[blykins]

A lot of the Cobras are running small blocks because they are available from so many manufacturers as crate engines. For example, the majority of Ford Racing's lineup of crate engines are small block based engines....302's, 347's, 427's, etc. Many guys go with the path of least resistance.

As far as some of the other comments...

I build a lot of engines for Cobra customers and I also have never heard any one say that they are ditching their big block for a small block.

There are also many wives' tales passed around....big blocks are more expensive, big blocks are too heavy, big blocks don't make good engines for track cars, etc. All of those are incorrect, but still get passed around as gospel.

If you want a big block, go for it. It's that simple. My personal opinion is that a 427 style car needs one. A 289 style car needs a small block.