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The Voxmobile Cobra engine

Discussion in 'Shelby History and Miscellaneous Topics' started by kryan5732, Oct 19, 2008.

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  1. Oct 19, 2008 #1
    kryan5732

    kryan5732 Member

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    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

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    kryan5732, Oct 19, 2008
    kryan5732, Oct 19, 2008
    #1
  2. Oct 19, 2008 #2
    DeLa1Rob

    DeLa1Rob Well-Known Member

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    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
     
    DeLa1Rob, Oct 19, 2008
    DeLa1Rob, Oct 19, 2008
    #2
  3. Oct 19, 2008 #3
    kryan5732

    kryan5732 Member

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    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.
     
    Last edited: Oct 19, 2008
    kryan5732, Oct 19, 2008
    kryan5732, Oct 19, 2008
    #3
  4. Oct 19, 2008 #4
    Coralsnake

    Coralsnake Well-Known Member

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    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...

    :guitar:
     
    Coralsnake, Oct 19, 2008
    Coralsnake, Oct 19, 2008
    #4
  5. Oct 19, 2008 #5
    kryan5732

    kryan5732 Member

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    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
     
    kryan5732, Oct 19, 2008
    kryan5732, Oct 19, 2008
    #5
  6. Oct 19, 2008 #6
    Coralsnake

    Coralsnake Well-Known Member

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    289 Hipos are a little outside my knowledge base as well....but there are guys around who know these things.
    :blink:
     
    Coralsnake, Oct 19, 2008
    Coralsnake, Oct 19, 2008
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  7. Oct 19, 2008 #7
    kryan5732

    kryan5732 Member

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    Appreciate it - so who is the MAN!
     
    kryan5732, Oct 19, 2008
    kryan5732, Oct 19, 2008
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  8. Oct 20, 2008 #8
    shelby6t5

    shelby6t5 Well-Known Member

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    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
     
    shelby6t5, Oct 20, 2008
    shelby6t5, Oct 20, 2008
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  9. Oct 20, 2008 #9
    kryan5732

    kryan5732 Member

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    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!!!
     
    kryan5732, Oct 20, 2008
    kryan5732, Oct 20, 2008
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  10. Oct 20, 2008 #10
    thefordshow

    thefordshow Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
    thefordshow, Oct 20, 2008
    thefordshow, Oct 20, 2008
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  11. Oct 21, 2008 #11
    shelby6t5

    shelby6t5 Well-Known Member

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

    Mike
     
    shelby6t5, Oct 21, 2008
    shelby6t5, Oct 21, 2008
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  12. Oct 21, 2008 #12
    66shelbynz

    66shelbynz Well-Known Member

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    66shelbynz, Oct 21, 2008
    66shelbynz, Oct 21, 2008
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  13. Oct 21, 2008 #13
    kryan5732

    kryan5732 Member

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    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
     
    kryan5732, Oct 21, 2008
    kryan5732, Oct 21, 2008
    #13
  14. Oct 21, 2008 #14
    steveshelbymustang

    steveshelbymustang Well-Known Member

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    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
    [​IMG]
     
    steveshelbymustang, Oct 21, 2008
    steveshelbymustang, Oct 21, 2008
    #14
  15. Oct 21, 2008 #15
    kryan5732

    kryan5732 Member

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    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:noway:

    Best,

    Kev
     
    kryan5732, Oct 21, 2008
    kryan5732, Oct 21, 2008
    #15
  16. Oct 21, 2008 #16
    steveshelbymustang

    steveshelbymustang Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 22, 2008
    steveshelbymustang, Oct 21, 2008
    steveshelbymustang, Oct 21, 2008
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  17. Oct 22, 2008 #17
    kryan5732

    kryan5732 Member

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    Just for that here is my new avatar:

    [​IMG]
     
    kryan5732, Oct 22, 2008
    kryan5732, Oct 22, 2008
    #17
  18. Oct 22, 2008 #18
    steveshelbymustang

    steveshelbymustang Well-Known Member

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    Ha HA ... Thats great.
     
    steveshelbymustang, Oct 22, 2008
    steveshelbymustang, Oct 22, 2008
    #18
  19. Oct 22, 2008 #19
    66shelbynz

    66shelbynz Well-Known Member

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    anyway..........enlighten the dim......what is a 'Voxmobile' .....history ??
    thanks.
     
    66shelbynz, Oct 22, 2008
    66shelbynz, Oct 22, 2008
    #19
  20. Oct 22, 2008 #20
    steveshelbymustang

    steveshelbymustang Well-Known Member

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    steveshelbymustang, Oct 22, 2008
    steveshelbymustang, Oct 22, 2008
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