Cobra build slot confirmed

Just had a conversation with Andy at Gardner Douglas Sports Cars. Looks like the build slot for the GD427 (Cobra) body is August. The chassis will follow in October.

A bit disappointed, but I guess I have little option but to wait. I can't really complain, as this is around the date I was originally given, however I had hoped that it may come forward.

I can work on the garage and get the tools ready. A frame to mount the body on whilst preparing it, will keep me busy for a day or two. I can also finalise the specification of the car.

So I suspect that these blogs will slow down some, until the body delivery is confirmed.

New home for Radical and trailer

Tearful day today. My fabulous Radical Prosport, Sprint Shuttle trailer and spares have been collected by their new owner. Hopefully he will look after it all and importantly, keep on winning! Go for it Robbie.

Radical going - inside trailer!

The upside is I now have some space in the garage for the Gardner Douglas Cobra replica. Just need the new caravan (collecting it in mid February) to allow me to clear out the rest of the stuff.

Specification of my Cobra

Here is the spec as I see it so far for the Cobra build (GD427 Mk4). I reserve the right to change my mind of course!

• Chassis - Gardner Douglas Euro backbone
• Brakes - standard GD (Ford), but with Pagid blue pads (really good, but very expensive) - Edit decided to go for AP brakes at the front in the end - I wanted the thing to stop, I knew it would go!
• Differential - BTR limited slip 3.07:1 as supplied with GD Euro chassis
• Wheels - 18" Image cast GTD5 (Halibrand style), black centres, alli/chrome rims and centre spinners with 275/40 tyres at the rear and 245/40 at the front
• Engine - upgraded/strengthened Chevrolet V8 LS6 (460 bhp ish power, 450 ft lb ish torque)
• Transmission - Tremec T56 Magnum 6 speed with 2.66 gear set
• Body - GD Mk4 (Cobra 427 style) in white gel coat, with metallic black 'Cobra' stripes - these will be added at the end
• Exposed metalwork - chrome
• Trim - black Muirhead leather, black Boyriven carpets

Colour choice for Cobra

Got the leather and carpet samples. The body colour will dictate what I go for. I have the RAL colours for the body gel coat and I think that the Pure White RAL9010 is the one. I would put metallic black Le Man/Cobra stripes on this. However, I still like black with dark silver stripes!

So if I do go for white, black trim is most likely. However, if I go for black, the trim will be in a light colour!

Cobra Club Northern meet January 2015

Just back from the Cobra Club northern meet. Great to meet up with like minded people. Some have bought and others have built. AKs, GDs, Sumo and Dax, all there. Great group willing to add their experience to my limited knowledge. Just looking forward to getting out with them in the better weather when the build is done.

Leather trim, carpets and wheels for Cobra

I now have the contact points for the leather trim for the Gardner Douglas Cobra replica, the carpets, the wheels and the colours available. So this is the exciting bit - chosing the colours and styles. Something to do over the cold winter months!

Cobra build sequence

I now have a recommended build sequence from Gardner Douglas. This is a spreadsheet, so I can work out the staged payments required if I follow the build schedule and use the GD costs. It will help me work out what to order at day 1.

I am fairly certain that I will go for an LS6 engine, although as yet I am still not sure on the specification of this unit. As I have said before, I am not totally clear either on which gearbox to go for yet, but I guess budget will play a big part.

I now realise that I will need to watch the budget, as it will be easy to go mad with the spend and specification.

More tools to build Cobra

A quick visit to Machine Mart today. Bought a car creeper (wheeled thing to get under the car), a 90 degree drill chuck attachment and a new soldering iron. Reasonable prices at Machine Mart too. The Dremel also arrived today by post. So great service from Amazon again. More boys toys!

Following another chat with Kyle at Tim Adams Racing Engines, I need to decide if I am really likely to use the car for track days or not. It will affect the engine and possibly the gearbox specification and costs e.g. do I need a baffled sump, one piece push rods, copper bearings, stronger rods, stronger bolts etc.

Gardner Douglas build slot

Just spoken to Meena at GD Cars. Committed to buy a GD427 kit. Small deposit to pay when I get the paperwork. Looks like the body will come first, followed by the chassis, probably in Q3 of 2015. With a GDJag chassis it is often the other way round.

I will go for a Mk4 body with a GDEuro chassis.

GD cutaway view from GDs website

So now the wait for the build. Plenty of time for further research!

Other tools for Cobra build

I have just ordered a Dremel with the hole cutter (especially useful for the front lights on the Cobra replica I have read) and the quick release chuck via Amazon!


Dremel 4000 1/65, with hole cutter

So my list of outstanding tools has just reduced. Now for a trip to Machine Mart for the other bits.

I've been corresponding with and talking to the engine builder and I think that I am getting closer to knowing what I want. It is looking like a 460 bhp and 450 ft lb of torque 5.7 litre Chevy LS6 engine because it produces a little more power than the LS3 (even though the stock LS3 is a 6.2 litre) it delivers it a bit better and is a little less in terms of cost than a new LS3. I think it will suit me better than the Chevy 383 small block engine, because I like its looks, it is newer technology and should, in my opinion, be a little less temperamental and I am not trying to build a period replica. The LS6 engine is no longer produced, but with a new reg car, I can have one major used/refreshed part, so this could be the engine.


Chevy LS6 engine

For the gearbox I think it will be a Tremec T56 Magnum (a 6 speed). Looking at the ratios of the 'box with the 3.23:1 diff, the T56 Magnum seems to offer better spaced gearing than the TKOs and in theory 270 mph in 6th at the red line (lol)! However, it will cost more than the other options.


Tremec T56 Magnum gearbox

Tools for Cobra build

Treated myself to some new tools, using my Christmas money (for my Cobra build) and a bit I had put to one side - a big socket and spanner set, screwdrivers and trolley jack (all Halfords deals).


Decent tool set finally!

Still need a Dremel, a 90 deg chuck for my drill, a car creeper (easy way to get under car) and a new soldering iron.

So far I have the following, which I think I need reading other blogs:

• Tool chest on wheels (brill)
• Electric drill and bits
• Torque wrench
• Selection of pliers, crimpers and cutters
• Selection of sockets and spanners (great stuff and good boys toys)
• Pop rivet gun
• Axle stands
• Trolley jack
• Engine hoist
• Various other hand tools e.g. hammers, files etc

I will post if I require any others.

So all I need now is a clear garage and a Cobra to build!  GD can expect a call on Monday morning ;)