Kerry & Kathy
Member #007
After a lot of time, money, parts purchased and one reality check...the plans for our Cobra have changed.
Our original plan of building an all aluminum Paxton Novi Supercharged 4.6 DOHC roadster was simply going to be too much additional time spent building the drivetrain and not enough time spent on the road.
Plus...Bob Monks convinced me that 675-700 RWHP in a 90 inch wheelbase on hard DOT street tires was not a warm and fuzzy combination for 68 year old reflexes.
After a eye opening ride in his stock 3800 lb 420 HP Coyote automatic...I was a believer.
Kathy and I want a car for driving...and participating in more club activities in a Cobra...and not in an Acura RSX or some other poor substitute.
And...a high maintenance labor intensive car was not what we both wanted.
My racing days are over....
I have seen how some high maintenance cars in the club have driven owners to lower maintenance options... just due to the frustration that pseudo race cars can demand.
So...with Kathy's support and with considerable influence from Bob Monks...our plans for the car have changed....and measurable progress has been made this month.
After considerable research and four months chasing a suitable drivetrain...I am now in possession of a 2014 Coyote DOHC with 27K miles and a 2014 6R80 six speed automatic with 1825 miles. The torque converter is at Circle D Specialties in Texas being cut open and modified for a 500 rpm higher stall and internal strengthening. The six speed transmission is designed for paddle shifters and has a torque rating of 950 ft lbs.
No one has yet installed 6R80 in a F5 frame...so there may need to be some modification of frame structure to get it to fit...but initial measurements suggest it will with minimal modification.
It is noteworthy that this engine is a flex fuel model that will run on any unleaded fuel above 87 octane as well as E85. It should offer some added fuel options when on longer rural cruises.
The engine with all covers removed:
The 6 speed 6R80 as purchased:
So...
If any of you have friends looking to buy a LOT of 4.6 DOHC Modular Ford Teksid Aluminum engine blocks...4V heads...cams...intakes...forged cranks...forged pistons...forged rods...ARP hardware...new 4R70 transmission...New PA high stall torque converters...New Paxton Novi 2000 Centrifugal Supercharger...and many other parts.......send them my way.
At some point I will likely need some extra hands to assist in trial fitting the larger transmission to the frame. But it will be later this year....in between construction on the new house.
Any volunteers...?

Our original plan of building an all aluminum Paxton Novi Supercharged 4.6 DOHC roadster was simply going to be too much additional time spent building the drivetrain and not enough time spent on the road.
Plus...Bob Monks convinced me that 675-700 RWHP in a 90 inch wheelbase on hard DOT street tires was not a warm and fuzzy combination for 68 year old reflexes.
After a eye opening ride in his stock 3800 lb 420 HP Coyote automatic...I was a believer.
Kathy and I want a car for driving...and participating in more club activities in a Cobra...and not in an Acura RSX or some other poor substitute.
And...a high maintenance labor intensive car was not what we both wanted.
My racing days are over....
I have seen how some high maintenance cars in the club have driven owners to lower maintenance options... just due to the frustration that pseudo race cars can demand.
So...with Kathy's support and with considerable influence from Bob Monks...our plans for the car have changed....and measurable progress has been made this month.
After considerable research and four months chasing a suitable drivetrain...I am now in possession of a 2014 Coyote DOHC with 27K miles and a 2014 6R80 six speed automatic with 1825 miles. The torque converter is at Circle D Specialties in Texas being cut open and modified for a 500 rpm higher stall and internal strengthening. The six speed transmission is designed for paddle shifters and has a torque rating of 950 ft lbs.
No one has yet installed 6R80 in a F5 frame...so there may need to be some modification of frame structure to get it to fit...but initial measurements suggest it will with minimal modification.
It is noteworthy that this engine is a flex fuel model that will run on any unleaded fuel above 87 octane as well as E85. It should offer some added fuel options when on longer rural cruises.
The engine with all covers removed:
The 6 speed 6R80 as purchased:
So...
If any of you have friends looking to buy a LOT of 4.6 DOHC Modular Ford Teksid Aluminum engine blocks...4V heads...cams...intakes...forged cranks...forged pistons...forged rods...ARP hardware...new 4R70 transmission...New PA high stall torque converters...New Paxton Novi 2000 Centrifugal Supercharger...and many other parts.......send them my way.
At some point I will likely need some extra hands to assist in trial fitting the larger transmission to the frame. But it will be later this year....in between construction on the new house.
Any volunteers...?