[olddog]

I love the 385 series engines as a power plant. Lots of options to make good power relatively inexpensively. A better designed engine than a FE in most areas. However they are big. Too big to look right under the hood of a Cobra in my opinion. I have seen plenty and even rode in one. The ride was impressive, but they still do not look natural to me all crammed under the hood.

They look like it would be difficult to work on them, but I never tried. The close proximity of the pipes to your feet has to be hot. The longer bore centers making the block longer has to shift the ballance point further forward than an FE.

As I said I like the engine, but I just do not think it is the best pick for a Cobra. Now for all of those who have one, more power to you. I enjoy looking at them, and would like another ride in one. I hope there are always people who do something different, as it would be boring if they were all exactly the same.

The one fact you can never get away from is that most people, who see a Cobra, asks if it has a 427 in it. The FE can make plenty enough power. I guess you could even diaper the damn thing to keep it from pissing all over the garage. Love it or hate it, it sure does look and sound good.

That's my opinion, anyway. It ain't worth much.