Hi all,
I am new to this forum. I have been reading, researching, and dreaming about getting a Cobra. This forum is great. I love the commentary, chiding, and camaraderie of the members.
I am planning on buying a SPF this winter. I fell in love
with a burgundy one at Hillbank Motor Cars (Costa Mesa, CA ) and cried when they sold it.
The only problem I am having is picking an engine. The 351W just doesn't give me warm fuzzies, a 427 is out of my budget, but I do have a 1964 Thunderbird in the driveway that has a 4V 390 in it. Because I live in California, and am in a Smog check area, I am leaning towards the 390. Reasons for using the 390: 1- it makes good Horsepower and torque without compromising reliability, 2- lets me follow 1964 smog rules, 3- and it was free. But I have noticed that there are few 390's in Cobras. Out of all the all the SPF owners listed at their home page I only saw one 390.
I didn't think picking an engine would be this hard, but the soul of the beast is the motor. Yea, I can get a screaming 351W but it looks kinda small in the engine bay (those chrome 427 valve covers look like a broad shouldered brut). But I don't want an underachieving BB either.
I will be using the car as a daily driver and Fwy cruiser. I would like to be able to roll on the throttle and walk away from other drivers. So I am looking for a power range from off idle to say, 5,000 rpm.
My questions are: Am I missing something? Why are there not more 390's in Cobras? Is it waste of money to stroke the 390 to a 410 (using a 428 crank)? Should I just get a 428PI instead (since some did come with that engine)?
What's the general opinion on this matter? Any comments will be appreciated.
Lawrence