Dream Engine Build. Advise Help !

[FUNFER2]

Ok guys, I'm back on my "Dream Engine Build". I had a family member's health issue to deal with last year that took all of our devotion's.

To update, I'm wanting to build the aluminum 427 side oiler punched out to 482 cu. This engine will be paid mostly by sponsorships, (just like I do for racing our 360 sprint car), from various engine part company's. I have several now,(thank you) but the $4,000 + cost of the block and $2,000 + in the heads, are the most costly. The sprint is easier because most of the sponsorship is by cash and not a product. In return I can offer advertising. Last year, I laid off the selling of my 428 FE to aid in the cost, and I'm now back to selling it again.

The artical will be based on the differences between the original side oilers and todays aluminum side oiler block, the vast improvements in technology, machining and part availability, after 40 + years.

I have "Kit Car Builder and "Car Craft" magazine wanting to show the entire build from the raw aluminum block, assembly of parts, and the engine and chassis dyno results. It also was going to be on "Kit,... an Auto Body Experience" on "Speed Channel", that fell through as the show was not picked up for this year. I guess Speed, wants to keep it the "Pinks and Nascar channel".

I will be explaining to other potential sponsors, that we could also video tape the entire build and put it on You Tube, possibly club cobra, other Ford, FE/side oiler engine, and other car related websites, to help out on advertising for them. I could, start my own website for this project.

I would appreciate any & all opinions, advise and ideas for accomplishing this "Dream Build". And yes, it has to be the aluminum block, not the iron.
Just how many of you would like to see this comparison between the

"Old School 60's 427 Side Oiler and the New Aluminum 427 Side Oiler" ?
I think showing sponsors positive results and the number of people that would be interested in reading the artical and watching the video's, would aid in company's coming on board for the build. So, please post your vote too. (I really don't know how this site vote of 18 works but, I thought I would try it)

Thank you,
Kevin

[SoTxButler]

I would watch and or read, but it would be important that you talk about "all the tricks of building an FE".

Good luck with your project.

[mdross1]

I'm a 385 enthusiast,but certainly a gearhead at heart.The FE family is without a doubt worthy of respect.Would eagerly read any article written about it's build.

[FUNFER2]

I'm getting almost too,..... excited, to have my aluminum 482 side oiler "dream engine" in my cobra. I need to settle down a bit.

I hope to have the build done and in the car for this years, "Run & Gun" at George's facility. That way, everybody and magazine guys can see and hear it.

Sounds like a hell of a lot of fun.
Kev

[RedBarchetta]

I'm interested...always want to learn more. Good luck with the project!

-Dean

[philminotti]

Kevin-

I built an aluminum 482 from the bare block up. It was both challenging and enjoyable. I'm still getting it sorted out...

I took advice from many folks on this forum and other forums. The knowledge and experience floating around in cyberspace is astounding. You do realize that you have one of the pre-eminent FE gurus over there in Hastings, don't you? Use him and you won't regret it. An FE machinist is worth his weight in cast iron.

phil

[FUNFER2]

Hello Phil,
Yes, George at Gessford Machine is in Hastings Ne. and is a wonderful man and builder. He does a lot of the Shelby blocks. He and Keith Craft are FE famed guru's. We build our own sprint cars engines and built my 428 FE, but for this build being in magazines, I will leave it up to the professionals.

Good luck and have fun with your engine build !
Please email me with all the information and photo's you have.

[philminotti]

Kevin-

I did keep a fairly comprehensive photographic record of my build, up to and including installation in a custom built (by me) test stand. Let me know if you're looking for something in particular...

phil

[FUNFER2]

All of it would be appreciated.
Please send all info & photo's to me.

cobrakev@galaxycable.net

You also have a PM.

[dcdoug]

I'd be interested in reading and watching about the build as well as the comparison.

[rustyBob]

Kevin.
i would be very interested in reading or wathcing a video of your engine build........
it may not be something i would build but it would be very helpful to know
some of the tip/tricks of the trade so many of us could be more educated
when we do attempt to do something like it ourselves........

[Ralphy]

Dittos! Totally agree bring it on.

[RodgerH]

Hey Phil,

Slighty off topic but....I was looking at the engine pictures in your CC gallery and I noticed your alternator bracket. Where did you get it? I'm looking for something better and I like the looks of the one you have.

Rodger

[philminotti]

Rodger-

I got my bracket from an outfit called Hawaii Racing (of all things). It also came with a distributor hold-down. Decent quality billet aluminum. I had to fab the spacers and get creative with some washers, but it was no big deal. Satisfied, all in all.

phil

[RodgerH]

Thanks Phil. I found their website.

Rodger

[Excaliber]

Kevin, did you say WHICH ally block you planned to use or did I miss that?

[FUNFER2]

I'll have to get a hold of Mr. Dove (I've heard many good things about his products. I've been talking with Mr. Pond and Keith Craft for a while, and also considering Genesis, and will call them next week.

[lovehamr]

Originally Posted by FUNFER2

Dove (I've heard many good things about his products.

Kevin, I hope you're already a member, search "Dove block" here:

http://www.network54.com/Index/10214

Just sayin'

[gsharapa]

Cool FE site! Never saw that before....

[WardL]

That's what I'm missing....Sponsorship! To they support old guys driving around town in a really cool Cobra? Where do I apply? Sounds like a beautiful build!~