BBF Wins PHR Engine Masters!!

[cobrashoch]

Actually the 1966 - 396/427 was designed with airflow in the heads as it's chief design parimeter. A 385 engine was designed with something else very much in mind, as they were built to accomidate 500 cubic inch motors in the future. There really is very little between the two that shares common design, so a 385 is in no way a copycat what so ever. That being said, todays BB race/hot- rodded engines have evolved into what is commonly called the "Chevy" setup as being the way to max. performance. If the Ford 385 did win such a shootout the victory was hollow IMHO, as I'm sure any competitive custom build used a "Chevy" setup.
As for FE's, a Shelby block is light, light, light. Did I mention they are light? That's all so important in a Cobra. But I'm not fond of a FE's combustion chamber and it's resulting port design either. I do like the firing order of FE's as this gives them a favorable torque "bounce". But a 385 still wins, hands down, for power between the two Fords.
Also, I've been saying this for years. A FE block is really a medium sized block. When they came out they competed with 383 Mopars, and 348 Chevys. A FE's weight/size characteristics make it a medium sized block, NOT a big block. It's more in common with the small Chevy block, it's chief compititon at the time they came out.
And to flame the 385 guys, the aluminum low deck 385 blocks weigh the same as production iron blocks. (depends on casting dates of the iron blocks) No weight savings there folks. Sometimes the iron is lighter. High deck aluminum blocks are heavier yet.
Cobrashock - 385 w/Blue Thunder Chevy ported heads, and Chevy crank setup- supercharged for the heck of it.