460 v/s 390

GACobra · #1 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 04:49 PM

I'm looking at two Cobras. One has a 390 and the other a 460. Both cars are from the same manufacturer. Basically same price. 390 is a 4spd and the 460 is a auto. I'm buying one or the other tomorrow. Wanted to get you guys opinion on the two cars. the good, bad and the ugly.

Any info will be greatly appreciated.

patrickt · #2 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 04:53 PM

The 390 four speed is far superior to a 460 auto in every possible category that really matters.

rustyBob · #3 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 04:57 PM

You already know how i feel ,the 460 is much heavier than the FE and may make the car harder to steer because of the extra weight unless the car has power steering and the auto. car may be easier to tolerate in traffic i went with an auto because of my bad knees and a stiff clutch wasn't going to work for me so i used the auto. with a 2500 stall converter behind my 390.

patrickt · #4 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rustyBob

... i went with an auto because of my bad knees.

Well I stand corrected.

Other than having a health issue with your left left, a 390 four speed beats a 460 auto in every possible category that really matters.

GACobra · #5 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 05:03 PM

Thanks guys. If i changed out the auto trans. How would the 2 motors compare with the same trans.

patrickt · #6 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GACobra

Thanks guys. If i changed out the auto trans. How would the 2 motors compare with the same trans.

That's a bigger job than you think. And I would still opt for the FE even if the 460 was sitting in front of a brand new TKO600.

Fordzilla · #7 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 05:30 PM

My Opinion- Go with the FE.

Ibr8k4vetts · #8 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 05:43 PM

The FE is the correct looking motor

and unless you really want a auto trans go with the 390.

rustyBob · #9 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 05:48 PM

you could put an auto. behind the FE.......i did........... that would be easier than putting a stick behind the 460.

ZOERA-SC7XX · #10 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 06:15 PM

Go with the 390. It's more correct in every way and you cannot tell the difference visually to a 427.

Tim Brewer · #11 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 06:33 PM

Unless you need one, nobody likes autos in Cobras, (Mr. Shelby likes 'em though). A 390 is a fine engine, but if you want big HP and bigger TQ, a 390 will NEVER touch a 385 series engine.....ever, dollar for dollar. And no, a 460 doesn't make a Cobra hard to steer because of weight. And also no, a 390 doesn't beat a 460 in any catagory except that it looks the same as a 427. I don't dislike any FE engine and don't want to get into a pissing contest, but Ford did replace the FE with the 385 series engine, 429/460 because why? But, with that said, I would get the 390 with the 4 speed, because I don't like autos.

GACobra · #12 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 06:33 PM

Guys alittle more info on the car from my test drive today.

I didn't monitor the oil pressure all the time and can't give exact RPM's as the tach was not working but during normal driving in town 35-45 MPH in 3rd gear. I never saw the oil pressure over 25-30PSI. I've been looking at this car for a few weeks, ready to buy. The owner has been working on it trying to correct an issue with it running to rich and having a miss. Turns out it had 2 bent rods. The owner of the car seems to be a very honest guy and I think he would disclose any problems that he knew about. I've just had a bad feeling about this car over the last week. Body wise the car with the 460 is in better shape and a newer kit. I've never been so confused on a purchase

I talked to patrickt a few minutes ago and he offered some good advise. Thanks for the help and taking the time to call.

patrickt · #13 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GACobra

Guys alittle more info on the car from my test drive today.

I talked to patrickt a few minutes ago and he offered some good advise. Thanks for the help and taking the time to call.

My pleasure. After hearing the condition of the two cars, and more about the FE, I changed my mind.

I think in this case the 460 is the better deal.

jwd · #14 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Brewer

. A 390 is a fine engine, but if you want big HP and bigger TQ, a 390 will NEVER touch a 385 series engine.....ever, dollar for dollar. And no, a 460 doesn't make a Cobra hard to steer because of weight. And also no, a 390 doesn't beat a 460 in any catagory except that it looks the same as a 427. I don't dislike any FE engine and don't want to get into a pissing contest, but Ford did replace the FE with the 385 series engine, 429/460 because why?

Finally, a voice of reason. The 460 is superior to a 390 in every possible way.

Dwight · #15 (**permalink**) 08-03-2009, 06:58 AM

Keep looking there are a lot of 390 4 speed Cobras for sale.

I like the 390 over the 460 in a Cobra
and I like a 5 speed
But I drive a small block

Dwight

franklin · #16 (**permalink**) 08-03-2009, 09:16 AM

I'm with Dwight, keep looking there are plenty of cars on the market and there a plenty of motivated sellers.

patrickt · #17 (**permalink**) 08-03-2009, 09:19 AM

Aww, c'mon guys. After chatting with him about both cars I have to say that the 460 did sound pretty nice. The FE-equipped car sounded very, very dicey -- and that's coming from a man that loves FEs.

rustyBob · #18 (**permalink**) 08-03-2009, 09:36 AM

wow that's a tough decision, what are you talking as far as price difference?the FE car comes with another motor,and what oil pressure does the 460 have?don't let a fancy paint job make your decision for you there could be other things wrong with the 460 car as well........or keep looking........

patrickt · #19 (**permalink**) 08-03-2009, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rustyBob

wow that's a tough decision, what are you talking as far as price difference?the FE car comes with another motor,and what oil pressure does the 460 have?don't let a fancy paint job make your decision for you there could be other things wrong with the 460 car as well........or keep looking........

I can't argue with that. You know, for a few dollars more, you could get Mr. Mustang's ERA that's for sale. That is an absolute steal right now.

bran3b · #20 (**permalink**) 08-03-2009, 09:38 AM

My 460 is not hard to drive at all, and the broad power band means that it is easy to drive around town. the 460 does have a weight disadvantage when compared to the FE but in my case it didn't cause the handling issues that I expected. I have yet to feel it push though a turn and have more trouble with overstear but I will admit that is probably driver error.