I did originally want to go the 427SO route. My particular car is set up for big blocks rather than small really.
However, just a little research made me realise that here in the UK, few if any engine builders actually understand the FE engine properly, engine cores are exceptionally rare, and that it would have been a specialist build for which my own knowledge was also lacking. And of course I did not know then about the likes of George Anderson (well, what can you expect, I can't see Nebraska from here). I even looked into buying a 427 from the 'states, but realised the pitfalls were many and my knowledge (then) so limited that I could have wasted a lot of money. WHich I could not afford to do.
Thus I went for the relatively straightforward and simpler 408W stroker engine. I planned it to give much the same power/torque and power delivery characterisitics as the "original" cars, i.e. lots of torque. And it does do that pretty well. The only issue I have had is getting the front end of the car spring rates right for the much lighter weight of a windsor block with ally everything.
These days, were I to contemplate another car, my knowledge has increased, not least by frequenting this place, and I would feel quite happy to go get a big block engine built for me in the USA, quite like the idea of the Shelby ally block. Of course, I have a few pennies to save as well.
