V8 OMC Cobras Fragile?

[Syncerus]

Hi All,<br /><br />Someone I spoke with indicated that the Cobra drives didn't do very well when subjected to V8 power. He suggested that running at anything near wide-open was ask for trouble. Has anyone here experienced this particular problem with the Cobra drive? I'm familiar with the dog-clutch issues (sigh), but this one is new to me.<br /><br />If WOT on my boat is supposed to be 4400 rpm, what rpm is safe for the outdrives? The motor is a 305. <br /><br />If this problem is real, what do the guys with 350s do?<br /><br />Thanks a bunch,<br /><br />Syncerus

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: V8 OMC Cobras Fragile?

I hadn't heard anything like that except if you were going to hook up a Cobra leg to a big block. I have a couple of 460's in my boat but they have the King Cobra (1989) legs which are still clutch/dog but they are bigger and can handle the extra power. I used to have a 350 with a Cobra and a pair of 4.3's with Cobra's. My personal (biased) opinion is that the Cobra (when adjusted right) is every bit as good as the Alpha drives.

 

[sundancer270]

Re: V8 OMC Cobras Fragile?

Cobra is a good drive. just keep it lubed up. 305 won't hurt that cobra. I don't know why people don't like Cobras. I had One for ten years. Never had a problem. Just change the lube every year & grease the u-joints.

 

[magster65]

Re: V8 OMC Cobras Fragile?

A buddy has an extremely healthy 460 in his Mirage hooked up to a cobra drive. No problems yet @ 225 hours and he runs it hard.

 

[hondon]

Re: V8 OMC Cobras Fragile?

Cobras got a bad rap, because of early component failures like cables and interupt modules.There were also some gear updates, but many that have not been updated are still out there going strong.You need to keep in mind that that drive was only produced from 87 to 92.A pretty short run,so I would suspect some real part finding hardships in the future.