Engine Choice Roush 342RE vs 427sr/tw

[xb-60]

Let us know what you settle on. There are quite a few to choose from (yes, see Cobra Country) in the price range you've mentioned.
Cheers,
Glen

[madmaxx]

SPF = pick up truck toughness, BDR = car toughness. You have a tough choice, go with the one which is the best looking to you as far as looks.

[TimeForACobra]

The broker for the SPF said the SPF was not built for the track... But is a COBRA. Any validity to that? Shouldn't the SPF handle just fine? He said I should change the springs and shocks if I autox/track day the SPF. The Backdraft with the BMW suspension should handle very well. I'm not trying to be a national champion or anything, but I wouldn't mind the car being competitive, even if I'm not . Ugh... Decisions, decisions...

[madmaxx]

Your broker is an idiot.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by madmaxx

Your broker is an idiot.

A Superformance is a licensed replica, but not a Cobra. Only a Shelby can legally be called a Cobra.

Price, condition, adherence to the original, engine choice, etc. Whatever floats your boat. If you want a 427, but in a Superformance, then there always quite few on the market.

[vatdevil]

Superformance with the Fast fuel injection is my suggestion. Thats a very good engine for autocross. You don't need 17s, get a set of Avons.

[Cashburn]

Again, a 2007 Roush 342RE will not have FAST on it. It will have the headache ACCEL DFI...

[olddog]

EFI vs Carb:
Many tuners today have never seen or worked with a carb and that trend will continue.
Most of us older guys cannot or do not have the tools to tune EFI.
I have seen quite a few Cobra's launch and slosh the fuel away from the jets and cause a major stumble, likewise in a hard corner. This is solvable, but my point a Cobra may give extra challenge to a Carb.
EFI is much less likely to have vapor lock due to the higher fuel pressure and no fuel boiling in the carb.
Either can be made to work. If these cars are well sorted out it may not be an issue. Ask yourself which one you would rather work with if there is a problem.

5.0 block verses 351 W block:
The Windsor is a much stronger block at the expense of weight. The Dart block a big plus in my mind. The 5.0 block has been known to crack from the main web up into the cam bearing at high HP levels. In theory the less weight of the 5.0 would handle better in an Auto-cross, but car set up and balance between cars is a bigger issue. I wouldn't let the weight issue sway me very much.

I would be more interested in the internal parts in these engines.

[Sailfish]

I have a Superformance (#2144) with a Roush 342. It's a carb. version with almost 14,000 miles on it. Other than the usual little tuning issues, the car has been flawless. I bought it new and drive it everywhere. It doesn't particularly like hot weather (>85) but is very driveable. I know I paid a premium for the Roush engine, but to me, it's worth it. I've had 4 years and 14,000 miles of very happy, and worry free, motoring. Why did I go with the 342 vs. a larger motor? Saved money, have almost as much horsepower and have less weight. All in all, the 342 has been a great combination for me.

[mreid]

Dugly, you also need to add the safety issue to your excellent post. These cars can come around in a heart beat. The more torque, the more opportunities for losing control. Your experience and comfort level should guide you. My daytona coupe had a 430hp 392w that was scarey fast. My Kirkham will have the 427w version of that engine with 540hp. Torque ratings are proportionately higher. I've driven performance vehicles all my life, but still maintain a very healthy respect and while hp sounds impressive, it's the torque which will kill you.

Mark

[Chilibit]

I have a SPF with the 402 SR/TW, and AVONs. I drive a lot more than most. It is flawless at doing what it does. If I did it again it would be a 342. I don't care to lope around with enough torque that I don't need to shift. I'll take the motor that spins up faster and I will shift. This works for me but it means I am in the minority. To me the SPF FIA with a 289 sounds very fine.

[xb-60]

I agree with Chillibit. So what sort of drive do you like? Do you like shifting gears and using the rev range, or do you prefer to change gears less and let the torque compensate?
Also have you looked at and driven the local BDR? How does it feel (handle, steer, brake)?
Can you drive a local SPF for a comparison?
Do you prefer the original look of the 15" wheels on the SPF or are the 17" non-originals OK to the eye?
What about the colour? Does that sway you either way?
Best of luck!
Glen

[WardL]

I wanted a SFP and a 427. That's what I bought. I wouldn't have bought either of these cars. Neither one will beat a Mazda 3 in the autocross, at least not with me behind the wheel. I've done autocross and had a fantastic time, but I'm not "competitive". Sure, I'm getting better, but the steering is so beastly, I just can't see being competitive. The reason I wanted an SPF is because I "knew" who put it together in SA and it is solid. Who put your backdraft together? Sorry, I consider both of these cars COBRAS.

[vipertocobra]

One thing is for sure....that BDR won't be sold for $42 !

[TimeForACobra]

I know, I know....