The cobra has had a pretty good December so far and things are looking good for 2010. This month, I found a grease fitting that I had missed during assembly that was the source of my suspension squeaking. I actually missed the fitting on both sides, but the passenger side came pre-greased while the driver side didn't. A little bit embarrassing, but hey, everybody makes mistakes. Also, I finally got around to shortening the passenger side tie rod so I could get my alignment in check.
I got some of the parts I need to do my rear suspension upgrade for Christmas (thanks mom and dad!) and the rest of the parts are on order. Right now with the stock setup, I have a good 8-12 inches of sway in the back. It's unbelievable really, and makes accelerating through turns downright dangerous. With the new parts there should be a lot less play, and a lot more control over the stiffness of the ride with a set of koni coil-overs.
After the coil-overs I'll focus on a new set of wheels and getting the biggest freakin' tire I can fit on the back in there. I'm thinking about taking it to Fastlane and having them order the wheels - that way if they don't work I don't have to worry about returns. I don't want any rubbing on the body.
After the rear suspension and wheels I will focus on sourcing a new transmission. Right now I am on the watch for a good used T-45, but I might end up looking for a new transmission instead. I like the T-45 because of the gearing 1-4 are pretty close together with a very overdriven 5th gear. I don't want 6 speeds because with a car with this much power, the time taken up shifting could be spent in the power band in a 5 speed. In the rx-8 the 6 speed was essential because of it's lack of power, but we don't have that lack in this case.
There are several new 4.6L builders on the forum so it's an exciting time to be a part of that scene as well.
I've also spent a lot of time working with Tom reassembling his 440 for his 1968 Imperial. His other vehicles have met untimely demises so we've been rushed to get it on the road as soon as possible. Meanwhile he has my truck, therefore I would like to get the Imperial on the road before any bad weather strikes. A cobra with crappy rear suspension, rear wheel drive, summer tires and power to spare does not fare well with winter weather. So far nothing worse than rain though.
