1966 Shelby Cobra Factory 5.0 Liter V8 Engine

This Cobra should last practically forever, because under the forward-tilting hood you’ll find a bone-stock 5.0 liter V8 from a 1993 Mustang Cobra. The distinctive intake manifold gives it away every time, but by keeping it stock, reliability is bulletproof. And with 1000 fewer pounds to haul around than in the already pretty quick Mustang, performance is electrifying. All the factory electronic controls are still in place, so it starts easily, idles well, and never gets fussy. A few dress-up parts like the finned aluminum valve covers recall the ‘60s while a giant radiator with an electric fan keeps it cool. A/C and power steering aren’t on the menu in a Cobra, but you do get nice features like a modern alternator, hood struts to keep the hood open (most Cobra kits use a prop rod), and a set of beautifully made exhaust headers that dump into those satin-black side pipes. Even with 302 cubes instead of 427, the sound is spectacular.