Installation Guides and Technical Advice for ERA AC Cobra Parts

The list is quite comprehensive and has been carefully thought out to optimize the reliability and performance of my AC Cobra 427 ERA #308. Below are a few points to check or clarify with the workshop to ensure optimal installation. This also makes it easier to monitor the project and to understand and address any future mechanical issues that may arise during the work.

Front brakes:

✅ Complete kit: 4-piston calipers + discs (11’’/12’’) + braided brake hoses + performance pads

• Check that the caliper offset is compatible with 15’’ wheels. Some Wilwood kits require spacers or minor modifications to prevent wheel interference.

• Brake pads must be suited to your intended use (road & performance). Avoid overly aggressive racing compounds if you want good cold-temperature braking.

Cooling:

✅ 13-row oil cooler + thermostatic plate + hoses (if needed)

✅ FLOWKOOLER 1642 water pump

• Check pulley and belt tensioner alignment after installation; some high-performance pumps can slightly shift belt alignment.

• Make sure the 180°F thermostat does not slow warm-up too much during normal road use.

• Water Wetter is a good choice, but if you drive in cold conditions, ensure the water/coolant mixture remains suitable for winter use.

Fuel system:

✅ Complete PTFE fuel line with stainless braid in AN8 + HOLLEY 40 & 10 micron filters

• Filter placement:
  
  

  • 40 microns before the pump to trap larger contaminants.

  • 10 microns after the pump to protect the carburetor.

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• Ensure proper routing of fuel lines: keep them away from heat sources to prevent fuel evaporation and vapor lock.

✅ EDELBROCK Performer RPM 1724 fuel pump

• If it proves noisy or vibrates excessively, installing rubber isolators (silent blocks) between the pump and the chassis can be beneficial.

Lubrication & Engine:

✅ VALVOLINE VR1 Racing 20W50 engine oil

• A good choice for a FE Side Oiler engine. Plan an oil change after 500 km to ensure no debris remains after installing new components.

✅ MELLING High-Volume M-57HV oil pump

• Make sure the oil pan has sufficient capacity (7–8 L) to avoid oil starvation under hard acceleration.

✅ Oil pan gasket + Fel-Pro 8554PT head gaskets

• If you replace the head gaskets, take the opportunity to inspect the cylinder heads, especially flatness and any cracks between the valve seats.

Ignition:

✅ MSD 8594 distributor + Digital 6AL ignition controller + MSD Blaster 2 coil

• Test ignition timing after installation: ideally around 14–16° at 1,000 RPM and 36–38° at 3,000 RPM for a road-driven 427 FE.

• Check that the MSD coil bracket is compatible with your engine bay layout.

✅ NGK B8ES spark plugs x9

• Verify the recommended spark plug gap when used with an MSD system (typically 0.040–0.045’’).

Transmission & Differential:

✅ RED LINE MT-90 75W90 GL4 gearbox oil + RED LINE 75W90 GL5 LSD differential oil

• Red Line is an excellent choice, but shake the bottles well before filling, as differential additives can settle.

✅ Driveshaft U-joints if required

• Use heavy-duty U-joints if you plan hard acceleration.

Suspension:

✅ 4 adjustable GAZ SHOCKS rear dampers

• Carefully test damping settings after installation. GAZ shocks are adjustable but are often delivered set too stiff.

✅ Rear wheel spacers x2 or another solution to widen the track

• Make sure the central knock-off hub nut still has sufficient thread engagement after installing the spacers.

Electrical:

✅ 110A Top Street Performance alternator

• Check that the voltage regulator is compatible with the alternator and does not overcharge the battery.

✅ 2AWG 100 cm alternator cable + 3AWG 100 cm ground cable

• Excellent choice; avoid any areas where the cables could rub against the chassis.

✅ Battery cut-off / master switch

• Test the current-handling capability of the cut-off switch after installation.

✅ ODYSSEY PC925 battery

• A good battery, but with limited reserve capacity if the car sits unused for long periods → plan to use a battery maintainer.

Safety equipment & miscellaneous:

✅ RRS engine fire extinguisher with nozzles

• Check that it is quickly accessible and that the nozzles adequately cover high-risk areas (carburetor, exhaust manifolds, starter).

✅ Homemade red towing eye

• Ensure it is mounted to a solid structural point (chassis, not the bumper).

✅ SMITHS Classic ambient temperature gauge with remote sensor

• Test the sensor’s accuracy once installed.

✅ 180°F thermostat

• Check that the warm-up is smooth; otherwise consider switching to a 160°F thermostat.

Conclusion & Final Advice:

• Perform an initial shakedown drive of 50–100 km, then re-torque all fasteners, in particular:
  
  

  • Exhaust manifolds

  • Oil pan gaskets

  • Fuel and cooling hose connections

  • Engine and transmission mounts

  • Caliper and brake disc fasteners

• After 500 km, carry out a preventive oil change and check all fluid levels.

• Test the brakes cautiously after installation to verify proper front/rear balance.

Assembling a true mechanical jewel, with highly coherent component choices, well supported by AI. Proper break-in and fine tuning after installation will ensure a reliable and high-performance car over the long term.