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View Full Version : King Cobra specs for Gnarley



spectras only
03-05-2002, 10:28 PM
Gnarley, here's the specsheet for the King Cobra.They rate the engine at 340 HP ,but the drive can take 500 for sure,hence that lower unit consist same strenght intrnals as OMC's V-8 outboard with 8 carburator used to be.I saw one in pieces once and it's a very stout unit. http://www3.telus.net/spectrasonly/OMCKingCobraspec.jpg http://www3.telus.net/spectrasonly/OMCKingCobra.jpg
[This message has been edited by spectras only (edited March 05, 2002).]
[This message has been edited by spectras only (edited March 05, 2002).]

gnarley
03-05-2002, 10:51 PM
Spectras only, thanks for the info! Any idea what year that publication is? The reason I ask is the big engine listed is a 460 Ford, not such a great performance engine. Mine is 1994 BBC 454 and I don't think the option for a 460 existed then. Nonetheless I would bet it is basically the same unit.
Much thanks, http://free.***boat.net/ubb/smile.gif
Gnarly

spectras only
03-05-2002, 11:22 PM
Gnarley, I got the broshure around 1990.The BBC were around 330 HP then.The 460 was the choice for later single engined flybridge cruisers like 28 Bayliners, after a lot of complains by underpowered SB owners.The 460 has 500 footpounds of torque,so it was a great choice to repower by many.So if the Cobra leg could take that torque at like 2800 RPM, I wouldn't worry about breaking the leg with the HP coming on later at higher RPM's.

not guilty
03-06-2002, 02:11 AM
Originally posted by gnarley:
reason I ask is the big engine listed is a 460 Ford, not such a great performance engine.
Much thanks, http://free.***boat.net/ubb/smile.gif
Gnarly
WHAT ????Man dont get me started. http://free.***boat.net/ubb/mad.gif NG

gnarley
03-06-2002, 07:54 AM
NG, what do you mean don't get you started??? Come on... if it is in reference to the ford, sure they're reliable and make great torque out of the crate but the cylinder heads are restrictive on the exh side, that is why they are not the choice of engine builders who want to make some serious HP.
http://free.***boat.net/ubb/tongue.gif
gnarley

not guilty
03-06-2002, 01:13 PM
Then just get your little grinder out and get rid of those nasty bumbps like I do !
Really though , I've been running a couple of different BBF's on the same KING DRIVES for 10 years with no problems.HP has been in the mid 400's(I know , hard to believe out of a FORD )I've been told by a few reputable shops that these things can handle 600 HP, just watch the hole shot.My motors out now and were putting a merc drive coupler on it , the OMC coupler cant handle the HP, if you need info on doing this let me know ,I even like helping bowtie guys when I can ! http://free.***boat.net/ubb/biggrin.gif NG
SPECTRAS - thanks for posting that spec sheet , kind of a cool thing to keep with my tub.If I could only get my D%@N printer to spit it out right .
[This message has been edited by not guilty (edited March 06, 2002).]

gnarley
03-06-2002, 11:54 PM
NG, hey thats the sprit. I'd help any other boater if needed and even tow a Ford http://free.***boat.net/ubb/biggrin.gif Seriously though I even owned a late model Ford stock car in the mid 80's no real dis like of Fords just seems the the chevy is cheaper to build. I'll give Ford all credit due when needed like those 600 inch Aussie motors! They are Bad-Ass, but mucho bucks!
I would like to hear how you did the conversion though as a just in case measure. I have no doubt that I could squeeze 600 HP out of this motor so I will gladly take that advise to watch the hole shots. I'd really hate to break and have the ford towing http://free.***boat.net/ubb/redface.gif me back as I am a Chevy man at heart.

johnc
03-07-2002, 12:57 AM
Not Guilty,
I have a 1987 King Cobra 460 in my 1987 Laveycraft. Its stock except for the Holley marine 800 double pumper and thru-hull. It runs strong but I am interested in what you have done to it. Its hard to find much for these motors. I have read that they came from OMC/Ford with Cobra Jet intake manifolds, but don't know much else. Anyway, thanks in advance for the help,
JC

Miguel
03-07-2002, 05:47 AM
Hey, Not Guilty, I have a 5.8L with a king cobra drive from a 460 the one with that large hub and I have done a ton of mods.This year I'm putting a fully worked engine including a stroker and blower with everything else and will total around 600 hp at 5,600 rpms. What coupler are you talking about since I have the engine out and could do anything right now? Also what else have you experienced going wrong with that much power?

Miguel
03-07-2002, 05:54 AM
I forgot to ask another question. Last year I blew up my regular Cobra drive that came with the 5.8L and installed a King Cobra lower unit.I was told this one handles a lot more power then the 5.8L because it has a larger hub.I noticed that from 4800 rpms that I used to run I went down to 4200 rpms with the same prop, but goes the same top speed. What gives? Are the gears lower in the King Cobra or did I slow down from dragging the bigger hub?

gnarley
03-07-2002, 09:31 AM
Miguel, the drive ratio for the King Cobra is 1:43
Gnarly

not guilty
03-07-2002, 04:20 PM
Gnarls right mig.,I think without checking in the books that you went from a 1:50 ratio to a 1:43, that would explain your rpm.
The drive coupler where going to use is the standard merc BBC.It bolts on the flywheel like a clutch,so some drilling of the ford flywheel is possible.The merc. and the omc both have the same input shaft so there is no problem there. The bellhousing does not have a big enough center so it has to be cut and rewelded to accomadate the merc part.
As for any other problems , weve had none, there a really good unit.
Johnc-I'll put up a new post tomarrow or sat. with engine specs,kinda on the run now ,thanks for the interest.
GOTTA GO NG

not guilty
03-08-2002, 03:26 AM
Originally posted by not guilty:
Gnarls right mig.,I think without checking in the books that you went from a 1:50 ratio to a 1:43, that would explain your rpm.
The drive coupler where going to use is the standard merc BBC.(pt # 861523A9)It bolts on the flywheel like a clutch,so some drilling of the ford flywheel is possible.The merc. and the omc both have the same input shaft so there is no problem there. The bellhousing does not have a big enough center so it has to be cut and rewelded to accomadate the merc part.
As for any other problems , we've had none, there a really good unit.
Johnc-I'll put up a new post tomarrow or sat. with engine specs,kinda on the run now ,thanks for the interest.
GOTTA GO NG
GNARLEY- what kind of drive coupler does that chev come with from omc and do you have a heavy steel flywheel or a flexplate?

not guilty
03-08-2002, 03:29 AM
ooooppps--didnt mean to quote myself, how egotistical!!! http://free.***boat.net/ubb/biggrin.gif NG

gnarley
03-08-2002, 08:47 AM
NG, I don't know what drive coupler it comes with. I hope I don't find out for some time, but I will be seeing an OMC trained rigger with 15 years exp in the next few weeks. I will then be asking lost of questions.
Hey, any idea how you lube the U-joints???
Gnarley

johnc
03-08-2002, 02:13 PM
Hey Gnarly,
Did you get those links I sent you?
To lube the u-joints you have to pull the drive on my 87. The 94 should be the same. I pay to have it done so I don't know how hard it is to do. Also, there should be a zirk on the side of the drive to lube the gimbal bearing.
JC

not guilty
03-08-2002, 03:43 PM
GNARLEY-I'm sure it has the same type as the ford , to my knowledge thats all omc ever made.I thought you had the motor out doing some work to it?I'll get some pictures sent out when we get to doing the mods. NG

gnarley
03-08-2002, 03:58 PM
Johnc, I did get the links, and found some useful. I think that there must be a way to lube the u-joints without pulling the drive off. I was going to raise the drive then pull the boot back and take a look inside. Having many years of experience racing cars, as a line tech and shop owner there are almost always some shortcuts to do a job. If I find a way I will let you know.
I truly believe in doing it myself if possible which lets me understand how everything works and the savings might help pay the fuel bills. I can then be satisfied that I know how it works and it was done right even if I find a shortcut. Sometimes it's not how it was done, but that it in fact was.
By the way whatÂ’s your toy?
Gnarley

gnarley
03-08-2002, 04:06 PM
NG, sorry no the motor's not out and I hope I do not need to for a while. Maybe some minor work in the future, re-curve the dist, jet the carb, run the valves and change the blower pulley's, as well as full synthetic in the O/D and the lube job! You know minor stuff. http://plauder-smilies.com/cool.gif
NG, what your toy?
Gnarley

johnc
03-08-2002, 08:49 PM
Gnarley,
I've got a 1987 21' Laveycraft open bow with the 460 King Cobra. I just got a new interior put in, so shes a little dusty from being in the shop for 3 months. Yes it took them three months! I'll try to get some photos up if I have time to shine her up.
By the way, what part of the country are you in?
JC

not guilty
03-09-2002, 05:49 AM
Cant get pictuers to post !
Mines a 1986 MACH-1 2350 w/460 king cobra.
we're in central Illinois.NG
Check under readers rides on main page!
[This message has been edited by not guilty (edited March 09, 2002).]
http://community.webshots.com/rz/r1/7/5/13/28170513wEtXpRFaFW_ph.jpg [This message has been edited by not guilty (edited March 09, 2002).]
[This message has been edited by not guilty (edited March 09, 2002).]

not guilty
03-09-2002, 06:12 AM
Finally , now if they'll stay here!
http://community.webshots.com/rz/r1/6/30/33/27463033fRSVNeEZjk_ph.jpg
http://free.***boat.net/ubb/biggrin.gif NG

Miguel
03-10-2002, 05:06 AM
I'm thinking of adding a nose cone to my King Cobra has anyone tried this? What are your experiences?

not guilty
03-10-2002, 09:20 AM
Where did you find a cone for a cobra?

intense
03-10-2002, 10:48 AM
Is changing the h20 pump on a cobra outdrive as easy as it is on the king cobra?
intense

not guilty
03-10-2002, 02:42 PM
INTENSE-yes it is,thats why I replace mine every spring! NG

intense
03-11-2002, 07:58 AM
[QUOTE]Originally posted by not guilty:
[B]INTENSE-yes it is,thats why I replace mine every spring!
About how much does the pump cost?
intense

johnc
03-11-2002, 09:22 AM
I believe Land and Sea (shift prop people) have nose cones for the King Cobra. They are on the web but I am not sure of the URL.
JC

Miguel
03-11-2002, 01:30 PM
CP Performance and Hydromotive both offer it for $95.

not guilty
03-11-2002, 04:00 PM
INTENSE- The kit from NAPA auto parts is about $27.00 , the part # you need is #18-3212-1 , it has everything but the plastic housing.
As for the nose cones thats really interesting that theyre out there for these. Never really looked for one before. Our old sled only gets in the +60's dont think they do much unless youre in the 80+ class. http://free.***boat.net/ubb/frown.gif NG

gnarley
03-11-2002, 04:02 PM
Johnc I just got back in the forums, sorry I couldn't get back quicker. I'm in Santa Rosa, Ca and plan to spend a lot of time in the Sacramento Delta and going to some of the bigger reservoirs in the north part of the state. It needs some TLC.
Hopefully the picture posts, an OMC with a BLOWER??? makes me chuckle.
Gnarley
http://free.***boat.net/gallery/Reader_Rides/Stern_Drives/New_boat.JPG
http://free.***boat.net/gallery/Gearhead_Garage/Motors_and_Drives/Engine.JPG
[This message has been edited by gnarley (edited March 11, 2002).]