Unless you're very patient, or very lucky, you'll probably have to make some compromises on your "wish list"... OR your budget. I looked at probably 8 or 10 before I bought mine... all kinds... JohnEx, SPF, Backdraft, B&B, FFR, etc. I tried to keep an open mind. Each mfr. has their good and not-so-good points. Most I looked at were stroked small blocks of varying displacement. How any engine sounds & feels will greatly depend upon setup. In addition, the transmission, gearing, and suspension setup also play a significant part. There were only a few mfrs. I ruled out, as their design/appearance strayed a bit too far from my "ideal". It's a personal decision, based upon your own wants & priorities. I "wanted" fuel injection, but it wasn't a deal-breaker... and I didn't get it. I wasn't delibrately looking for an aluminum-blocked car, but it's nice to have... more for bragging rights than anything else. A small block can sound just as mean (or meaner) than a big block, if it's set up properly. The header/sidepipe configuration can be finessed to whatever you want. I've had a few "nice big block" comments when I fire mine up... always gives me a chuckle. I wasn't set on a big blocked car (tho I looked at a few). But when the seller lifted the hood to reveal a DART-blocked aluminum 427W stroker, my eyes lit up. And when he started it up, I was SPRUNG! A week later, it was mine. I never drove a Cobra til 3 days after mine was delivered... it didn't leave the garage until registration & insurance were in place. It wasn't exactly what I wanted, but it was close enough... and I haven't regretted my purchase. A buddy of mine has a 552 in his... it's a monster... probably puts out 900+ hp... yet mine sounds just as mean... and he would agree. That "sound" is all in the pipes.
I don't regret going with a stroked small block at all. I have more room in the engine bay to work on it... and good airflow around it for efficient cooling (a key with an aluminum block)... and with 612 hp/615 tq, I have more power than my driving skills will support. If memory serves, mine weighs in around 2300 lbs. Probably anything you get will have more than enough power. TRACTION is typically the limiting factor. When I started looking, I promised myself that I would NOT end up in a YouTube video, having seen several of wadded-up Cobras because someone was showing off or driving beyond their abilities. Be careful... these snakes will BITE!
These cars are all about ego... you need to figure out what it will take to satisfy yours, and what tradeoffs you're willing to accept (unless you build). Good luck... and enjoy the "shopping" process...
