Questions about Cobra Jet 5.0

[Andrew Hill]

Originally Posted by Jesse Kershaw

The 2012 Cobra Jet engine is very similar to the stock Mustang GT engine combination. The most notable difference is the pistons that add compression and the cams.

The intent of the Cobra Jet's with the 4.6L 3v and the 5.0L was to make it affordable for racers to build street cars into competitive NHRA Stockers. Even the 3v cylinder heads CNC ported are less money than getting a "valve job" on many vintage set of heads.

NHRA tech has told me that in general they will accept a replacement piston that is slightly less compression BUT that it must be submitted as an offical replacement piston. A racer or engine builder can submit a stock 5.0L or 3v piston, or an Aluminator piston as a replacement for the Cobra Jet piston and ask for it to be approved.

The 5.0L and 4.6L Cobra Jet models are a great bargain for building a Stocker, especially starting from a street car.

What was the reason for making the changes to the pistons and cams? Why not just use the entire street motor if they are so similar?