Engine Info for New Member

[FredBMOC]

Hi everyone!
I have been reading through the forum for the past few days about the different manufacturers, engines, options, etc ;however I would still like some clarification as far as all the different engine options available for Cobras from 427s to modern FI Aluminum engines. Pros and Cons of each? I tried to find an FAQ or sticky with all of this info summarized but simply could not find it.

Thanks,

Fred in Florida

[charles roybal]

I recomend Keith Craft....my 408w is AWSOME...went carb...but you can get fule injection...check him out.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by FredBMOC

... I would still like some clarification as far as all the different engine options available for Cobras from 427s to modern FI Aluminum engines.

Fred, lemmeee sum it up for you.... If it's a 427 style car, anything other than an FE is basically just a POS stuffed in under the hood. And if it's a 289 car, well then it really doesn't matter because it's a 289 car....

[Excaliber]

Here's what you need to know:

427, flat tappet cam,,,, were done here!

[dcdoug]

What's your budget and how authentic do you want to be? If you want authenticity, then only an FE will do, preferably a 427 or 428. Also, some 427 style cobras need to be modified in order to take an FE, so talk to the manufacturer you are considering as well. (Oh, and as a newbie who may not know everyone's personality yet, take our friend Patrickt with a grain of salt. He loves to throw out strong opinions to incite rioting.)

[FredBMOC]

Come on boys,
Give me a run down on the different engines with Pros and Cons... please...
The reason I am asking is because in looking through adds and trying to compare the different builds is hard enough when just considering the different Cobra manufacturers and build options. When I add the sad fact of not really knowing the different engines and their characteristics makes the search even harder!!
I am trying to make an informed decision, as much as possible, and really appreciate the help you guys can give me!

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by FredBMOC

I am trying to make an informed decision, as much as possible, and really appreciate the help you guys can give me!

If you go with an FE, you will end up paying a lot more just for the "authenticity" factor. If you're looking for pure "bang for the buck," have Lykins build you a SBF. It will last, and run like crazy.

[FredBMOC]

Originally Posted by patrickt

If you go with an FE, you will end up paying a lot more just for the "authenticity" factor. If you're looking for pure "bang for the buck," have Lykins build you a SBF. It will last, and run like crazy.

Thanks for the advice!

[blykins]

Originally Posted by FredBMOC

Come on boys,
Give me a run down on the different engines with Pros and Cons... please...
The reason I am asking is because in looking through adds and trying to compare the different builds is hard enough when just considering the different Cobra manufacturers and build options. When I add the sad fact of not really knowing the different engines and their characteristics makes the search even harder!!
I am trying to make an informed decision, as much as possible, and really appreciate the help you guys can give me!

Fred, give me a call: 502.759.1431. We can spend as much time as you need, going over the different engines/characteristics/combinations, etc.

[FredBMOC]

Thanks for the offer! But I went ahead and bought a BDR Friday with a 351w in it; if I need help in the future I'll be sure to contact you.

Best regards,

Fred

Originally Posted by blykins

Fred, give me a call: 502.759.1431. We can spend as much time as you need, going over the different engines/characteristics/combinations, etc.

[Mark328GTS]

Just make the call and Keith Craft will tell you whatever you need to know

[FredBMOC]

Doug,

Regarding Budget, I'd like to spend less than $40k on this toy (preferably closer to $30k) so I am mostly looking at used cars. Among the used car classifieds I have been looking, I see a lot of different engines used on the builds which is the main reason for my question; also because I am in South Florida and its damn hot here I am interested in how hot and temperamental these engines are; I love power but I hate having to push a car or worse, having to have it towed. Regarding the different manufacturers, I so far have been looking at Superformance and Backdraft as they seem to be among the most popular, well liked and there are many cars available for sale. I don't really need to have the most authentic Cobra available so I think that most of the reputable builders out there would fit the bill for me.
I hope this sheds some light on my thought process...

[dcdoug]

I think I'd go with patrickt's advice then and go for a SBF in that price range (I realize this is actually the opposite of what patrickt originally said ). Lots of options to choose from. Be picky, it's a buyers market.

It will be hard to find an FE powered cobra for under $40k. The engine alone is worth $10k-$20k. If you want to stretch a bit, buy MrMustangs ERA with a 427 Tunnelport (more like $48k-$49k).

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by dcdoug

I think I'd go with patrickt's advice then and go for a SBF in that price range (I realize this is actually the opposite of what patrickt originally said ).

No, both my positions are entirely consistent. By giving Lykins ten grand for a new SBF, he will get an engine that will both last, and, will have more horsepower than he will ever use. BUT, by the fact that it's not an FE, it will still be a POS if inserted under the hood of a 427 car.

[Excaliber]

Being as this is your first Cobra one of two things will happen in time.
1. You will learn more about the cars, compare that to the car you have and determine that you would like something more authentic.
2. You will be mostly happy with what you got, for the money, and accept it, even though it's not really what you want as time goes by.

Myself, I started with a long wheel base Cobra with a typical 302 Ford, T5 trans and live rear axle at a good price. As time went on I began to wonder what it is was really like "back in the day"? Could I afford to get into another Cobra that was a little more authentic, closer to like it was in the 60's? I wanted to feel, and live that experience as much as reasonably possible given my budget.

Phase two:
I HAD to have a genuine FE for starters. I HAD to have IRS as well, while some live axle cars are OK, mine rode like a truck. Terribly uncomfortable on the street, but did surprisingly well on the track. Lack of power bothered me, the small block, near stock, just wasn't enough (in time). At first, I thought it was plenty.

So, I found a good used ERA at a price I could afford, while not perfect to original details in all aspects (very few of these cars are) it's "close enough". A genuine 427 side oiler, with original heads and a flat tappet cam. Of course the IRS and a body shape (very important to me) that is considered one of the most accurate shapes around. The whole thing cost me considerably more than I ever thought I would pay for a replica Cobra. But you see, you either get bitten hard by the snake and gotta have it, or your happy with what you do have and don't worry about it.

Only time will tell which way it goes for you...

Many say, correctly, a replica Cobra is little more than a "hot rod". Modded up with modern parts, etc. etc. The logic is hard to escape. good price, good quality and all that. But for me, it lacks "soul". Take the BDR for instance, nice ride, nice price, to much BMW in the mix for my taste, that would always bother me. As you mentioned the SPF, small block or 385 series big block is a typical choice. A nice 351W stroked and bored or a 429/460 big block. Neither appeals to me. An SPF with a "real" FE? Even a 390? Well now were talking, I might bite, at the right price.

[FredBMOC]

Excaliber,
Thanks for taking the time to write. In truth I tend to fall into category 1 of your description but since I have never even sat in a cobra I am trying to be reasonable about it and keep the price tag to a reasonable amount for a decent vehicle. I have read about and looked at the listings for ERAs and Kirkhams and fully understand the lust all Cobra owners have for those vehicles and some day I may find myself with a "must Have" urge to have one of those but at this time simply having the look of a cobra and some of the raw driving experience should suffice ( at least I hope it will ).

Originally Posted by Excaliber

Being as this is your first Cobra one of two things will happen in time.
1. You will learn more about the cars, compare that to the car you have and determine that you would like something more authentic.
2. You will be mostly happy with what you got, for the money, and accept it, even though it's not really what you want as time goes by.

Myself, I started with a long wheel base Cobra with a typical 302 Ford, T5 trans and live rear axle at a good price. As time went on I began to wonder what it is was really like "back in the day"? Could I afford to get into another Cobra that was a little more authentic, closer to like it was in the 60's? I wanted to feel, and live that experience as much as reasonably possible given my budget.

Phase two:
I HAD to have a genuine FE for starters. I HAD to have IRS as well, while some live axle cars are OK, mine rode like a truck. Terribly uncomfortable on the street, but did surprisingly well on the track. Lack of power bothered me, the small block, near stock, just wasn't enough (in time). At first, I thought it was plenty.

So, I found a good used ERA at a price I could afford, while not perfect to original details in all aspects (very few of these cars are) it's "close enough". A genuine 427 side oiler, with original heads and a flat tappet cam. Of course the IRS and a body shape (very important to me) that is considered one of the most accurate shapes around. The whole thing cost me considerably more than I ever thought I would pay for a replica Cobra. But you see, you either get bitten hard by the snake and gotta have it, or your happy with what you do have and don't worry about it.

Only time will tell which way it goes for you...

Many say, correctly, a replica Cobra is little more than a "hot rod". Modded up with modern parts, etc. etc. The logic is hard to escape. good price, good quality and all that. But for me, it lacks "soul". Take the BDR for instance, nice ride, nice price, to much BMW in the mix for my taste, that would always bother me. As you mentioned the SPF, small block or 385 series big block is a typical choice. A nice 351W stroked and bored or a 429/460 big block. Neither appeals to me. An SPF with a "real" FE? Even a 390? Well now were talking, I might bite, at the right price.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by FredBMOC

... but at this time simply having the look of a cobra and some of the raw driving experience should suffice ( at least I hope it will ).

A well built, used FFR with a strong engine and the looks that strike your fancy will do quite nicely then. You really shouldn't have too much trouble and you'll have a blast with it.

[Excaliber]

...buy MrMustangs ERA with a 427 Tunnelport (more like $48k-$49k).

Thats what I'm talking about!!!! Nailed it right there! About as close to a "real" Cobra as your likely to get for the money.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Excaliber

Thats what I'm talking about!!!! Nailed it right there! About as close to a "real" Cobra as your likely to get for the money.

Agreed. In fact, I'm almost tempted to throw a couple of grand in to the kitty just to get the damn thing sold so he'll quit bugging us with it.

[FredBMOC]

Hey,
I might take you up on that offer

Regarding POS SBF The engine of choice would be something like a 351W correct?
Regarding the different engine builders such as Roush, Lykins, Keith Craft what is the difference between them?
Sorry about so many questions but I have never owned an american muscle car; my thing was always for European cars.

Originally Posted by patrickt

Agreed. In fact, I'm almost tempted to throw a couple of grand in to the kitty just to get the damn thing sold so he'll quit bugging us with it.