Quote:
Originally Posted by 767Jockey
Rod,
We agree more than we differ on this. The main difference is with your line "all other things being equal." I assume you are talking cost as well in that statement? If the 428 block were $100 or so more than a 390 block I would certainly consider it. However with most of them now in the $1800 - $2500 range, and a 390 block in the $100 range, there is just no justification for a replica with a 428 based on that cost differential. If someone scores a huge deal, or had one laying around, sure, but at 20X the cost, I still don't get the point. If someone asks what's under the hood, and you answer a 445" FE, no one knows what the block is. If it means that much tell 'em it's a 428 block, other than getting under the car and checking the block number against a reference book, there is no way to tell, and THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE. Damn, for the $2000 saved, you could buy some very, very cool parts for the engine, there's no telling what you could buy. Again, I'm with you all the way on the FE, I just don't get the allure of a 428 over a 390, especially when you bore and stroke both, which almost everyone does now. There's just no real difference.
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Once in the car, I couldn't tell the difference for sure. Heck, I would need a Ford casting numbers book, and three wise men, to figure out the difference between a 390 and 428 (or whatever FE block) with the block right in front of my face, stadium lighting and a magnifying glass.
Nothwithstanding my lack of knowledge, I would feel more emotional about having the 428. On paper, you're right. 390 is cheaper and makes just about the same HP.
When I said
all other things being equal, I meant everything about the car including the car, trans, etc., internal parts of the engine, but for the block and differences in the build required for a 428 vs. 390, if any.
I just looked on the FE Forum and saw two complete 428 shortblocks for $1,800 obo and a complete CJ for $4,000 obo. Of course, who knows about the condition, but I think you could get a 428 block for much less than your figures. For a $1,700 (using your low end #) difference, I would opt for the 428, but that's me. And trust me, I'm NOT normal.
Obviously, there are people out there willing to "upgrade" to the 428 block.