small block vs. big block in a cobra - Page 2

tmareina · #21 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 10:38 AM

I have a BB...nothing like it...performance is outstanding..sound is exceptional..sets off alarms as you drive by...and mine is set back about 3 inches or so and it makes a big difference in handeling...and, heaven forbid...you should want to sell it...you will get more for you car with the big block. In the end, however....it is what makes you happy...you have to live with it.

Tom

undy · #22 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 11:16 AM

I have always longed for a high-winding moostang 302 donor ... but ....I'm stuck with this darn Kieth Craft 482" Pond aluminum side oiler..

I guess some things were just not meant to be..

SPF2245 · #23 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 11:56 AM

My .02, I got the chance to drive a big block...it's everything everyone said it was. Great sound, power fall off in the upper RPMs and too much low end power for the tires to stand a chance. I then drove a small block stroker and found the upper power band was more usable while the lower tq off idle allowed for more chance to put the power to the ground. End result, I've got a stroker small block. Is it the end all...no way, I could use another 50-75HP so 4th gear would be as exciting as the first three.

-Dan

Nantucket427 · #24 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 11:58 AM

I remeber when we use to debate this question but it was limited to one day a week or we would use up all the space on the site.
My only comment is; "to each his own"

Go to London, Ohio this Spring and count how many cars have the 427 emblem on the side of there cars. Not to many say 351 or 289 as a matter of fact the 289 guys usually don't put anything on the side of there cars.

Some people just can't handle a big block.

RodKnock · #25 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatBuckley

Do a search.

You may then want to ask if the 4000 series cars are real.

danc30 · #26 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madmaxx

Big blocks making 600 plus hp, bottom line if I do not see a dyno report, it has about 350 hp at the rear wheels. I get so tired of hearing "my mechanic said it about 575hp" then when the dyno it is about 325hp. As long as you have 427 cubic inches I do not care big block or small block, it is a SC427 so it should have a 427.

You must have a small block.....

fsstnotch · #27 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 12:59 PM

How about we do a honda 4 banger?

madmaxx · #28 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 02:40 PM

danc30,
I do not have anything right now although I am slated for a Roush 427. I did intentionally pass up on two SPF's with 460's that were substantially less cost. If I wanted a trunk engine I would buy a truck. If I wanted an engine that overheated on a regular basis I would get a BB, if I wanted to plow into every turn I would get a BB, if I wanted to scrape every speed bump I would get a BB.

Tony Aprile · #29 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madmaxx

danc30,
I do not have anything right now

That pretty much tells it all !!!

ZOERA-SC7XX · #30 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 03:38 PM

To each his own, but as far as I'm concerned, size matters.

boyd henderson · #31 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 05:24 PM

thanks for all the input ,i guess i will be happy with either.you cant make a bad choice,it will still be a cobra,i'll probably bo big.

fkemmerer · #32 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 05:49 PM

There's no replacement for displacement. 482ci Ford FE.

wetdog · #33 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 06:15 PM

I bet if mr Shelby had what we do today in 1966 he go with a small block , only the Minnow needs that boat anchor in the front.

1Cobrat · #34 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 06:18 PM

This really is a personal choice. I have always imagined a big block in a cobra. Just my preference and I've always been a small block guy. I've seen plenty of small and big blocks, they each have pros and cons depending on what you are looking for in a car. I wanted an earth rumbling, head jerking, engine compartment filling big motor. However, a fuel injected 5.0L that gets 20mpg has appeal as well. I haven't heard that saying in years, "There's no replacement for displacement" I love it. . . . Good luck deciding.

BossCER · #35 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 07:45 PM

Just broke my aluminum drive shaft in half

A nice little small block is sounding better at the moment

alpace@pacificp · #36 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 08:19 PM

I have a 427/482 KC engine. It is big, but respectful. A pitt bull. Just the way I want it.

Not that it matters....and I acknowledge I am a rookie (no stripes). That said, even though I have just 100 miles on the car, I have been asked TIME AND TIME AGAIN, 'do you have a big bloc 427' or 'do you have a sideoiler'. Hell, I did not know it at the time I ordered it , but is sure feels great to open the hood and say 'yes'.

That and the growl is great.

al

undy · #37 (**permalink**) 03-08-2008, 03:05 AM

My Pond 482 S/O weighs about the same as a cast iron 302.. No weight penalty for a big block there..

'cept if it's compared to an aluminum block/head 302/Windsor.

Naumoff · #38 (**permalink**) 03-08-2008, 03:27 AM

I have not driven a stroked Windsor yet that feels like a big block and my cast iron block handles great.

CobraV8 · #39 (**permalink**) 03-08-2008, 04:14 AM

Funny how people still believe that engine size has anything to do with power output. You can build nearly any engine to have as much power as you want, even small ones

Just have a look at this for example little Volkswagen vs. Suzuki GSXR 1000 on unprepared concrete runway

If you want it to look a bit original, put a FE into a 427 bodystyle kit and a small block in a 289. If you don't care about this, just choose whatever engine you like and build it to your requirements.

Simon

diegokid · #40 (**permalink**) 03-08-2008, 05:23 AM

I went through the very era of doing more with less, it failed. Apples to Apples if you start with more you can end up with more.