Shelby Cobra With Lingenfelter LS Engine Swap Rocks The Dyno: Video
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Even diehard General Motors fans have to admit – the Shelby Cobra is a pretty sweet ride. Well, maybe “admit” is too strong of a word, but either way, the Shelby Cobra is indisputably one of the great American performance icons. As it just so happens, Carrol Shelby initially wanted a Chevy V8 when he went about building the original Cobra, but given GM’s reluctance to produce more competition for the Chevrolet Corvette, Shelby ended up going with a Ford motor instead. Now, however, with modern engine swaps and conversions galore, we have a chance to get that original formula, as evidenced by this particular Cobra rocking an LS engine swap.
Before the Ford fans start losing it, don’t worry – this isn’t some original-turned-Frankenstein. Rather, it’s a replica from Superformance LLC, an outfit out of Southern California that specializes in classic sports cars like the Shelby Cobra, Ford GT40, Daytona Coupe, and yes, the Corvette as well.
The owner of this particular Shelby Cobra saw fit to stuff an LS engine under the hood, specifically the LS3, the same Small Block found in models like the 2015 through 2017 Chevrolet SS, the 2009 through 2015 Chevrolet Camaro SS, and the 2008 through 2013 Chevrolet Corvette.
Output in the applications listed above range between 415 horsepower and 436 horsepower, but this particular LS engine swap also comes with a few extras from Lingenfelter Performance Engineering.
Unfortunately, the video does not provide exact power and torque figures for this particular LS engine configuration, but knowing Lingenfelter’s propensity for churning out astronomical output levels, we’re gonna guess that it’s no slouch.
At the very least, we know it certainly sounds impressive, as this LS engine swap takes a run on the rollers in the following brief video. Clocking in at just 38 seconds, the video is really little more than a teaser, but does provide an earful of the Chevy-powered Cobra as it goes wide-open-throttle all the way up to redline. Check it out by hitting play on the video below.
Does this Chevy-powered Cobra have what it takes to impress? Let us know by posting in the comments, and subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet news and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
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That’s a kit-car clone, manufactured in South Africa, not a real Shelby Cobra—which would be worth a pile of $$$—and into which no one in his right mind would be swapping a Chevy engine.
This is widely known and the perfect reason for this kind of build/swap. Try finding a 427 FE side oiler engine, if you can afford one…..Considering you can currently get a 427 LS crate motor, there’s no reason to even change the 427 badges on the fenders. Of course, I’d lose the ford branding logo. Even a ford fan shouldn’t complain, but they will, since the body style was originally an AC Bristol and not a ford designed product at all even when Shelby dropped a 289 and then the 427 side oiler into it. Personally, I wouldn’t even start with a Superperformance build due to cost unless I was doing a period correct build, drivetrain and all. I’d use the highly regarded Factory Five kit with LS motor mounts for better fuel economy, performance, and of course…cost.
That’s right Tom, just like the Ford Shelby Cobra’s the Ford engines are sh#t too.
Lol..Really?? Guess your not old enough to KNOW what Ford did against Ferrari at LeMans in the late 60’s? It was done with the 427 FE side oiler motors and GM had NOTHIING! You also seem to forget that the 427 SC cobra’s had the record for 0-100-0 ?? I’m a GM fan through and through but when you don’t acknowledge history or fact, your wrong. Laugh at ford but don’t forget the 427 SOHC, 427 FE side oilers, or the BOSS family of engines from the 302 all the way up to the legendary 429. They bring some of the highest prices on record. It included small blocks to big blocks.
Ignorance is not bliss…
Never heard of the Zl1 engine huh? And the Cobra ISN’T a ford product… ignorance is bliss 🤣
Lol…Love it when people reply to old posts. I know exactly what the ZL1 is and it’s origins/deployment in the late 60’s in the Corvette and Camaro. Not sure what your point is. I do know the legendary ZL1 of the 60’s was an all aluminum BBC 427 and not only used in production vehicles but also the McLaren Can Am cars with single stack induction. Also, the AC Cobra’s were a SHELBY modification/redesign of the British AC cars and NOT a Ford product. Again, not sure what your point is if you think ignorance is bliss.
Do i have to spell it out? You said GM had nothing, you were incorrect. Ford had nothing to compete with the Zl1. You were rambling on as if the Cobra was a ford
Yes, you do as you are obviously a GM fanboy. I was not rambling as ALL Cobras were FORD Motors! Mustangs, AC Cobras, and Daytonas. Ford had nothing?? You are delusional as the 427FE’s WON LeMans in the GT. The 427 SOHC was more than a match for anything GM had and how you forget the 428SC’s and the 429 Boss. For you, ignorance is bliss.
My old Marquis with a 429 moved down the road quite well .
That might be another beastie.
GM was approached first and didn’t want anything interfering with their flagship car .. the Corvette. They declined then Ford was approached.. And the car was a rocket with the 289 in it and this is the platform that had all the success.. once the Big Blocks went into the cars they were a complete train wreck .. at the end of the day they’re all Replicas and it should be the choice of the owner to which power plant they want under the hood .. however it’s hard to argue with today’s all aluminum fuel injected small blocks in a go cart . A Ford Coyote or the Chevy LS and you’d walk all over any Big Block Chevy or Ford from yesteryear. To each their own .. but if it’s yours build it how you want it .. your the one flipping the bill .. Cheers and keep it between the ditches .