We spied this Shelby GT500 processor sitting in the front seat of the Cobra Jet during the photo shoot at Fontana. Attached to the PCM is a high-tech, high-dollar ($10,000) M5 calibration tool, which allows engineers to tune a CJ's engine on the fly, as opposed to the time-consuming process we're familiar with using many of the popular consumer tuning tools. Because the racing experience of the celebrity and media jockeys who were driving the cars varied widely, the two CJs that made the West Coast tour unfortunately had a 5,000-rpm rev ceiling, which is about 2,500-rpm lower than the actual rev limit for Cobra Jet's blown 5.4.
After driving the Cobra Jet,...
After driving the Cobra Jet, my signature joined those of other, far-more-famous Ford racers (John Force, the Gliddens, Gas Rhonda, Bob Tasca III, Mike Neff, and more) on the dashboard.
| DRIVETRAIN | |
| M-4001-CJ | Cobra Jet 9-inch rearend |
| M-4602-CJ | Cobra Jet driveshaft |
| M-5478-CJ | Cobra Jet driveshaft loop |
| M-6392-CJ | Cobra Jet bellhousing for six-speed |
| M-7003-CJ | Complete six-speed manual with SFI bell |
Editor Turner may have been...
Editor Turner may have been FRPP's first customer for this 62.5mm, twin-bore throttle body and 123mm mass-air tube. Big Steve caught a glimpse of the killer induction combo during a walk-through of Ford's top secret research facility last year and vowed the induction package would be installed on Project Vapor Trail as soon as it became available.
| CHASSIS | |
| M-1007-CJF | 15x4 front Cobra Jet wheel |
| M-1007-CJR | 15x10 rear Cobra Jet wheel |
| M-18000-C | Ford Racing adjustable damper kit |
| M-607100-CJ | Cobra Jet painted body in white |
| M-7213-J | Black shift knob and handle |
| M-5019-CJ | Lightweight drag-race radiator support |
| M-5300-CJ | Drag-race spring kit |
My chance to drive a Cobra...
My chance to drive a Cobra Jet came unexpectedly at the PSCA's Street Car Super Nationals IV event in Las Vegas. When Bob and Billy Glidden were unable to continue their match race due to their efforts to win the SCSN 10.5-inch Outlaw class (Billy won), Jesse Kershaw of Ford Racing asked if I would like to fill in for Billy and take the all-white CJ down the track against Jim D'Amore and the Cobra Jet with graphics. Did you think I would say no?!
| APPEARANCE AND INTERIOR |
| M-6360004-CJ | Cobra Jet seat covers |
| M-16700-B | Hoodpin kit, two-piece |
| M-91303-A | Passenger airbag-delete cover |
| M-17782-CJ | Mirror block-off plates |
| M-2301-S | Snake fuel cap |
| M-11572-B | Modified Ford GT start button |
| M-1660-CJ | Cobra Jet hoodscoop |
| M-9278-BFSE | Gauge—oil pressure (0-100 psi) |
| M-11622-BFSE | Gauge—2 1/16-inch vacuum/boost |
| M-17360-CJ | Gauge—5-inch pedestal tach |
| M-10883-BFSE | Gauge—water temp (100-250 degrees) |
| M-1620001-CJ | Standard Graphics Package |
| M-1620001-CJ1 | Optional Showcar graphics package |
| M-1620001-54CJ | 5.4-liter Cobra Jet engine graphics |
| M-1821-FR | Ford Racing windshield banner |
| M-17831-CJ | Cobra Jet fascia kit |