Which engine?

Before I could order the rolling chassis I had to make a few important choices. These included the number of roll hoops, the option of having the chassis powder coated, and oh yes, what engine and box I was going to use!

The option of two single roll bars with rear stays occupied my mind for little more than ten milliseconds and the powder coating was a must to ensure chassis protection in years to come. This left only one other major decision, which engine?

To make life easy for myself I should have chosen the Chevy small block. This is the engine of choice for DAX and practically all other 427 replica manufacturers. There are lots of advantages in following this route: reconditioned units are aplenty, horsepower is cheap and DAX hold components in stock for the entire installation. Many ask why a Ford unit is not more popular. Chevy units have been historically more plentiful in the UK, however this has changed in recent years. DAX can accommodate almost any American V8's (as well as Rover V8's & Jaguar V12's), including Ford small and big blocks. But for any 'odd ball' engines you have to pay a little extra for the privilege.

So what do I go and do? As if not opting for a Chevy was bad enough, I go and purchase a Cleveland, a Ford small block, but have a large 'Vee'. These are fairly rare.

Before I move on I must mention the final state of tune of my trusty Cleveland. Once rebuilt, by yours truly, the estimated bhp at the flywheel is 350. Switch the nitrous oxide injection on and 600 horses are at one's disposal! Enough said!


Which gearbox?

The TKO500 by Tremec is the gearbox of choice in the Cobra scene and who am I to argue? A new unit, including bell housing, slave cylinder, clutch assembly etcetera, will set you back around £2,000. I’m afraid there is no avoiding this type of expenditure unless you source a manual gearbox worth reconditioning. The problem is that nearly all American cars run autos, so manuals are like locating rocking horse sh*t!

Purchased from RePower, a recommended supplier to DAX, the unit is relatively light, fits snugly in the transmission tunnel, has five nicely spaced forward gears (and a reverse of course!) and can cope with 500 ponies without breaking into a sweat.