Off Topic ForumThis is the place for mature discussions not necessarily related to cars. This is however also moderated and only registred members are allowed to post. No religion and no vicious attacks.
I dearly love my M5. Probably a long term keeper of a car. Without a doubt one of the most sophisticated, complex technological wonders on the highway. It is a true thrill every time I get behind the wheel.
That said, don't you sometimes long for the old days. Around 1965. Bare bones sports car, barely street legal. No power anything. Not a computer or microprocessor in sight (or out of sight). No electronic "hands of God" to keep you out of trouble. Just wind in your hair, a sensuous shape and raw performance and power. The smell of raw gas, uncatalyzed exhaust, burning rubbber and 120 dB of glass-breaking, alarm-tripping exhaust music with acceleration some super cars nowadays would envy.
Well, at least I longed for them. Unable to afford the genuine long term object of my fantasies (ever since 5th grade), an AC Cobra 427 S/C, I opted to build one myself. I chose Factory Five, one of the most reputable and close to the original kit suppliers in the business. I am building a Factory Five Roadster from the ground up with all new parts, no donor parts. It is an independent rear suspension, 4-wheel disc brake car with a 351 Windsor bored/stroked to provide 425 hp., close to the original. It is lighter than the original 427 sideoiler and provides for better handling and less front-biased weight. I have installed a Tremec TKO600 5-speed tranny with a Ford racing clutch under a McLeod scattershield. I have side 4 into 1 headers and side exhaust.
I just thought you might like to see another side of an M5 owner and a passion of his.
Growing up the 427 Cobra was always one of my dream cars.
Where did you source your motor? Is it an SVT crate motor?
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Respect a mans car, a man respects you. "In every detail, the M5 was a poster child of the M philosophy: superb driving dynamics, luxurious interior and above all, uncompromised performance." - BMW.ca regarding the E39 M5
Forgive my European ignorance, but why a Windsor, rather than a Cleveland? Packaging?
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2005 Nissan Armada LE 4x4 (in the US)
2004 BMW X5 4.8is
2004 Subaru Forester 2.0XT
***former toys***
2007 MINI Cooper D ("Manfred")
2005 BMW Alpina B5 Touring Nr.007 (now owned by member Heihei)
2004 BMW 530iSE
2000 Lotus Exige
1999 BMW 840Ci Sport Individual ("Rommel")
1999 Subaru Impreza Turbo 2000 AWD RB5 Prodrive WR Sport (its official name!)
1996 BMW Alpina B8 4.6 Touring Nr.014 ("Lucie" - sold to member JoniP, currently owned by member Bernard)
1989 Lotus Esprit Turbo
The 351W is lighter and had better aftermarket development. The 351C is a bigger, heavier bulkier motor with poor oiling characteristics. Parts also generally cost more for the C.
The W is based off of a 302 block and the C shares the same block as the 351/400M (if I'm not mistaken)
Biggest pro for the clevand IMHO is that it can hadle a lot more torque due to the 4 bolt mains.
In an application such as rad22's project the W would be a better choice based on size, weight and the eventual power to weight ratio. The C would make the Cobra even more front heavy.
I needed to get rid of it to make room, and funds available for the M5. I couldn't be happier with my choice. It was a fun car though, great for getting the wife to be quiet...the gas pedal became an instant mute button for her mouth. It became more tedious than fun to own after a while.
clem: thanks for the response...those were the primary considerations. W's are usually less expensive, lighter and there is MUCH more flexibility when building it up.
3D SFG-A MCO: my wife is really into this project. i have been giving her what she calls "mini-lectures" on how each system works, brakes, fuel system, differential, etc. and she either fakes interest or really enjoys learning. (I'm reasonably sure she isn't very good at faking it.) She has a pallette of colors for the car from which she says I can choose. However, when i hit the loud pedal for the first time with her in the car, things might change.....
Thats cool. I'm sort of glad my wife isn't into it. Gives me something to do that doesn't have anything to do with her. She thinks the whole car thing is a big waste of money...ofcourse, a $400 haircut is totally reasonable. It all works out in the end though.
There was a beautiful Factory Five Daytona coupe at the La Carrera. The guy must of had least $200K into it. It caugt on fire while waiting to race in a speed section. The driver and co-pilot jumped out but did not shut the power switch and it just kept pumping fuel and burned to the road. Completely gone and no insurance. Very tragic
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Sam Burg
Wide Open Until You See God, Then BRAKE!!!!!
2006 M5 (50K miles as of 2/10)
2001 Porsche Turbo (sold)
1955 LT55 Replica (La Carrera Panamericana race car) Sold
2003 BMW K1200LT w/ Armec sidecar
2001 Harley CVO Custom
1985 BMW K100RT
2009 MINI Cooper S (daughters car for college)
2007 Escalade ESV (wifes car)
2007 F430 Spider
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