FS/H Cobra Jet Body In White Project
 

I recently began focusing my attention back on my CJ body in white that I am building to run in FS/H. I will be using a naturally aspirated 5.0L Coyote with a 4 speed Jerico. In the past several weeks I have installed the main structure of the roll cage. More pictures at http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/index.html.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj005.jpg

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj017.jpg

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

LOVE IT!
Location? Gonna see it at Milan in 2015?

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

These are so cool . George does a great job !!!!!

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

I recently met George and was impressed with his down to earth and practical solutions to adapting the new engines and technology to our more bare bones race cars. I really like the idea of running the jerico and look forward to following this build.

Bob

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

Some more progress on the CJ.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj019.jpg
Test fit the dash frame.
http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj020.jpg
Bar under the dash was fit, located and tack welded in.
http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj023.jpg
Back brace bar and bars to 3 link upper mount were fit and located.
http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj024.jpg
Side door bars were fit and located.

At this point all of the roll cage bars have been fit and located. I will wait on welding the back brace and side bars until I finish up patching some holes in the floor and cutting the floor for transmission and shifter access.

Mitch, you will see this car at Milan. I will most likely make my first test runs there.
Bob, it was nice meeting you.
Jerry, did you get my reply several weeks ago with my number? Bill never called.

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

Yes I did get the message, I gave Bill your phone number.

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

More progress on the CJ.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj026.jpg
Holes in firewall have been patched.
http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj028.jpg
Mike (MPR) built the Nine Inch Ford Housing. the housing and the dash frame were sent out and powder coated.
http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj029.jpg
A tab for the shoulder harness was welded to the back brace bar. A short piece of 1-1/4" tube was fit and welded to the back brace. I will then fabricate a telescoping adjustable seat back pad out of a piece 4" x 4" x 1/8" steel and a piece of 1-3/8" tubing that will slip over the 1-1/4" tube.

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

Looks good

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

Looks great George! and thanks for all your help on mine........

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

Nice work. I am curious about why a 4 speed and not a 5 speed?

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

Currently my GT/G Probe has a Jerico (clutch assisted style) transmission in it. I am getting a clutchless for my Probe and I will use the Jetico in the new Cobra Jet. Besides, I am not convinced that a 5 speed is faster than a 4 speed. We have used both in our 2008 (5.4 supercharged) CobraJet and finally went with a 4 speed in that car. Did not really see any difference between the 4 speed and the 5 speed in that car.

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

I spent the last few weeks redoing a rotisserie so I can finish up work on the underside of the CobraJet body.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj032.jpg

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj035.jpg

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj037.jpg

Now I can begin work on bracing the lower control arm mounts.

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

Thats cool.

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

I like that... need one for ours

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

The lower control arm mount on a mustang body is located at the bottom of the uni-body subframe rail. There is no support for it when it the car launches and the lower control arm pushes forward on it.
http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj038.jpg
Here is the lower control arm support / frame connector that I fabricated for the CobraJet.
http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj042.jpg
Here is the driver side lower control arm support installed on the body, ready to weld.
http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj043.jpg
A close up of how the enclosure fits over the lower control arm mount.
http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj045.jpg

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj046.jpg
Underside of the body shows both lower control arm supports installed.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj047.jpg
Tunnel brace welded in place. The brace is formed to allow extra clearance to clear the Long shifter on the Jerico 4 speed.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj049.jpg
From this view you can see how the brace steps out to allow clearance for the shifter linkage. The original piece of the tunnel has yet to be cut out with a cutoff wheel.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj050.jpg
hile upside down, this allows me to weld some other hard to reach areas on the cage.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj051.jpg
The 5.0 liter Coyote block prepped and ready for moch up.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj054.jpg
5.0 liter Coyote crank was balanced since the original factory rods are being replaced with Manley rods.

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

Very nice work, thank you for sharing. Wow six bolt mains.

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

x2

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj055.jpg
Modifications to the transmission tunnel are now complete.
http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj056.jpg
The 5.0L Coyote has 4 overhead camshafts. Jimmy has been busy degreeing the 4 cams and checking piston to valve clearance.
http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj057.jpg
Passenger side cams mocked up and ready to check. I am using Comp Cams VCT lockouts. The Big Stuff 3 does not have the capability to control VCTs/cams. Eventually I would like to try a different aftermarket ECU that could control the cams.
http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj058.jpg
All of the underside cutting and welding is done. All the bars in the back seat area have been welded. Now I am ready to weld in the side bars.

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

Thanks for the updates.

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj060.jpg
The rotisserie was disassembled now that the body is on jackstands. All I need to do with the body is trim and roll the front lower sections of the quarter panels for tire clearance. After that the body will be ready to go the the painter.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj061.jpg
Pistons and rods were installed. Crank end play was checked and recorded on the build sheet.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj062.jpg
Cylinder heads back on. Unlike the 5.4 or 4.6 the cams have to be removed from the heads in order to access the head bolts. Cams can now go back in for final assembly.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj064.jpg
Final assembly of cams and chains. Front cover and oil filter adapter were installed.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj066.jpg
Other than injectors and fuel rails, the engine is done. I missed getting a lot of detailed photos of the engine build since I have been busy in the other building working on the body. In the mean time Jimmy has been busy getting the engine completed.

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

Looking great George and Jimmy! It's coming together very nicely. I look forward to seeing it out.

It was good to see you guys and talk cars while I was up in Michigan.

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj068.jpg
The front lower lip of the wheel well opening was opened up. The lower plastic rocker panel covers also need to be cut, sectioned and plastic welded back together in order to fit the modified wheel openings.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj069.jpg
Here is the lower plastic rocker pnael after being modified and refinished. Thanks to Adrian from Varsity Ford.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj070.jpg
Fabrication of seat mount frame.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj071.jpg
Seat moch up. After trying out this mount I will use it on the passenger side and fabricate a driver side mount that is higher in the back. As shown the seat leans back too much for my comfort.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj073.jpg
The body is now at the paint shop. The body will be painted Sonic Blue.


http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj074.jpg
My throttle body cam back from Accufab this week. The drive by wire stepper motor was removed and a manual linkage mechanism was attached to the throttle blade shaft.

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

Looks awesome

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

Any updates?

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

Still at the paint shop.

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

Paint is just about done. Bumper covers, door handles, rockers, etc. will be painted in the next few days. Should have it back to my shop by Saturday.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj075.jpg

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj076.jpg

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

Looks good George. For a whole body you got that back pretty quick. Then you can start the fun stuff where you put things in for the last time. We are just finishing that phase with our car and should have it at the track in a week and a half.

Bob

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

Looks good...

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

My CJ came back from the paint shop several weeks ago. However before I started working on it I helped Jimmy finish up the Mule. I also finished putting the clutch-less 4 speed in my Probe.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/Mule001.jpg
The Mule is the 2010 Ford Racing test car. Joel (Joel's on Joy) purchased the Mule from Ford Racing. Jimmy Ronzello has partnered up with Joel on the Mule and will be racing the Mule at NHRA events.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/Mule002.jpg
The Mule was completed June 15th.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/Mule003.jpg
Last minute changes and lettering prior to Norwalk national event.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/Probe1675.jpg
Installing new clutch-less 4 speed in the Probe.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/Probe1676.jpg
The Long Shifter on the clutch-less 4 speed has 2 rods on each fork.

Now back to the project at hand.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj077.jpg
Back from the paint shop waiting for the Mule to be completed so I can move the body over to the assembly shop.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj078.jpg
Roll cage was painted a dark charcoal grey.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj079.jpg
In the assembly area.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj080.jpg
I had seat braces water jetted out of 1 inch aluminium plate.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj081.jpg
The a aluminium braces support the front of the Jaz aluminium seat.

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj082.jpg
Tail lights, rocker panels, weather stripping all installed.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj083.jpg
Door glass installed. Door harness installed and power windows tested.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj084.jpg
Seats located and bolted in temporarily. Main wiring harness tested and installed. Big Stuff ECU and electrical components mounted on plate attached to roll cage.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj085.jpg
Headlights installed. Gas cylinders installed. No need for a prop rod to hold up the hood.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj086.jpg
Deck lid and rear bumper beam installed.

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

Very nice!

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

Looking very nice and the Mule looks great also...

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

Wow, George the car looks great! and also congrats for the Mule being #2 qualifier at Norwalk. You two guys are awesome. Can't wait to see this one done!

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

Latest updates between racing at Norwalk and yesterdays S/SS combo at Milan.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj087.jpg
K-member ready to bolt up.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj088.jpg
K-member bolted into body. Clutch linkage also bolted in place. Brad Zaskowski built 5 sets of clutch linkage for the stick shift CobraJets we have assembled. Good design and nice workmanship.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj089.jpg
Upper 3 link bar and mounting bracket bolted into body.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj090.jpg
Rear firewall mocked up with Clecos.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj093.jpg
Rear firewall rivited in.

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

Looks great.

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

More progress on the CJ.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj094.jpg
Clutch, brake and gas pedals bolted in. The drive by wire gas pedal was replaced with a fox body gas pedal since I will be using a BigStuff ECU.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj095.jpg
Master cylinder installed.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj097.jpg
Aeromotive fuel cell installed. Dash 8 hoses being cut and assembled.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj098.jpg
Rear brakes assembled.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj101.jpg
Moched up with wheels and tires.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj103.jpg
Fuel lines installed on the body.

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

Very nice build good luck.

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

Getting closer. Lots of little details to finish up. Here some more pictures.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj105.jpg
Fitting the BigStuff EFI harness to the engine.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj106.jpg
Dashboard bolted in and tach mounted.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj107.jpg
9 inch wide Hoosier tires mounted on CobraJet wheels.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj108.jpg
I modified the Moroso inline radiator cap so I could pickup up temperature for the BigStuff ECU and the electric water temp gauge. The Coyote cylinder heads don't really have any threaded holes or even any good places to drill and tap a threaded hole to mount a temperature sensor.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj109.jpg
I bent and fit two panels to cover and flatten out the back seat area to make it easier to lay a piece of carpet back there.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj110.jpg
American Racing Headers moched up on engine. The Lakewood bellhousing is only temporary. I will be using a Browell bellhousing.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj111.jpg
Engine set in car for moch up purposes. I will most likely come back out in a few days after I fit the fuel lines from the rails to the regulator and a few other items.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj112.jpg
Engine moched up in car.

http://9500rpm.com/GWCJ/gwcj113.jpg
Engine and drivers side header moched up in car.

Re: FS/H CobraJet Body In White Project
 

Awesome