From a 3.5ltr Rover V8 engine and transmission to a Ford 351ci Windsor V8 and five speed Tremec gearbox
The customer had always desired a Ford engine in the Cobra and it just happened that I have a performance 351 Windsor in stock. So the project was born following a casual conversation.
Rover engine removal.
First job was to remove the old Rover V8 engine.
Engine is clear
Many parts needed to be removed before this including exhausts, radiator, electrics, transmission and anything else in the way.
Engine comparison.
Engines almost look the same physical size but the Rover engine on the left is 2.2ltrs smaller than the Ford on the right.
New engine painting.
The customer wanted the new engine painted to match the body colour of the car. Masked up the engine and then painted. Heat lamps on the fresh paint to help it dry.
Unmasked after painting.
The fresh paint looks good and contrasts well with the aluminium cylinder heads. The rocker covers will be changed.
Engine and transmission.
Engine and brand new Tremec 5 speed transmission bolted together for the first time.
First time trial fit.
Important to check position and clearance. The engine was installed and removed many times to modify chassis, transmission tunnel, steering and to design engine and transmission mounts.
Engine mount.
Engine mount designed and fabricated in-house.
We have plasma cutting and welding capabilities to enable us to produce items like these.
Transmission mount.
The transmission mount was also designed and fabricated in-house.
Designed to enable the removal of the transmission without needing to remove the engine.
New exhaust headers.
New exhaust headers custom fabricated in-house.
Stainless steel bends and tube, of the right diameter selected. Then the task of constructing the route for each tube to the collector.
Headers wrapped.
After completion the headers were wrapped to keep under bonnet temperatures down and performance advantages.
New side pipes.
The overall diameter of the headers and side pipes needed to be larger, for the increased capacity of the new engine so the exhaust gasses were not restricted.
Final installation.
Installation complete. New radiator with a larger core was also installed to ensure sufficient cooling capacity.
New Edelbrock rocker covers and air cleaner finish off the impressive looking engine.
Engine swap completed.
From around 160 horse power to around 400 horse power and a significant increase in torque this Southern Roadcraft Cobra is certainly a beast that the owner will need to tame.
A great project that we really enjoyed.
