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Contents
Regular Features
Big Ed’s Intro p3
BigEd, Den Tanner, reports progress on his garage and rants about one thing and another.
Showing Off p14
Our recent experiences of the world of kit car shows. We bring you a full report on the Exeter show of last November.
Cobra Features
GD427 p6
Gardner Douglas is a company producing some of the most powerful and bloodcurdling machinery on offer to the self-build enthusiast of today. Behind all the statistical hype, however, is a mindset that makes this business unique amongst its counterparts. Nigel our Technical Editor explains all. See below for a feature preview.
TUSCAN MADNESS p30
In examining this TVR engined Dax Tojeiro, Nigel Dean takes you through every aspect of a car that needs to be considered and properly upgraded in order to cope with big power outputs.
Workshop Features
NIGEL’S KIT CAR GARAGE p20
Given a free hand, we’d all have spacious, warm and well-quipped garages in which to work. However, back in the real world, Nigel Dean shows you how to make the best of what you’ve got.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION p35
You can’t build a kit without the Haynes manual. It has become a generic term for any guide to carmaintenance and repair.
Ian Hyne
takes a brief look at the car builder’s best friend.
BUDGETING p46
Affording the kit is the first step on the financial route to the road.
Nigel
Dean
shows you how to soundly and realistically budget for a build and so avoid a cash crisis half way through.
WEBER WORKHORSE 51
They’re back! One minute Weber DCOE’s were no more and now Webcon have them back in production. Nigel Dean examines why we love them and how to get the best out of them.
SOURCE AN ENGINE, ZETEC – V – PINTO p62
Nigel
Dean
offers sound advice on sourcing a cheap engine and ensuring its smooth and trouble-free operation in the kit of your choice.
He
compares the relative merits and cost considerations of the cheap and cheerful Ford OHC Pinto and the modern, DOHC, 16-valve alternative.
4-BARREL CARBS - INDUCTION IDEOLOGY p78
We delve into what must be considered when choosing a carburettot and inlet manifiold combination. They might be a little thirsty but a four-barrel carburettor is a key component in extracting power and torque from your chosen V8.
Nigel
Dean
tells you what you need to know.
GAZ DAMPERS p94
Adjustable coilspring damper units have transformed kit car levels of ride, roadholding, braking and handling since the days of using whatever fitted.
Nigel
Dean
tells you how.
Technical Features
TECH TIPS p36 and p66
Covering raw edges, think before you paint, making your own gaskets and black/silver number plates are the subjects under the spot-light. Many enthusiasts lay up their cars for the winter and then discover lots of unpleasant effects come Spring. Follow our guide to avoid the potential pitfalls of winter storage.
TECH TALK p38, p58 and p84
We discuss the pitfalls of a Nitros Oxide Systems (NOS), heavy clutches, noises from a rebuilt engine, advice on buying parts direct from the USA, OHC cam-belt alignment, how to make bespoke escutcheon plates for anything poking through bodywork, Cobra door catch alignment and where to get home-made exhaust components..
TECH PRODUCTS p40 and p62
We look at header tanks, waterproof switches and kits to mount your radiator cooling fan. British American Engines’ range of US V8 power plants, Gaz’s new, lighter dampers, Aerocatch panel clips and lightweight race seats are all worth a look.
Non-Cobra Features
BOB THE BUILDER 99
Bob’s just the sort of car builder we’d all like to be; he does a brilliant job and comes in under budgetand his MK Indy is the living proof. That might not be a Cobra, but his cost saving principles apply.
THE DEVIN’S IN THE DETAIL p110
For enthusiasts of the unusual, Iain Ayre brings you the story of the
US
made Devin which in many ways, was well ahead of its time. It’s pretty, practical, potentially potent and still going strong.
Market Place
If you’re looking to buy a used Cobra; there’s a smallish crop on account of the time of year. That said, there's certainly more than in any other similar publication! Our Market-Place section, at the back of every issue of Cobra, is THE place to buy or sell your Cobra.
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