Factory Five Cobra: Engine Selection

This video walks you through how to select the right engine for your Factory Five MK4 Cobra replica build. The (2) high level paths detailed in this video include...
* Purchasing a completed crate engine
or
* Rebuild a salvage yard engine
The budget conscience engine rebuilding strategies detailed in this video are universal in nature and can be applied to any car/hotrod project.
Check it out and let me know what you think!

[@whenvioletsturngrey9597]

I ran with a Cobra Club for a while. I learned a few valuable things. Of course, this was after my build. I have an FIA car. So, that guided my engine choice. I’ll finish with that, in a few. The first thing I learned was that all the cars with a solid rear axle would bottom out on less than perfect roads. The two of us with independent rear, did not...ever. The second major thing was engine choice. One member had a motor producing Over 600hp. There were cars all over the range. Some with fuel injection, others carbureted. Some aluminum blocks, others full iron. Some big block motors, others small. My end conclusion was that no matter what I chose, it would be carbureted. That is mostly for experience. Personal, of course. As I mentioned, I went for the FIA feel & look. A 64’ 289 with small chamber iron heads & medium bump up in cam. Nothing crazy. I topped that off with 48IDA’s. It was a brutal learning curve but, I eventually got it all figured out. I don’t track the car. It’s purely for the feel & vibe of owning/driving a Cobra. Everyone has their own reasons. However. In the streets, there was rarely ever a moment when I wished I had more power. Street driving, I don’t have much trouble keeping up with any other car or cobra, big or small. To me, there are a few ideal feel/sounds for a cobra. A small block with webers, a big block with a 4bbl & the right cam or a small block slabside with a carburetor. I feel like a lot of people lose sight of this when building. & probably don’t end up satisfied. For me, There’s nothing more thrilling than listening to those webers sing, & that sound between shifts(no vacuum advance). I would take any of these three cars. All of them were a time in history that can only be reproduced by driving such a car.

[@TacoJoe]

Excellent feedback WhenViolets TurnGrey and I think we think alike :) Did you have any issues dialing in the webers? That's one area I haven't dabbled before, but it's on my list to try someday. Sounds like you have a sweet ride. 289 topped off with some webers - awesome - thanks for the comment!

[@whenvioletsturngrey9597]

@@TacoJoe ​ Webers are a big can of worms. Probably a lot more info online, these days. I had to "bits & pieces" it all together, when I did mine. I had a solid understanding of carburetors. That's a good base point to start from. Start with a good linkage. If your carbs open evenly, that's important. They don't always ship with a good linkage. They don't like vacuum advance & need the right springs in the distrubutor. It's a lot of jet swapping. Might as well grab a full compliment of jets, if you can.

[@carlbeaver7112]

@@whenvioletsturngrey9597 Agreed. I came here to pretty much offer up the same input. The Webers can be fun and look great (I've had multiples before) but I'm not so certain I wouldn't be tempted by the same engine with aftermarket EFI (something I haven't dabbled in before.) These cars don't need monsters under the hood. And we all know there's a lot more fun in getting a responsive car to work at its extents as much as possible than there is looking for someplace to work an overpowered/overweight car for a few moments.

[@ronwhittaker6317]

on every there exist compromise you mentioned the engine and how it matters//whatever you build a car around that will be the final factor. build it around you< the engine. specialty equipment, and so forth.

[@CrisAnderson27]

@@carlbeaver7112 You can easily run single throttle body per cylinder setup (or even better, 4x dual throttle bodies off a Lincoln MarkVIII) for aftermarket EFI, and you no longer have to worry about jerking around with tuning individual carbs.The linkage setups are much better quality, and the sound is identical to Webers. You also get all the benefits of EFI in efficiency, power, and drivability. Even cost isn't a drawback because...well, any period style Weber setup is going to be spelled "W$$$r" lol. A temperamental car with a temperamental induction setup just doesn't seem like 'fun' to me...unless it's full out on the road course where low speed manners isn't even close to relevant...and this is coming from a guy who daily drove a 10 second naturally aspirated 8.2 deck SBF, in a 67 Mustang for years. I can put up with a lot...but crappy and unpredictable throttle response with a moving target for tuning isn't among those things.

[@yolandalindsay8368]

Finally someone has built a Cobra that makes daily practical fun driving sense. Enjoy!

[@donaldparlett7708]

My cousin’s friend has a 66 Cobra. It has the original 289 Hi-Po. He has driven different Cobras over the years and he said the small block was so well balanced in power and the performance was he could really get into the throttle and it remained so much better the the power houses

[@LordHolley]

I completely agree with your assessment about the power needs for these cars. I had an early FF5 cobra with the old 302. It had about 260 whp. The car had enough power to have fun with it but not feel out of control. It was pretty quick, but 300 would have been ideal.

[@JimBischoff1184]

Awesome ! It seems to me that the power of the original Ford “Hi-Po” 289 motor in the big-block Cobra set-up is about perfect . I knew of someone who had that very motor in a Cobra replica , along with a beefed-up C-4 auto transmission; for his wife . It was very streetable , but she had plenty of respect for it , too ! 😁👍

[@TeddyRumble]

My dream car would be (beside an original, of course) would be a top-quality reproduction, with the 302. I don't have feelings of inadequacy.

[@Hobbit247]

Hey bud...I'm an old fart from the 60's...Dad had me changing tranny's and engines when I was 8 LOL. I love your vids. Makes sense. Thank you. Carrol was a gift

[@TacoJoe]

Thanks Ken- glad you like the videos / swapping tranny's when you were 8?!?! You lived in the golden era my friend - thanks for the comment!

[@deckert618]

I've been driving small block Windsors since the 80's, and have no plans to change that. They are just dead simple, reliable, parts are cheap and available literally everywhere. Some really well paid engineers at Ford perfected those engines over nearly 40 years

[@TacoJoe]

I agree / thanks for the comment deckert618!

[@williambarry8015]

And they look cool.

[@fishypictures]

I’d put an LS into anything. I’ve had fantastic experiences with the 5.3 in particular….. With regular maintenance I’ve consistently gotten 300,000 to 400,000 miles in my trucks, used not abused. Granted , at 400,000 it’s not very happy but still running. My 60s era Mopars all have the big blocks, the cars have the weight to handle it as well as the performance. One day I hope to have a cobra or a Boss 302 … childhood favorites.

[@bubbacomputer]

I couldn't agree more with you. While I don't own a Cobra, I've ran quite a few small block Ford Windsor motors (260, 289, 302, 351) over the last 40+ years. Your math is spot on, in a car that light and configured the way it is, anything between 275 HP and 350 HP is going to be an absolute blast to drive on the streets. I've always preferred the 289 or 302 motors, their combination of bore and stroke make them so much fun in a lighter weight car.

[@TacoJoe]

thanks @bubbacomputer - and they sound great at the high RPM too!

[@BA-pz3lo]

tacojoe your car is my favorite factory five car ive seen. the tires, the wheels, the black paint, it all looks period correct and perfect. great work!

[@jeffreyliscum1436]

We built an end of series Mark 2 kit almost 20 years ago with a 302 from a 79 Mustang. Very glad to have fuel injected the motor (rare at the time) since the car is garaged and not driven enough to keep a carb in tune. Back in the day, 427 motors were more powerful, but never needed for street performance. With some mild upgrades the motor has 365 hp and I would not want any more. Factory Five has continued to upgrade/update/impress with their engineering and remains at the top of the "reproduction" companies.

[@BlssedToBeFree]

I’ve looked in on your videos for a while. Great job, super informative. I really appreciate you taking the time and effort to share your experience and knowledge. I’ve been getting info from Factory Five since they started and one day, hopefully I will get to build one soon.

[@TacoJoe]

Glad you like them!

[@jwint563]

Spectacular video. Thanks for putting the time into making it.

[@marshallcarter9634]

As always, your videos are very informative and to the point. Thanks, Joe! Love watching these.

[@f4udhorn]

Very good detail oriented walk-thru. Excellent work! A Windsor is all you really need to have a good fast economic build!

[@sharkybrown6226]

Thanks for a great no B.S. presentation. Loved every minute of it. I particularly liked your approach and logic to the horsepower requirements for having a super fun yet safe road going sports car.

[@mdavis472000]

Another OUTSTANDING video Joe!!! Can’t wait to hear about the new motor.

[@TacoJoe]

thanks Mr. Davis- we need to do FFR KZbin collaboration man!

[@scpost96fms]

Ha I found you.😮

[@pwhurley49]

Well done! Clear, concise, reasonable, practical, and affordable! Perfect job!

[@blarose79]

Great video with allot of info for someone who hasn’t rebuilt a engine before. Good job. BEAUTIFUL cobra. C.S. Would be proud.

[@nicholaspayne7977]

I think you did a very good job informing people of what you were trying to explain

[@fobbitoperator3620]

This is a sweet hand built car, also a well edited & narrated video!

[@Brownbear77777]

I absolutely love Cobras. This gentleman is very knowledgeable. Everything he says makes sense. I really like the Cobra he built. I envy him for how neat and clean his garage looks.He built a really nice Cobra. Thanks for the video and your technical expertise.

[@TacoJoe]

Thanks much for the kind comment- appreciated / glad you like the channel :)

[@benburra6655]

Very well presented and an absolute wealth of knowledge through experience! Well done!

[@daoud1256]

Not currently in the plan to build one but I love watching these videos

[@TacoJoe]

Glad you enjoy them / thanks for the comment!

[@John-no3ie]

I'm not sure how I found this channel and to be honest I don't know a lot about building engines but you did an amazing job with your explanations and the editing was excellent. This was a solid video and beautiful car; Thanks for sharing.

[@TacoJoe]

Glad you liked it John / thanks for the comment!

[@ChrisCraigie-oi1un]

Really an outstanding presentation! Thanks for all of the information THAT MATTERS as compared to the "fluff" that many put on. Truly outstanding. If I am ever in a position to own a Cobra, I will use your advice. Thanks again.

[@jsaindon1]

Quality vid as always K. Good to see you still making content!

[@TacoJoe]

thank you Mr. Saindon :)

[@escanormurillo9742]

Sweet car, I need to start budgeting because I recently found out that I NEED one 😅 awesome and informative video thanks for sharing!!!

[@johnbuckner2200]

Very informative, hope your channel grows to 4million+ thanks for giving me the motivation to build me one.

[@moto_ronto]

Awesome video and topic. The electrolysis was just mind blowing!

[@colinmclean2523]

I know nothing about engine rebuilds, and am unlikely to ever do one, but that was fascinating. Thanks and good luck.

[@yankeewatchdog6493]

I was at an all Ford car show, in Nashville, back in the 90s. Found a guy with FFC with a SOHC 427 in the car....HOLY SMOKES!!!! Overkill, but I loved it!

[@rockheadregolith8325]

Very, very great video! Well done mate!

[@taduse]

I've watched most of your videos over the years. Great straightforward content. An everyman and DIY point of view. Thanks for you efforts and vids of your awesome F5 Roadster. I grew up on Fox bodies. Im still weighing when to pull a trigger on a F5 roadster. My kids are early teens and want to help build. My concern is giving up a family friendly high performance AWD Subaru. Anyway, love your car and your vids. Keep up the great work!

[@TacoJoe]

AWD Subaru's are cool cars too and their turbo motors are nothing to flinch at. I'm also a fan of Foxes - my wife hates them though (the looks-lol) -I'd grab one of those as a project if I could get a deal. If you go with a FFR build its a life experience- I really enjoyed building mine. Good luck with your decision and thanks for the comment!

[@donniehill5688]

Thanks for directing me here, Another great information video. Take Care and Stay Safe.

[@JeffWoodwick]

Good information, Joe. Nice work on your Cobra.

[@michaelthompson3359]

Man! This is a great informative and straightforward honest video! I have a 69 FB with a 351w and love your approach. Thank you for posting,

[@TacoJoe]

Thanks Michael - glad you liked it / 69FB is a national treasure too - drive safe and thanks for the comment!

[@jasharnett4240]

These are very good points and suggestions for a novice builder at home. Well Done, and Thanks!

[@MassageTimeSpa]

Great video! You talked me out of the 427 which needed to happen. Thank you.

[@user-tf9fu3ki5j]

I would have never consider rebuilding an engine, but this video completely changed my mind. In fact, I think I will do the engine and transmission before I even purchase the kit. It will be a for me and my kids drive, so I don't want it to be a rocket. I was reliable and budget- and I want to end with a car I truly build. I imagine there is that much more pride when you revived an engine like this. Thank you!

[@TacoJoe]

glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the comment!

[@daviddavis1322]

I love everything about this bud. Great work.

[@TacoJoe]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@eoinosullivan2636]

Beautiful job on that engine, kudos

[@stang1966gt]

Nice build and thx for the budget build info

[@robsolf]

Great vid! Thanks for posting! Yeah, people will assume the Coyote is small because of the 5L displacement, but those heads are massive. In terms of fitting it into an engine bay, it can take up a lot of useful space. The main reason I'd do it is it can be a turnkey system, which is amazing for all the ECM stuff involved. LS for base motor simplicity, Windsor for saving dough and it can be fun to dig around for something to make your own without getting too exotic. Great suggestions!

[@TacoJoe]

thanks for the comment robsolf / I totally agree!

[@bobrat]

Best short Cobra replica video on YT 👏👏👏

[@TacoJoe]

thanks of the kind comment bobcat / glad you like them!

[@JayLang7]

Idk if that’s your garage , but I love it. Clean , organized greatness.

[@TacoJoe]

It's my shop and thanks for the comment!

[@chuckduzzie8529]

My friend had a kit Cobra, it had a 302 in it. It was burnouts at every stoplight. 🏎

[@TacoJoe]

haha - sounds like fun! :)

[@coolruehle]

That rust removal process rocks!!

[@williamdejeffrio9701]

Sure is fun fantasizing about building and owning one of these things...actually DOING it is another matter...

[@CPK007]

Excellent video. Very informative and concise. I am now a subscriber.

[@paulbergin7355]

A very informative guide. Thanks heaps for sharing your experience.

[@tedd7028]

Riveting video. Thanks for the great description of engine options.

[@74surfboards]

Great video! I was already thinking of doing a junkyard 351 re-build for budget reasons. Seeing this video and your results is very encouraging. Your engine is beautiful, it looks correct for a Cobra, and a reliable, good compression motor that's not burning or dripping oil with 300 HP is really all you need. Well done, Thank You!

[@TacoJoe]

Glad you liked it and good luck with your 351- solid motor and those benefit from the larger crank journals too. Thanks for the comment!

[@brand-konto2100]

Hey, I really enjoyed this video. Best regards from Germany.

[@alfredoj1349]

amazing video, very informative and a clearly good guide to begin with. Your engine choice makes a lot of sense and considering my budget that's what i would do if i had the chance (some day i will build one with my twin boys and my dad)

[@TacoJoe]

Glad it was helpful! / thanks for the comment!

[@bodieb.1239]

Great video. Logical approach and yes being a PAST owner of an MKII with 420 HP you are correct. That was too much HP. Crazy to handle under spirited driving moments. Each spring the car reminded me not to be a fool. Loved the car and only sold it because during the summer months here in MA it was like sitting in a toaster on a warm day. That was my only complaint. Again, a good video from a very logical and frugal perspective. Thanks,

[@TacoJoe]

Well said Bodie / I couldn't agree more. Are there days you miss it? Agree with you on the hot summer day bit... its most at home 68-78F / sorta a temperature diva car - lol - thanks for the comment!

[@user-ey2ek6il7j]

Love the old school tires/wheels. Carroll would have been proud.

[@etiennecfourie777]

Awesome video - compliments!!

[@djSmokeShow]

Thoroughly enjoyed this build and video, you did an amazing job on both. At this point in my life I'm definitely more interested in stability and control over maximum hp. I grew up at my grandfather's salvage yard so I really enjoyed watching you tear down that old junk yard motor and rebuild it. I gasped when you pulled that beautiful engine block out of the electrolysis tub, I guess that means all of this car stuff is still in my blood LOL.

[@TacoJoe]

sounds like you need a kit :) - glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the comment!

[@scaryperryx1050]

THIS VIDEO WAS INCREADIBLE!!!

[@nuffysbuilds3750]

Brilliant mate, well done

[@purushaonezeroeight165]

Just super. Video. Thank you.

[@martinehrlich3908]

Very informative video! One thing to keep in mind is the value of your time. When you do that the cost difference between rebuilding a junkyard engine and purchasing the same engine as a crate motor with warranty shrinks considerably.

[@Mr.Robert1]

No matter how much money I have. I can not buy time. As I got older it became more valuable to me. I want to get behind the wheel and drive today. Many ways to go about this project.

[@leehuntnurse2405]

Good job on the build nice car too I got a 5.0 from explorer in my fox body .

[@AGB-vy2ci]

Excellent video! Thank you!!!! 🙂

[@louislazarus9253]

Excellent video!

[@rip.tear.]

Really enjoyed your story, solid advice!

[@hardykornfeld1733]

This was one of the best videos I have seen on KZbin. In the event that I get a Factory Five replicar, I would like to build and install the lightest ~300 hp engine possible.

[@TacoJoe]

Glad you liked it Hardy - thanks for the comment!

[@uliwehner]

ford 2.3 liter ecoboost 4 cylinder has 310 horse. just saying

[@TacoJoe]

4-banger rev-monster / like it! Thanks for the comment!

[@DonaldHolben]

The Stroked Windsor is a great strong engine!

[@TacoJoe]

Love the 351 strokers / that's where they have 1-up on chevy. With the cam location, you can stroke a 351 BIG - In small block Chevys, the cam gets in the way and limits a 4" bore to 383 without some radical pistons/rods/etc. Thanks for the comment!

[@blown8642]

Amazing. I wish I knew engines like you. Beautiful car also.

[@TacoJoe]

thanks for the nice comment!

[@michaeltruscott9443]

Very good information Taco Joe😊😊😊

[@oleriis-vestergaard6844]

A guy here in Denmark has a Cobra Replica car with a Jaguar V12 5.3 HEI engine , it looks like they have putting it in the engine well using a huge shoe-horn .

[@Jimmy352-]

Nice job thanks for sharing.

[@stevelee5724]

Wow electrolysis to clean your block is onto it mate. Looked really good 👍. This is a good show, your onto it mate. Keep it up. Cheers from New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@TacoJoe]

thank you sir / appreciate the kind words :)

[@kiheirc3195]

What an enjoyable video thank you

[@fred463]

Well done. I needed an engine for my truck 4.3 v6. Found one for 300$ that only had 78k miles. But the guy who had it didn't believe in changing oil. I measured the crank and it was good. Replaced bearings and oil pump. it works great. I am glad I checked the bearings though they looked really bad.

[@TacoJoe]

Did you end up replacing the bearing then? 300$ for any motor is definitely a deal / thanks for the comment!

[@fred463]

@@TacoJoe Yes I replaced the bearings. I looked through the spark plug holes with a camera and could still see the crosshatch so I figured that was ok. The oil in the pan (what was left of it) was pure mud. Really disgusting. Oil filter had 7646 miles written on it, so if that was true they hadn't changed the oil in 71,000 miles. Crank was within spec but the bearings looked awful. I was really happy and engine has been fine with 60 lbs of oil pressure. I change oil every 3000 miles, some people don't believe in changing it at all.

[@TacoJoe]

sounds like you are back in business with that motor and agree- change the oil regularly!

[@jmarkr100]

Awesome job!

[@fogit4668]

Excellent video.

[@tonybrigner3866]

sharp car thanks for the build tips

[@kiwihame]

Excellent video. I definitely want to know what mistakes you made! I just couldn't do a modern engine in a Cobra. You made a good choice.

[@TacoJoe]

One thing I did't mention in the video when comparing the Coyote to a windsor: a Windsor with a radical cam is one of the most beautiful sounds there is and matches the Cobra's character/heritage well / the Coyote won't have that exhaust note- still a great motor though. Thanks for the comment!

[@briancochran8356]

Good advice on horsepower versus safety.

[@dannysteele4013]

Thanks for sharing!!! Most interesting thanks again!!!

[@TacoJoe]

Thanks for watching!

[@paulwilliams667]

Solid video Joe. I'd love to put a coyote in one of these things but I think you're right about it being too much power to be safe as a regularly used road car. It's easy to forget these things are NA miata light and a lightly built coyote would have a fair bit more power than my C6 which is mildly terrifying to think about.

[@TacoJoe]

C6- sweet car / yeah they coyote is a great motor / what's working against the cobra too is the short wheelbase - so - when you get loose trying to hook all those ponies, it can snap you around pretty quick. Thanks for the comment!

[@hanshoogendyk2203]

I am building a cobra from the ground up, its a 25 year old never finished project, been through a couple of poorly selected hotrod shops, now starting over with a brand new chassis, been doing a lot of research over the 18 months i have owned it, while building up the build budget. Reading about the original 289 and 427 cars, found that the 289 was a sports car, the 427 is a beast ready to kill you the moment you take your eye off the ball, these are motortrend road test of original cars, the most interesting item that shows up , the 0-70mph time, its when the 289 beats the 427 only after that speed does the 427 pull away, my car will have a 4500cc 350hp non usa engine 6 speed manual, i am aiming for 0-100-0 in the original cobra bracket, around 14? Seconds

[@TacoJoe]

Really like the detail on the 0-70 time!!!- thanks for sharing / Did you pick a motor yet for your build? Motor choice & paint color are the biggest decisions to make / thanks for the comment Hans and good luck!

[@hikedayley9309]

Great video! Thanks!

[@jayceecombs6887]

Thank you for introducing another option really to a Cobra Kit build that most I believe do not look to as an option. J

[@stevepeterson1377]

Great video! An easy upgrade to your 302 is a Edelbrock Pro-Flo. Easy starts hot or cold and diagnostics on a Bluetooth connected Samsung tablet.

[@TacoJoe]

I have a proflo4 in a SBC/C3 corvette I have - great setup - and an iOS app now too!!! / thanks for the comment!

[@marcelclover6650]

good walk through

[@tomnekuda3818]

Great upload with good advise. I've built many engines of different ilks.......foreign and domestic. From the mighty Ford 427 to the lowly 40 hp VW. The engine you select is up to you but the recommendation of a small block Ford is excellent from both the size standpoint to the cost and hp. The fact that they are 'belly button" engines (everybody's got one) is a major plus for cost and availability.....parts are plentiful and hop up parts available at reasonable prices. Add to that the fact that the engines are a known quantity as far as how-to builds go.....many routes to whatever power you seek. I remember building the Ford 427's.....the cost of sodium-filled valves in enough to affect the stock market. Good luck to you all and see you on the flip side.

[@TacoJoe]

Nicely said Tom / thanks for the comment!

[@Tetman-xx6tp]

Great video

[@robspotts9821]

My dream is to build a F5 Cobra with my son. Not sure about my skills rebuilding engines, but thanks for sharing.

[@ManiacalManiac]

You're not living if it's not unsafe!!! I personally love the Cleveland. Have one in my 67 stang and it will take a pounding and not hard to produce 300+ hp with simple bolt on's. Excellent mid range torque on mine, would be great for a cobra on the drag strip.

[@TacoJoe]

Cleveland also a worthy Ford small block for a Cobra with great heritage to match. 67-68 mustangs were the best years too IMHO - body was just right and the car wasn't huge yet. Thanks for the comment!

[@culbycars]

Love the Cleveland in mine it's 408ci now and building a meaner Cleveland now. Not that the car needs it I just really really enjoy a bad mofo of a car

[@copisetic1104]

Small block stroker 347 good heads and nice matched cam with holley FI

[@danielmarshall4587]

Lovely video thank you.

[@1080sucks]

A Windsor is the way to for me. Its just in the spirit of the car

[@erickriebel4366]

Excellent excellent excellent Well Done Right information thank you!❤

[@hankcuccina5260]

Good sensible advice.

[@stu1944]

I cant wait to build mine.... just hope the motor I want actually fits and that I wont have issues with heat...

[@TacoJoe]

@stu1944 - are you going to keep the mechanical / clutch fan - shroud? If so, I don't think you'll have any issues. There is a lip on the bottom of the front bumper that deflects air in front of the radiator - at high speed. think I can starve the radiator if its missing but other than that, I think the OEM cooling setup is pretty robust / thanks for the comment!

[@pdexBigTeacher]

Just as I was about to comment, you highlight that sweet-a** Batmobile!

[@TacoJoe]

thanks Peter - how often do you seen they Batmobile! had to take some pics :)

[@sipzter]

I really enjoy your videos. I don't think I could build an engine by myself, but I appreciate the knowledge and skill of those who can. Very cool. I also really like you commenst re: horsepower to weight ratio and what is wanted v what is safe. My guess is most of those 500 or 600 or 700 H/P cars are not driven much unless it is by a profssional racer. That kind of power is untenable on the street for an untrained person. So thank you and please keep the vids coming!

[@BradThePitts]

A 500-525 horsepower small block 427 stroker is a very popular engine for these cars. These 525hp cars are drive-able on the street IF they have good tires AND if they are set up properly. But you are correct, probably less than 1% of Factory Fives or other Cobras have 600-700 horsepower - that's the point where nothing but drag radials will keep the car straight off the line when hitting it hard, and even then the price to build such an engine goes way up.

[@TacoJoe]

thanks for the comment Sipzter / completely agree!

[@sipzter]

@@BradThePitts Mr. The Pitts :) I would love to have a 427 stroker with the power you're talking about in anything -especially a Cobra! I used to have a 95 Impala SS one of those would have been fine in that beast! As far as setting up a car right - again, I'm too damn ignornat and wouldn't know how to do it, but I could drive it!!

[@advicemaster1365]

Totally happy with my stroker windsor @500+hp, which has that extra power when you need it. Thinking of doing another one. It would either be the drop in coyote, or the big block Godzilla. Either way, you can easily add power at a later date if you wanted. There's just something about that big block gutteral idle sound though!!

[@paulbadger6336]

Well done 👍