VSE Cobra
This is the section that is for the Herb Adams VSE Cobra. It was
started in a place far far away a long long time ago. Actually it was
built in Monterey California. I got the chassis in the mid 90's and
slowly got parts. I also got side tracked with the Ripper (65 Mustang)
project.  The VSE Cobra is an all All aluminum Monocoque. The
engine of choice was the engine at hand, which was a Can-Am
aluminum block Chevrolet. Mated to a tilton dual disk, Doug
Nash/Richmond gear 5 speed and finally to a nice full floating axle
9" from SCP. This thing is going to be scary at likely 2200lbs with a
motor that cranked out 701hp @7000 rpm.

The car has fired up (check the FLOG for updated info). Still needs a
bunch of work. I have an ugly transmission leak out of the old Doug
Nash 5 speed (now Richmond Gear). I need to see if I can easily pull
the transmission and fix it. Other with it will be a painful job to pull
the motor out of the car just to get the transmission patched up.

www.vsecobra.com has some other pictures of VSE Cobras
Below are some of the old build pics, not many
but it is what I have. Front end, Rear fuel cell
which is an ATL cell with an aluminum case.
The shots of the dash, and dork with dyno
sheet and the motor on the stand.

Notable quote:

"One thing I will say is that it is a just 468 making
701hp at the flywheel. Not a 572 or some other super
large cube motor. And yes it has a solid roller in, not
like you $%@#$'n posers"
VDO discontinued the 9000 Rpm tach, but what can
you do. The rest of the gauges are still around. The
aluminum plates were engraved but due to a crappy
job they legends are just visible. The entire dash is
hand wired with Teflon aircraft wire as well as GE
Industrial switches. The breakers are all Klixon
Aircraft which is similar to what I used in the GT40.
Master switch is another standard part I like from
Flaming River, where also the Rack an Pinion
comes from.
Pinion comes from.


Last couple of shots are the engine at the builders
older dyno. Note picture with predominantly black
hair. The project has taken so long that it is now
grey, but at least I still have some!

I can still remember the day I got the call to come
down and hear the motor, they fired it up and I
remember the hair standing on the back of my neck
as it sounded crazy good. Small block Fords and Big
Block Chevy's are my most favorite music makers.

The battery is stuffed in the engine compartment. It
is another standard part, an Odyssey PC925. It does
fire it up, but I'll have to see how well it really works
when the engine is hot and hard to crank. Likley will
need a PC1200. BUT what is not visible is the
signature Anderson Power Products RED external
battery connector. It is right next to the master power
switch below mounted through the front of the
dashboard. So quick jumps will not be a problem.
All cars will have the same jack for quick and easy
starting.

Rear end is a Stock Car Products floating axle 9".
Running Strange Engineering 3.89 Ring with one of
their clutch type locking diff. The housing is an
aluminum Strange Engineering with the daytona
pinion support..
The number speak for them self.
Remember this is just a 468.
This is a shot of the currently running
engine. Hopefully will stay together, but
the rocker studs are somewhat suspect
but will see if the stud girdle keeps
things together. Note I had to write the
firing order on the valve covers since I
have been working on 'The Ripper' for
such a long time I had forgot the
Chevrolet firing order.
This is the front of the car on rollers.
Note the oil leaking. I suspect it is out
of the Canton Accu-sump. I think I
need to crank the fitting tighter into the
tank. I hate oil leaks. I hate it since it
has only been run for a few minutes
and already has some. Not to mention
the leak in the transmission that I still
have to deal with.
This is another shot of the dash with
the new smaller Grant steering wheel. I
did change out the VDO tachometer to
one that is compatible with the MSD
and does not use another adapter.
One downside is it is only a 7k Tack.
WTF, that is where the motor makes
it's power. Well maybe it will help keep
things together...
This the remounted Emergency Brake
lever. It was originally mounted vertical
and to the center tunnel. That would
not work with the way the seats mount.
So I just flipped it over and now it goes
horizontal. Not the best but will get the
job done. This is prior to all the safety
harness mounting.
Here is a shot of the VSE Cobra on in
the Warehouse. Not that this is a shot
from Adam Carolla's new show called
Top Gear, or The Gear or Top Gear
USA, or something like that. Seems
that it is in good company. Plenty of
other cars, but seems the Cobra and
the Challenge Stradale make it to the
front row.

Well I had better get working on it, who
know you might be watching it on Top
Gear some day. And yes, it will blow
the doors of the very fast Stradale!
Someone call the Stig. I'm not sure
when the show is on the air, or if it ever
will, but fun none the less...