[1985 CCX]

FE Confusion,

Kevin is right! The originals did not all have 427's. The first was a 390 and there was a handful (~40) with 427's. The rest had 428 installed, at least that is what I have read and have been told. The 427 badge is misleading to many as most do not realize that there are 2:1 small block cars over big blocks and out of the big blocks mostly 428's which I have found were not high hp scream machines. (somewhere in the high 300's) The big block cars were not the Cobra legends, that was the small block FIA's.

No matter what direction you choose remember that the car is light and 500hp is not necessary. An FE with modest hp will save you aggravation and money if you plan to drive the car at all. Moderation is key to reliability since it reduces heat build-up, wear, stress on entire drivetrain, and gas$$$$. Race cars are made to run a race then be rebuilt; street cars are made to drive. Any FE with ~400hp is more than enough.