You guys are funny!
The aluminum block Shelby is a great block. Technologically better than the old "antique" iron block. Ok. Oils better too. Ok. Maybe it can handle more horsepower. Ok. So? What does this mean in REAL life application???
The weight difference is not 200lbs. It seems like the weight difference has now come down to 150lbs. Tried to add that extra 50lbs before did'nt we???
How many of you run even 1000hp? How many of you drive hard enough and long enough even to blow up a well built original SO? Well. Who?
The same motor that powered the original 427 Cobra, the center peice of this entire hobby is the 427SO. The same motor that provided record setting performance back in 1965 and allowed the Cobra to run from 0 to100 to 0 in 13.8 seconds. The same engine that powered the 427 Cobra to 5 SCCA A production titles. As I recall the original 427SO also powered the GT40's to multiple LeMans wins and one 1,2,3 sweep. Any motor than can do all that is a performance legend and is worthy of being placed back where it belongs...back in a Cobra.
Fact remains that an original SO, if the block in in good conditon and passes the pressure test and sonic testing, and if rebuilt properly can offer durability and performance beyond the envelope of most owners here. There are good blocks still to be found. Granted its more difficult today as the supply is drying up. Turk found an NOS block didn't he?
I've seen the aluminum Shelby blocks. They are very nicely done and in my opinion worth the money. If I didn't find my block or something comparable to it that probably would have been my choice.
Jamo: Really. Come on. How can you even use the Audi R8's as an example of aluminum durability. Those motors in technology and build are in a different universe than any of these motors not to mention backed by millions in support and technical know how. Aren't the motors in all such cars at such a high level routinely rebuilt??? I think so. Its no more impressive than repeated GT40 victories at LeMans powered by the ole' warrior. Perhaps less so when you bring into focus the technological advances of todays race cars.
Maybe the new aluminum block is a better mouse trap but the thing the aluminum block can't offer that the old antique does..originality of equipment and the mystic of seeing the legend in the flesh.
Mr. Lake: You are welcome to come on down and look at the photos of my block during the build stage, photos of the crank with measuring guage showing the width of the jounrnals and the rods. Luckily your practically next door. BTW who built your engine? Charley Weston? Hmmm.
Looks like I'm arguing with the 7.0% that voted for the aluminum block and not the 93% that picked that old rusted overpriced SO block. Thus while we are arguing about whether an aluminum Shelby block is better than an original FE 427SO block, and maybe it is, it seems clear the preferred block of choice is the old war horse. The REAL deal.
