wheelbase ?

[manny]

has any one ever thought of extending the wheel base of the "2" so that it would have the same layout of a shelby cobra? move the front wheels foward.the street rod books have weld in cross members for our cars. some thing like the new fr500 mustang. sure would make it handle alot better.

 

[Johan]

I have considered it. I think that the biggest inherent handling problem with the II is that the front 'axle' is too far back, causing too much front weight bias. But I think that by the time you go through all the work to move the crossmember, reinforce the subframe, modify the oilpan and steering, and modify the bodywork, you're better off getting a car that has a better suspension setup built-in. You've got to be REALLY dedicated to the II to justify it.

 

[78CobraII]

Manny...I'm thinking along the same lines. Yes its a bit of overkill, but I'd like to see someone do it, maybe even me.

I think that you need more than 2 inches though, more likely 4. The big problem is what to do with the oilpan sump.

-If you have a 302, then I think you need to move enough to use the Fox dual sump oilpan, or far enough to get behind the suspension crossmember...maybe you could cut a chunk out of the back of the crossmember, as long as you re-inforce what's left and maybe add diagonals to the framerails.
-If you have a 2.8L V6, then you need to move enough to get the sump completely behind the front suspension crossmember.
-If you have a 2.3L, I believe that the Fox models use a rear sump.

Another possibility would be to use the 3.8L V6 and T-5 and EFI from a '99+ SN-95 Mustang...you get 190HP stock with room for mods which would be fun in a 3000 lb car. And it should fit behind the crossmember with some work. I believe that the '80's 3.8's used rear sump oilpans.

I'm keeping my eyes open for a set of the aftermarket fiberglass fenders as they would be easiest to move the wheel openings forward.

For the front suspension, I'd use tubular upper A-arms and tubular lower arms that eliminated the strut rod.

I'd love to use an aftermarket crossmember, but won't have the cash. I'm going to have to figure out a solution that slides the stock crossmember (and spring hats) forward. I've seen pics of a crossmember cut out of MII framerails and it was a mess...lots of folded metal panels join together in that area. I suspect that it will be a bunch of fab work for either the stock crossmember or an aftermarket one.

78CobraII

 

[manny]

i was thinking along the lines of 6-8 inches forward in order to clear the oil pan.tubular A arms top and bottom and coil over shocks.i also would like to put some type of flaired fender and run side exhaust just like the older shelby cobra's then lower the rear and flair those wells also.

 

[perce111]

I think it could look kind cool done right but..........
Stock weight distribution is 58/42 [assumeing 3000#] 1740/1260.
If you move the front wheels 6" it will change this to 54.5/45.5
or 1638/1362.
Awfull lot of work for 100#
If its weight distribution AL. heads, intake, waterpump, radiator, tubular exhaust etc would get you there with less money and trouble. Fiber glass body parts also work well [not overlays].
Want to do it up big time you could use an aluminum block also.
If it is visual impact your looking for go for it.

Later

 

[Wart]

has any one ever thought of extending the wheel base of the "2" ...

That's the plan.

The wheel base is what it is.

 

[Northern J II]

Project GT140 set his engine back quite a bit didn't he??? Calling it a II is a stretch. His car is a VERY convincing GT40 replica loosely based on a II. Anyone have his web site handy? That car is must see!
On a scale of 1 to 10 it rates an 11!