[Jack21]

Don't think you'll be unhappy with the 393 for as much power as you can use. The cam will be a hydraulic roller, won't it? Honestly, the big block will make more noise, burn more fuel, make more tire smoke, be more of a handful to drive, but not make your car any faster, or more fun to drive.

Looking at it another way; the original 427 FE made 425 HP & 470 fp/tq with 11"1 compression on 101 octane leaded gas. Your 393 with TFS heads and hydraulic roller cam will be making about 450 Hp & 460 fp/tq on about 9 1/2:1 compression with 93 octane pump gas that you can buy today. Your aluminum top engine weighs about 400 lb. The all iron FE's in Galaxies then were about 750 lb. Granted we wouldn't build an FE that way today. The point is, you're not giving up any performance with the 393, and gaining in cornering and handling.

I would, however, argue for 17" wheels & tires over the 15's. More and more folks are seeing the light on the superior performance you can get with 17" tires. A lot more than I expected now running 17's in Capitol Area club. With the correct backspacing, the 17's look factory. But the difference in go, stop, and turning power is like night and day. Think you're hurting your cars performance and capabilities by putting 15's on it.

I'm running 235/45ZR17's Falken FK451 front on TeamIII 17x8, & 275/40ZR17 rear on 9 1/2 wheel. Another clubmember is running Brigestone RE730's, similar sizes (my second choice). These things have AA traction ratings for wet and dry roads, and you'll be hard pressed to break 'em loose on a dry or rain soaked road. They are a little firmer and more precise, but not objectionable for a Cobra. You can also put 13" front/12" rear rotors for brakes with the 17". Your brakes will work harder with the AOD as you'll likely not be downshifting as much.

If I've at least got you thinking about it, then try to test drive or ride the difference. Talk to the Olthoffs about wheel, tire, and brake options. It's your money.