The Voxmobile Cobra engine

[kryan5732]

Hi all. First I'm new here and glad I found you. Secondly, I was lucky to have stumbled on the Monkeemobile thread. Well, I recently purchased the Voxmobile - a George Barris built car (Batmobile, Munstermobile etc.) - and the car is virtually untouched and unrestored. How does this relate to Cobras you ask - well, the car has the original 289 Cobra engine in it. I started it up and it rocks! My question is this: Is this a run of the mill engine or ...??? Also, are there any mechanics in CO anyone would recommend for a looksee. I have not yet leaked this to the world but it will be known soon. If you would like to take a look at the video I made you can check youtube and type in Voxmobile and hear it. Here are a few pics and thanks!! Kevin

[DeLa1Rob]

Very cool

I doubt that it actually has a Cobra engine but most likely some Cobra "dress up" parts. That is my speculation only, hopefully we will hear from some one that remembers the creation of this unique car.

robin

[kryan5732]

Hi and thanks. All the early literature on the car specifically points to it being an actual Cobra - yet - how can I tell?

From the Barris book:

..powered with Hi-Po packaged Ford 289 Cobra V-8, C-4 automatic transmission and Ford 9in rear axle.

[Coralsnake]

I guess that hinges on what your definition of a "Cobra" engine is...?

If it is a hipo engine that should be easy to determine. Seems to me they have a few external features that can be checked. I seem to recall the balancers are special...

[kryan5732]

I jumped over to your site and thanks. I have no idea how to check Cobra markings etc. If anyone needs help with a vintage guitar I'm your guy - Cobra engines - I'm a little suspect.

Kev

[Coralsnake]

289 Hipos are a little outside my knowledge base as well....but there are guys around who know these things.

[kryan5732]

Appreciate it - so who is the MAN!

[shelby6t5]

What are the #'s on the front of the heads? (Lower edge looking from front of car, near where the head meets the block) They are raised and about 3/8's to 1/2" high.

Mike

[kryan5732]

Thanks! Can you give me a hint - I see some numbers but I'll have to wait for better light tomorrow. Oh and Carroll Shelby's DNA and signature were on it though - KIDDING!!!

[thefordshow]

You may want to go on line and order a book called "The 289 high-performance mustang" by Tony Gregory and a book called "How to build your small block ford". Both books have an ID section that should help in finding out just what you have.

[shelby6t5]

Here's your hint: they are 2 digits each.

Mike

[66shelbynz]

try this site Kevin......it should help
http://www.hipomustang.com/
cheers.

[kryan5732]

Hi guys and thanks. So far I have not yet found the 2 digit # but the car is put together altogether different than a Mustang so it may be covered, etc. Can anyone point me to a pic of where exactly it is located? I was out there last night with a flashlight and my wife thought I was nuts. I'm ordering the 289 book but between you guys and the internet I'll probably know what it is soon. Thanks, Kev

[steveshelbymustang]

kryan5732

To make this a little easier we must first look at a motor. There are some external features to look for to determine HIPO status without removing a lot of parts to see inside. I marked the photo so you can compare this real one to yours. Thats the best place to start. I watched your Youtube video sounds like the lifters are clattering enough to make it sound authentic. But look at these features and compare them to your motor. If the basics are not right good chance its not HIPO. Good luck

[kryan5732]

Thank you - I will do some checking tomorrow as I just got back from class. Will absolutely let you know and I do appreciate the time you've taken to educate a novice. On another note - while perusing Hemming's - the Barris Sonny and Cher Mustangs will be auctioned in January at RMAUCTIONS - dare I ask if they have Hipo's

Best,

Kev

[steveshelbymustang]

Sonny and Cher's cars did not have hipos. They were I feel two of the uglyist mustangs ... looked like a couple of Pontiacs with running horse emblems.

[kryan5732]

Just for that here is my new avatar:

[steveshelbymustang]

Ha HA ... Thats great.