant and I was 550+- WHP with a 3:73 Indy rear (as you may know BDR's are built on a BMW susp). I had Nitto 555r's and they vastly improved my ability to hook up from a dig. I had 18" rims though so not sure what you have. Wheel spin was always the issue with these cars lol!!! I have since moved on to AWD supercar and really love all of the technology but nothing matches the raw feel of a 2400 pound go cart.

[@TacoJoe]

Those both sound like EXCELLENT rides and motors / i have 15" radials (Cooper) - nothing special and i suspect your nitto's did much better. Which AWD supercar are you driving these days? Thanks for the comment-

[@garybowmansr8412]

@@TacoJoe Yes the 555r was a great tire, not great for drag racing (compared to a MT ET Street or similar) but exponentially better than what you have. I forgot to mention that I bought the "Draggy" device and it is GREAT!!! 155 bucks and it is so easy to use and I think u would love it as well. I bought a new GTR last year and went FBO e85 with flex fuel kit and I absolutely love it. I gained a lot of respect for the GTR over the years because it was the only car the could beat my Cobra lol. These days there are a lot of really fast factory built cars of course so its a whole different game. Have you seen the guy running the 900HP coyote powered Cobra doing 1/2 mi races etc??? He's got a "set" of you know what going that fast in that car!!! My windshield would start to deflect at about 120 in my BDR. Check out the Draggy device and let me know what you think!

[@TacoJoe]

hey thanks Gary / will check it out / the windshield scares me a little on the FFR too - 4 brass 10-24 or 12-24 screws on either side and thats it - i've had to retighten a few times because they work themselves loose - i've had visions of it flying off during spirited driving :) GTRs are will engineered - i had an VQ35DE Altima i dumped last fall and almost pulled the motor - the bottom end on the GTR is far superior, but i think the V angle/stroke are the same and of course, its boosted. Is that variable valve timing too? - going to have to look up the 900hp Coyote too :) thanks Gary-

[@RK-iw8jz]

Great video! Similar car, similar results here.

[@tomoday4450]

Beautiful car 👍🏻🇺🇸

[@BradThePitts]

Joe, you don’t have a hood scoop - have you noticed your car is faster when it’s colder out? I notice a tremendous difference, it must be the cold air getting forced into the carb.

[@TacoJoe]

Hey Brad - absolutely - the engine definitely likes cool weather w/o a hood scoop and the motor does make more power (not sure how much though) - when it gets warmer than say 85F -and- I'm sitting in traffic, the carb will start to vapor lock (not overheat though) - with a hood scoop I know I wouldn't have this problem. Thanks for the comment!

[@dirtshower250]

Awesome car man! Dad and I are building a coupe, got a smeding built 363, dynoed at 505/466 I’m trying to watch some videos to get an idea of how it’s going to perform.

[@TacoJoe]

That is BIIIIIIG power for a SBF man / I bet that thing sounds mean too / once you get it running, send a link, I'd like to check it out. Good luck on the build and have fun!

[@pierrealindre8591]

Hi :) is your tachometer fully GPS based or is it also linked to some gears in the car ?

[@TacoJoe]

Hi Pierre- full GPS (no gears/wires to transmission) / makes install a breeze. Checkout the Speedhut website / really like them and will never do another resto w/o GPS gauges -

[@TechMechRandom]

@@TacoJoe The real question is, how accurate are the odometer readings since they are based solely on GPS? Does it change in cloudy weather, heavy tree cover roads or in a mountain area?

[@redbay8527]

Beautiful car and a good video. Please, where did you get those tires? What size are they?

[@TacoJoe]

Hey Red Bay / tires are cooper cobras with the whitewalls in and the goodyear letters i cut out of a piece of white rubber (nothing too fancy) - size wise they are 295/50R15 in the rear, 235/60R15 up front - not great tires, but perfectly acceptable on the street / thanks for the comment

[@redbay8527]

@TacoJoe Hey, just thought I'd let you know that I found genuine Goodyear "billboard" tires at vintagewheelsus.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=32. But, when I read the description, I found they are not for me. Check it out if you wish. Once again, I watched your video and am very impressed with the production quality of it - VERY well done video. I'm retired from the Kennedy Space Center television studio, and therefore, familiar with production quality and the hard work it takes to achieve results like yours. And your Cobra - the tires fit so nice, right out to the edge of the body, really fills in the wheel well. I've got Mickey Thompson drag radials 275's that are 26.1 inches tall and tread width 10.1 inches and they don't fill in like yours do - wish they did. I have a set of MT street tires for the rear, but don't use them due to the poor traction with this 615 crank horsepower engine. Also, I drag race mine and need the drag radials. And another thing that I'm fussy about - the sidepipes are straight(parallel to the body of the car). I've seen some Cobras where the pipes are pointed slightly up or down and it just doesn't look right. The sidepipes are the defining statement of the Cobra(in my opinion) and if they are not straight the whole car's appearance suffers. I took extra care to ensure mine were perfectly straight, and it wasn't easy. I've tried to measure the 0-60 on mine using the video editor in slow motion and just looking when the speedometer reaches 60. I get various results from about 3.2 to 3.5 seconds. Not near as accurately done as your method. Keep up the good work.

[@akvalues]

I was wrong about the engine bro! My bad!! Much respect!!!

[@mtkrueger]

Out of curiosity, how tall are you? Trying to figure out how well I would fit into one as I am considering a build. Thanks!

[@TacoJoe]

I'm 6'-6'1" and fit pretty good - not a Cadillac, but not terrible either. Seat selection is more critical if you are a tall guy. I'd look up cobra club meets in your area and see if you can sit in one/see how it feels - some guys might even let you take it for a spin! Bottom line- you aren't going to go cross-country in high comfort, but a Friday night cruise is just fine / I've put 200-300 miles on in a day with no problems/aches/etc. Thanks for the comment!

[@BanginGearsGarage]

Great video...... Is there a Phone App thats does the same as those gauges? I'd love to test mine.

[@TacoJoe]

Not sure of a phone app - but - one would think there might be one. My camera saves GPS location with each frame and uses the location to overlay the gauges. Since most / all phones have GPS functionality, you would think there is an app out there that does it. Let me know if you find one / I'm interested-

[@BanginGearsGarage]

@@TacoJoe I'll keep you posted if I find something

[@craigyirush3492]

Enjoyed the details on the engine build. Did you consider using the 302 crate motor from Blueprint?

[@TacoJoe]

I like the specs on a lot of the blueprint motors. The 306ci with aluminum heads (IMHO) is tough to beat from a cost standpoint. The only thing you want to plan/check is water pump rotation (normal or reverse) - I think their complete Ford Windsors ship normal rotation - the issue in a FFR build is you need to add a tensioner pulley -or- add power steering/AC/etc. As soon as you do that though, rotation direction matters. Big picture: You can't go wrong if you take the Blueprint route- Also, consider a 351 crate if you want to push your Cobra from unsafe to straight up insane ;) - Thanks for the comment-

[@craigyirush3492]

TacoJoe yup, I’m thinking of that 306 ci in a Daytona Coupe (old school with no PS). But I’ve got another car to finish first ...

[@TacoJoe]

ARP hardware is tough to beat / I have it on my heads - oil pump driveshaft on my budget exploder motor. Also have it throughout on (2) of my Chevy motors - What it think is a little crazy with ford Windsor are the 5/16" rod bolts and the wimpy 22-25ft lb (or whatever it is) torque spec - I almost wanted to put thread lock on them - lol / thanks for the comment-

[@RichSutherlandBB]

I threw some ginormous Mickey Thompson et street R’s on my factory five 427 and it is insane. 20psi works great in a car this light and hooks like you wouldn’t believe. I’ll get draggy data soon but it pulls harder than my c7 Z06

[@TacoJoe]

C7 ZO6 is a epic car / you got the best Vette ever (if you ask me) - Not a huge fan of the C8 but its growing on me. And you have a 427 FFR to?!?! I like your garage a lot :) Thanks for the comment!

[@RichSutherlandBB]

@@TacoJoe Yeah I’m a fan of my garage at the moment but the z06 is my wife’s ride haha she saw one and had to have a “batmobile” of her own

[@N-Scale]

Nice Joe !!!

[@petyrkowalski9887]

Nice job. I owned a cobra with a 5.8 chevvy making about 350bhp and that ran a 4 sec 0 to 60

[@kenstephens2955]

So how repeatable do you think your 4 sec time is? It’s hard to get consistent times with such a light car. The advantage that all the heavier cars with traction control and launch control have is that their times are very consistent and easy to get. Al that said, I suggest you dyno your car. I’m surprised you are not 1/2 a sec faster given your expected horsepower. With love, Ken

[@TacoJoe]

I think 4 seconds is very consistent because I tried this feature all of 3 times and my with my best time, I didn't launch. With a launch - yes / 3.5sec or better should be easily achievable - thanks for the comment!

[@robertalan2427]

Very interested in the larger valves in explorer... Air in...air out.. it's magic

[@misters2837]

GT40 and GT40P heads are best bang for salvage yard SBF Buck! - GT40P are easy to come by, however the plug angle makes headers an interesting situation... GT40 (F150 Lightning in mid 90's) is a good choice and has less header issues...Its basically a copy of the 1969 351W Mustang head.

[@colinhill9345]

What Goodyear tires are you running on your Cobra?

[@wadevallbona5314]

That's very impressive. If I'm not mistaken the original 427 Cobra had a 0-60 of 2.4 seconds. It's very hard to get a time like that. I'd be very happy with a 4 second time

[@nathanelliott6770]

I don’t believe 2.4 seconds. High 3’s IF that, low 4 seconds more realistic.

[@christerahs9776]

That was with slick tyres.

[@christerahs9776]

The original Cobra did 0-100 mph AND down to zero in ten seconds. With the bad tyres of the 60s

[@hanshoogendyk2203]

​@@christerahs9776 actually Ken Miles did 0-100-0 in 12.6 seconds

[@christopherwalker6056]

I'm a little confused, because in the first couple runs it showed the speed was already up to 4 mph before the car started moving. I know that would usually mean the tires were spinning before it even started moving forward, however I didn't hear the sound of any tires squealing ??

[@MrMike8082]

Is there any possible way to hear a radio in this car? What if I used a 289? I’m not sure I’ll know how to drive if I don’t have AC/DC playing.

[@TacoJoe]

AC/DC solid choice / long way to the top one of my favs - if you turn the volume up enough, you'll hear it but other than that, the Cobra isn't really setup for casual listening :) I put in a 12V accessory port which i planned to hook to a bluetooth speaker on the transmission tunnel / haven't tried it out yet -but- I'm sure i'll be able to hear AC/DC, Zeppelin, Queens of the Stone age / etc. just fine because you only play those at one volume :) Thanks for the comment

[@427walrus]

Very nice. My FFR is in my profile pic. Sold it shortly after completion back in 2008. I need to build another one. Have fun with yours. 🇺🇸🔥👍

[@TacoJoe]

I like the paint on yours / 18" rims? This weekend/July 4th are my favorites to be out and about in the Cobra and i plan to put on some miles this weekend / thanks for the comment :)

[@427walrus]

@@TacoJoe 17 inch Halibrands with Team 3 knockoffs. There's nothing like open air motoring in perfect weather. Have a great weekend.

[@TacoJoe]

You too- :)

[@GGAllienn]

Amazing.

[@tomwelch5302]

Just curious, What were your RPM shift points? Also I believe somewhere in the comments you mention your gear rations in the transmission, but alas I could not find them. Can you re-post them? Thanks. Love your videos.

[@tomwelch5302]

I finally found your previous post "TacoJoe TacoJoe 1 year ago Trans is a T5z - 1st is 2.95:1 & 2nd is 1.94:1. In the rear I have 3.55s / thanks for the comment! " My 1st is 3.35:1, but 2nd is the same. Rear has 3:55 as well. I guess I just need to shift a little sooner. :)

[@TacoJoe]

I was shifting (est) 5800-6000RPM. I will say this was a little risky because its got stock rods / OEM rod bolts - I know these can let go / detonate the bottom end once you start rev'ing over 6k. Thanks for the comment!

[@terrybuchanan1]

super interestin. if you get new tyres for sure your time will improve. but the Goodyear Billboard look is my most favorite look on these cars, with black body

[@BradThePitts]

With my Factory Five I went from 9sec 1/8 mile to 7sec 1/8 mile just by changing the tyres. (Sumitomo HTZ to Nitto NT-05) These are street legal tyres and not drag radials. Unfortunately, my local tracks won't allow 1/4 mile runs with a single rollbar.

[@davenobleswimmer7235]

I was hoping to see the video of your C3 Vette with the new engine going 0-60 If you have that complete please send a link

[@culcune]

That is great in that not only did you use a recycled 'wimpy' 302, but the engine came from an Explorer, and not a Mustang. Of course, as you revealed the 'secret' in that the Explorer used a 302 more in line with the early Mustang Cobra than the standard 302 Mustang's engine. While the ego in me has always desired to build one of these using a Ford crate engine 460 small block (yes, over the 427 because the 460 come with 40 more horsepower), the one engine I had desired to transplant into my '93 Mustang way back in the 90s, the crate 302 with its 340 hp, would be a very good choice for a FFR as you have proven. Also, your 4.02 second 0-60 was done on a public road, not on a closed prepared track, which makes it all the more impressive. I must ask, and sorry if you have already mentioned it in another one of your videos, but what rear-end ratio do you have in there?

[@TacoJoe]

Thanks for the comment culcune - there are 460 cobras out there / you'll want some sticky tires with that motor :) I'm running 3.55 gears with a T5z transmission / its a great driver setup for this car - thanks for the comment!

[@culcune]

@@TacoJoe have you considered a centrifugal blower?

[@TacoJoe]

I haven't but i know there are a lot of bolt in manufactures out there / any recommendations? What typical PSI do those put out?

[@culcune]

@@TacoJoe I have not kept up with blowers since I owned my '93 GT. Not sure who is still around since the 90s. I believe they were generally 6 to 9 psi, although prochargers are intercooled and have some major boost depending on where you are willing to set it at (they were introduced before reliable turbo and twin-turbo kits for V8s became popular).

[@adenarochellesavva]

Most people don’t understand how fast this thing is for such a basic combo, stock roller 5.0l bottom end tfs1 cam and gt40p heads, literally a Ford Explorer 5.0l with a cam and carb intake that will only go up in HP from there, add a custom grind cam and some AFR165 heads, and it will pick up a solid 50rwhp or more

[@TacoJoe]

Long term i'm going to build a 347 for the car / little worried about an OEM block with that setup but we'll see :) Thanks for the comment and couldn't agree more

[@paulmbylbie6065]

Gota love old cobras

[@privateparty4900]

"What do you think?" I think it's time to get some aluminum heads.

[@TacoJoe]

if you could see what i have in the garage right now :)

[@culcune]

@@TacoJoe Ford have some intriguing crate motors, which I am selfishly hoping you have in your garage! When I was young and dumb, I lusted after their 302 with its claimed 345 horsepower for my '86 Capri RS. They still offer a 340 hp 302 today, but it has different components. I am very curious what their 363 crate engine with 500 hp would do in one of these kits. My dream build had always involved their 427 small block crate engine, or their 460 small block crate engine (not as 'sexy' as a 427 for a Cobra, but has 40 more hp), but watching you almost in the 3s 0-60 with 'merely' a 300 hp junkyard 302 makes me think their 347 long block complete engine might be the lazy, but smart, way to a good compromise of horsepower to weight ratio.

[@Richard-wk9le]

Back in the day the 427 Cobra,s were going 0-100-0 in 10 secs flat and that still is the bench mark.

[@TacoJoe]

A 427 in a Cobra - I can't imagine (and of course it was done) - crazy :) / thanks for the comment-

[@johnarthur6367]

FYI Ken Miles did best ever 13.8 seconds 0-100-0. Current word record 10.4

[@robertalan2427]

Half second Tobe gained on the1-2 shift

[@ericheine2414]

What rear end is in that car? With what gears?

[@TacoJoe]

Its a ford 8.8" / first year in the Fox with 3.55 gears. Transmission is a T5z

[@joevandijk2284]

Thank god you got into the 4 seconds otherwise you would be in fear driving down the street and coming across these 4 cylinder japanese cars.

[@TacoJoe]

haha / you are right :) Thanks for the comment Joe

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

that's a relatively mild 5.0 (sounds and runs amazing though!) imagine the 427 cobras ;D ive got a stripper low option third gen but i got an extra 1000 pounds. probably similar horsepower to you and a 5 speed. im lucky to get a high 6 second zero to 60.

[@TacoJoe]

completely agree / need some ultra-sticky tires for sure to get the power down / thanks for the comment!

[@-fuk57]

Hey! I am pretty sure that I recognize this car and that neighborhood! If I am right, then your license plate is hilarious and I often tell people about the Cobra with the awesome vanity plate. If I am wrong, well, sweet ride! Cheers!

[@mekanicn7778]

Cool Car What are your 1st, 2nd and Rear axle ratios??

[@TacoJoe]

Trans is a T5z - 1st is 2.95:1 & 2nd is 1.94:1. In the rear I have 3.55s / thanks for the comment!

[@user-vn9pg3gb6w]

4 flat is pretty quick. Those asphalt roads offer pretty poor traction and those tires aren’t optimal either. I would like to know what kind of 60’ the car did on that run. Certainly more in it. Pretty impressed given how basic the motor is. TFS cam, gt40P heads, probably making a modest 285rwhp. Sucker must be super light. Wouldn’t take much to make it really fly.

[@TacoJoe]

Ok so I haven't timed it, but I don't think the 60' time is super special - car really come to life in 2nd / 3rd high revs (pulls hard throughout the upper revs) - I have some new Cobra content that I think you'll like so stay tuned and thanks for the comment!

[@johnpaull135]

While it is a slow Erving big low down torque engine do think you are being very soft with your take offs. You still need some revs on the motor as you drop that clutch. Typically you slip it a bit as well given you are very stock with your build. Stickier tyres will definitely require more revs but should allow a better sling shot effect. I agreed with one comment that you should Dino your car. But after all that if you built it as just a weekend driver and while I am a Superformance guy myself but you seem to have done a great build and the car looks great 👍 4 sec is a great time especially given your very stock build of the motor. Just running a bigger Carb with those heads will give you a big performance gain but it just depends on what you are after. Keep up the drives and perhaps a detailed review of your build it very good Thanks Jp

[@TacoJoe]

Great tips John and will keep those in mind. Superformance makes great cars - LOVE their GT40s. I am definitely going to build a new motor for my Cobra long term. The 5.0 in there now is a great motor, but was a budget build. I'm thinking 347 and with a new rotating asm and some real good heads. This will be the setup to dyno and dial in / thanks for the comment!

[@jameswalkenhorst8945]

Hey TJ, what rear gears are you running?

[@deweymcbride6142]

I can't seem to get my MK4 to hook even with the 315 NT05's on the back. I also have to shift into 3rd because I hit my rev limiter at 7.2k. My best with 350hp and 370 ft/lbs is 4.2 sec

[@TacoJoe]

Hey Dewey- what gears are you running in the back? W/3.55's and a T5, i'm just stretching past 60 when i hit 5.5-6k RPM

[@deweymcbride6142]

TacoJoe I’m at 3:55 with a TR 3650.

[@TacoJoe]

My T5z must have a taller 2nd gear / i think thats whats keeping you in the 4s is that shift to 3rd - might be risky but could you launch in 2nd?

[@donaldm9689]

Pretty good. Imagine how much quicker it could be with a 427 or more hp squeezed out of that 5.0

[@hanshoogendyk2203]

An original 289 cobra compared to a 427 was faster up to 70 mph according to motor trend road test at the time with 1964 tire technology

[@BG-fo4si]

This is awesome

[@cskipper65]

Great color and build. Little disappointed in the small block being that it's a big block car but then again the small block is plenty of motor.

[@TacoJoe]

Big block would be great too / maybe someday / main issue with that conversion is the headers - and - finding a affordable 427 side-oiler - haha / thanks for the comment!

[@DDIAZ-we4dz]

these cars take ls motors? cus i imagine a simple junkyard l99 (which make 400hp) and a couple bolt ons would be a really cheap way to make a shit load of power in one of these.

[@TacoJoe]

you can swing an LS / just different motor mounts / its been done

[@jpdj2715]

Nice - car, attempts, video. A ramble from an armchair expertologist. Have you tried starting in 2nd gear? AFAIK most race gearboxes have a ratio in 1st that is more like 2nd on most cars. The car is lightweight, you have loads of power and don't have to tow anything. So if the 2nd's gear ratio could cover 0..60 ... There's less inclination for wheel spin too. Another thing is, if you start in 1st, move to second as soon as your revs in 1st get you just above 2000 rpm in 2nd where you have loads of torque and wonder if you are actually trying to kick the gas pedal through the floor in one fast movement - many drivers subconsciously cautiously push that thing a bit deeper at a time. 4 seconds is really nice, by the way, for your circumstances.

[@TacoJoe]

hey JP - no 2nd gear launches for me (yet) but I can't disagree with anything you outline. I think the drivetrain can handle a 2nd gear launch too because the car is so light. Probably better wear a neck brace if I try -lol thanks for the comment!

[@BradThePitts]

0:50 *What year is that?* Do you guys think people ask this because they don't want to say, *What kind of car is that?* I think I'm correct - and it's totally understandable!

[@TacoJoe]

Hey Brad- yes / totally agree. Its also too complicated to say its a 2015 because it confuses them :) / people love the cobras

[@tnoutlaw73]

new subscriber here. love the car. this is the first video of this channel i have seen. hooked already. if you get a chance and if you wanna see it. i build a 383 stroker out of the lt1 in my buick roadmaster. its a 1995 model. i made an attempt at making a video. and posted it on my channel. looking forward to seeing the rest of your videos

[@TacoJoe]

Holy smokes - you balanced your own rotating ASM!?! That takes some skill - I can tell you are an experienced builder / thanks for the comment Out Law!

[@950rpm]

any estimates on how heavy your car is?

[@TacoJoe]

I estimate 2450-2600lbs fully gassed up / there are builders out there who’s replicas tip the scales around 2200lbs though / if weight savings is your goal, there are opportunities (aluminum heads / different wheels / performance batteries / exhaust / etc) thanks for the comment!

[@danmyers9372]

You might want to try more RPM at the start and slipping the clutch right to to the edge of the tire breaking loose. It takes some practice but that is the key to getting quick starts with a manual.

[@TacoJoe]

Thanks for the tip Dan - will give that a try

[@misters2837]

I had a Built 460 in a 1980 Swiss Cheese Framed F150 (No traction) I had 3.50 gears a 4speed Toploader...I laid down my best 0-60 by heating the tires...and taking off in 2nd gear as 1st was so low it would spin even with DOT Slicks....I had to ride the clutch a little at first but it made it as a No-Shift 0-60 as well! - Corrected it had 3.50 gears... My Mustang had 3.73's (Old age sucks)

[@ThePerpetualStudent]

I am finally at stage in my life where I want to get a kit. i have read forum after forum and I am exhausted. I would love your opinion on the FFR vs SPF handling. I want to track/autocross and as well as drive, a lot.

[@TacoJoe]

If you want to Autocross / setup for race, you'll want a rear IRS. It complicates things, but you can really dial in suspension/power delivery/etc. Unfortunately, i don't know a lot about the SPFs but i do know they are quality. If you buy a SPF, you'll have a jump start on your build too because i think they only sell rollers (no kit). The tricky part with IRS is you need to align the rear also (toe/camber) and it takes some patience. Once aligned, thats an areas you'll want to watch/retorque over time so things stay in place. Now SPF vs. FFR handling: If you dial things in, i don't think you'll see much of a difference. What does matter on these cars greatly is tires. Even my crappy 295 radials makes my c3 look like a station wagon. The car is so light that once you add a large contact patch, its stuck to the ground. Remember though: With the short wheelbase, you need to respect these cars or you can get into trouble in a hurry. Thanks for the comment :)

[@ThePerpetualStudent]

@@TacoJoe Thank you so much for the input!!! I truly truly appreciate it. Love the C3

[@DonNagel9250]

Looks great, a while back I posted on your body work video, would live to pick your brain about a few things if your willing to talk! Let me know. Thanks

[@TacoJoe]

Hey don / hit me up on the ffcar blog - I’ll watch for your message-

[@marklacombe2671]

Hell I thought would need more power. If yours is 300ish then thats plenty for me. Looking to maybe build one with my dad. Really want to make some cool memories building it with him.

[@misters2837]

OK... I know you are in Minnesota, Heights Plaza is familiar to me....LOL - I thought I recognized the car from the WBL area! - Now your car is very quick...but could you imagine, the first Cobra had a 260cid engine with almost same block (8.2" Deck Windsor Style) and had similar power (Shelby had lots of go fast goodies) - But the 427 had 50% more Cubes and Horsepower... Actually 0-60 really wasn't that much faster (traction), but on the big end of a mile, you'd smile! After all you'd get 118 in the 1/4 and 165+ on the top end....

[@TacoJoe]

Haha- thanks Mister S - you bullseye'ed the Heights Place :) I give the Starbucks there 6-10 / some days excellent, others - well 6-10. The 5.0 I built for the car is traction compromised in 1st-2nd gear so your comment is right on. Thanks for the comment!

[@misters2837]

@@TacoJoe Your 0-60 and 1/4 mile times might get a little quicker if you used 2nd and wear on clutch for traction...I had a F150 with a 460 and a Wide Ratio Toploader 4 speed and 9" w/3.50 gears ... Wheel Spin was a huge problem, All. The. Time.... 1st was 2.78:1 x 3.50 = 9.73 Low ratio...(Second "6.75:1 overall" was better traction wise, but really hard on clutch *4000lb truck*, but also eliminated the 1-2 up-shift 0-60.) I talked several drag racer friends.... They said I needed to be closer to 8:1, or go auto...While getting the (2.32:1 1st) close ratio 4 speed would have been option, but $$$$ was tight....So I changed to a 3.00 Rear Ratio...All I can say is it actually made it quicker, gained traction, and made hwy life better too...You are probably running a T5? (most had 3.35:1 - 1st gear and 1.93/1.99 second) they were made to be coupled to numerically low axle ratios, to churn out MPG when in O/D... (9.15:1 Low Gear Ratio) So if you have 3.25:1 or numerically higher gears in your 8.8, especially in that light of a car...I can understand why traction sucks!

[@CGRLCDR]

That's a cool car and I agree that a good set of tires will make a big difference. You might get into the low 3s on 0-60 which is excellent. My advice is not to go after Teslas. Their high performance model is down in the low 2s. Just have fun and enjoy the car the way it is.

[@TacoJoe]

Yeah Teslas might be hard to catch / thanks for the comment!

[@DaxxTerryGreen]

Nice

[@tomwelch5302]

Just curious TJ, what transmission were you running during the video?

[@TacoJoe]

T5Z

[@dimmacommunication]

Would a ls3 been better for this car ?

[@mjz187]

Imagine if you put a hellcat engine in it..Mars here we come!

[@cobrabuilder9336]

Nice build I will post vids of mine on my KZbin channel shortly

[@bayareacopwatch8713]

0-60 in the low 4 seconds for a lightweight car is insane. The Cobra is an old school sports car, it ain't a modern Porsche 992 with tech off the roof. Doug DeMuro reviewed a 2021 Ferrari 812 GTS with insane torque, but it isn't an old school sports cars

[@TacoJoe]

Agree with you there - no substitute for old school :) thanks for the comment!

[@dieselyeti]

I'm surprised you didn't go with Ford or Edelbrock alum heads. Easy 50 additional hp with matching cam.

[@TacoJoe]

I have a future motor planned / when building the car, I just wanted to get it running first with the cheapo junkyard rebuild and work out all the bugs with the car. I'll reuse some of the parts when building the motor too (oil pan/pickup/timing cover/etc/ARP hardware/etc) A dart block and some C&C ported heads are in the plans. Do you run some of the E-street heads/etc? Thanks for the comment!

[@rhinosaur31]

Hell yes

[@brentftaylor]

Nice car. I own FFR 1283 with a 472 cu. in. big block and IRS. It’s hard to launch from a stand still but at a rolling start it’ll raise the front wheels off the ground :-)

[@TacoJoe]

Awesome - is that a Caddy motor? Thanks for the comment-

[@brentftaylor]

it’s a 460 FE Ford bored .060 over. I believe it was the first big block FFR kit ever shipped. I also own a Tesla Roadster if you want to play sometime :-)

[@TacoJoe]

I do like Teslas a lot / isn't the Roadster ridiculously fast - like faster than the Model S?

[@brentftaylor]

Mine is one of the original Roadster Sports built in 2010. It’ll do 0-60 in 3.7 seconds which was impressive for the day, but the New ModelS with all the goodies is 2.3 !

[@TacoJoe]

3.7 seconds is still impressive IMHO - That car might be a collector in a few more years when Telsa overtakes one of the big 3 in volume (kinda like the original Macs / etc.) - keep it polished because think you have a good investment there too :)

[@colehara]

Beautiful car with a sensible street engine. All the power in the world is useless if you can't get traction.

[@steveh7108]

I've been dreaming about these cars since I was 12 I am now 55 and still not at a point where I can build one but I will get there.

[@TacoJoe]

Keep your eyes on the prize Steve / good luck!

[@bad-bunnyblogger8171]

Does the drive through attendant ask what yeah it was and you said '65. Did I hear that right? Lol

[@patan77]

MY dream Car