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ALL HAIL THE KING
By Steve Lancaster
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Freeport, Illinois, Diesel technician Joe McIlvanie's love of racing and Ford automobiles can be traced back over three decades, to the times when he was the proud owner of a 1966 Ford Fairlane. Longing for those days past, he purchased this 1978 Mustang King Cobra, intending to hit the car show circuit, but McIlvanie soon grew weary of the cleaning and polishing.
"It was originally built for car shows, but the shows got boring, so we now use it for autocrossing and open track events," McIlvanie revealed. It would not be long, indeed, before all comers, car show or open track competitor, would hale McIlvanie's King Cobra that is.
While not originally the stuff that legends are made of, McIlvanie has significantly raised the horsepower ante of the Code-F 5.0L small block nestled into the King Cobra's engine bay. The factory 139 HP has been more than doubled, thanks to an owner performed rebuild that began with the addition of TRW forged flat top pistons, a Boss 302 windbag tray, and 7 quart T-shaped oil pan. Joe slipped a Shelby sourced camshaft featuring .530 lift and 300 degrees of duration into the small block to govern valve timing, while the anemic '78 model cylinder heads were replaced with '68 351 Windsor castings featuring 1.84 inch intake and 1.54 inch exhaust valves. A set of Crane valve springs and stamped steel rocker arms round out the valve train modifications.
McIlvanie ditched the pony's production two barrel carburetor in favor of Holly's proven four barrel design. The 650 cfm double pumper is perched on top of a cast aluminum dual plane Cobra intake manifold. Exhaust chores are carried out by a specially constructed exhaust system featuring a set of modified 1965 Shelby Tri-Y head pipes flowing into an owner built crossover pipe. Walker 2.25 inch Super Turbo mufflers hush the Cobra's hiss when the go pedal hits the floor.
The pony's stock C4 automatic transmission is long gone, and a 1986 model T-5 manual gear box has taken up residence in its stead. Gear selection is still via the '86 model shifter and linkage, though McIlvanie has added a Quarter Master triple disc clutch to accommodate his spirited driving style.
With the King Cobra slated for action at open track events as well as an occasional trip to the dragstrip, chassis and suspension modifications were in order. The production 8 inch Ford rear end had been fitted with '75 Granada axle shafts and 3.55 gears, while KYB Gas-A-Just shock absorbers and factory rear springs plant the power to the pavement. McIlvanie also added a custom built .75 inch thick rear stabilizer bar for better cornering. The King Cobra's front suspension consists of KYB shocks and stock coil springs augmented with a custom .875 inch front sway bar. Joe modified a 1990 Mustang quick ratio steering rack for a modern and nimble feel, while braking concerns were addressed with the addition of Granada rotors and drums along with a Wilwood proportioning valve. Rolling stock consists of 16 inch mesh rims shod with modern low profile rubber for racing events.
With the chassis and drivetrain modifications completed, McIlvanie delivered the Mustang to Forreston Auto Body of Forreston , Illinois, for a fresh coat of Code-3A Dark Midnight Blue. Joe then reapplied the distinctive King Cobra special striping and hood decal as well as the side panel call outs. The Code-T Chamois colored interior has remained in showroom condition with the exception of the ancillary oil pressure and water temperature gauges that adorn the brushed aluminum dashboard. McIlvanie also added 3 inch shoulder and lap harnesses for safety during open track sessions.
Though McIlvanie's King Cobra was originally built with car shows in mind, it has made several trips to the drag strip, where the Mustang has recorded times in the high 14 second range at speeds eclipsing the century mark. In addition to its countless car show trophies, including first place at the SAAC National Car Show, McIlvanie's Mustang has turned hot laps at the annual Street Machine Nationals, SAAC Indy, and SAAC Road America.
"It's won too many car shows trophies, now its time to race it, " McIlvanie enthused. Whether it be on the road course, dragstrip, or the street, all will hail the King, Cobra that is !
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