Big block or small block?

[Varmit]

Originally Posted by Silverback51

Just out of curiousity, what were your faster cars?

And I'm asking because I'm a gearhead and love all fast cars.

99 Corvette stroked 402 with a Vortec Supercharger with meth injection and 3:90 gears; 706 hp and 657 tq to the wheels
69 Camaro with LS6 454 and 4:11 gears
Seems my 07 Z06 ( currently dyno'd at 565 hp) with some mod work is about as quick as the SPF. Not knocking the Cobra at all here, just stating I enjoy the car for what it is

[TomsCobra]

I agree with Mrmustang, depends on what you are going to use it for. I am just glad to have a cobra (in pieces right now) and I am just going to drive it and enjoy it. I have chosen to just do a 351W roller with a mild build. 350 - 400 hp should be plenty to get around town and not kill myself.

If I was going to race it, then it would be a different story.

[AL427SBF]

but when you say it has a 427!!!!!! that is the magic number.
vector1 = correct you are

It is a small block 427, I enjoy it for what it is. I've had much faster cars, but none as enjoyabe to drive. I did not buy it to satisfy or impress others ...
Varmit = Good choice with the right criteria

To pass a SB off as a "427" just because it's stroked and bored to that number is disingenuous, to say the least
patrickt = more happy horsechit from a guy who bought his car to impress the neighbors lol

[RodKnock]

I understand the issue and 427 cubic inches is 427 cubic inches. That doesn't seem so hard to understand. When someone at a car show asks if it's a 427, a 427 Windsor is a 427. Anyone who knows Fords, will know it's not an FE, and anyone that doesn't know.......well, ignorance is bliss.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

I understand the issue and 427 cubic inches is 427 cubic inches. That doesn't seem so hard to understand. When someone at a car show asks if it's a 427, a 427 Windsor is a 427. Anyone who knows Fords, will know it's not an FE, and anyone that doesn't know.......well, ignorance is bliss.

You need to be a little more intolerant.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

You need to be a little more intolerant.

I'm just happy that the OP isn't considering a 385 series. That would make me intolerant.

[Silverback51]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

I'm just happy that the OP isn't considering a 385 series. That would make me intolerant.

Bite me.

I wouldn't take a FE if it was given to me.

And Merry Christmas.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Silverback51

Bite me.

I wouldn't take a FE if it was given to me.

And Merry Christmas.

You do realize that I was kidding.

I think 385's are wonderful engines.......................in 1969 and 1970 Mustangs.

Again, kidding.

[WardL]

I wanted a Cobra with a 427 CI engine. Before I had one, I preferred a DART small block 427. I have one now and I'm still happy to have a small block 427. I get questions about is it real. I've never had a question asking if it was a big block. To me, it is kinda like asking did you upgrade everything to the latest technology in your Cobra? I don't want to be critical of anyone or anything. The DART small block is newer tech like the rest of my Cobra. I don't get why it has to be a big block to be more of a replica. Merry Christmas!

[patrickt]

I'm still trying to get over RodKnock's callous disregard for our friends with 385 engines and their inherent honesty in choosing that line of engines. You'd think he would have gained some sensitivity over the years... but apparently not.

[mdross1]

Originally Posted by patrickt

I'm still trying to get over RodKnock's callous disregard for our friends with 385 engines and their inherent honesty in choosing that line of engines. You'd think he would have gained some sensitivity over the years... but apparently not.

Fortunetly it does not matter to a lot of us.Everytime I open the hood for most that are not Cobra owners the Wow! response is all that matters.In all the years I have owned this car only one person has ever critisized and he was an FE guru.My day of redemption came at a car show one year he pulled up beside our car and parked.Our hood was up his was not, a photographer asked if he would lift his hood,then spun around with camera on a tripod and took a dozen or more pictures of our car and the engine bay.Bottom line is these cars we are putting all different types of engines in are KIT CARS!!!! plain and simple.Truly amazes me why the FE crowd has to be so starch collared about it.Course we have the unknowing few that always ask "Is it a real one"As I said in the beggining It Does Not Matter! When I climb into the cockpit of my own handbuilt big block Cobra,there aint nobody on Gods green earth more happy or proud.Nobody can take that away including the small block,FE,guru's even Mr Shelby,and especially those that don't have a clue.
This is what the sport/hobby/passion/should be!!!!

[vatdevil]

Fords new 5.8L aluminum block 650 hp/600 ftlb is a game changer. Rumor has it that it can handle 900+ hp. If I was building new, would have to consider this option.

[fordracing65]

That motor is a big as a house, just do a 460, same power, cheaper.

[GG108]

I bought my car (FFR) 3 years ago already built with a 351w…and it was awesome. I've always had a love affair with the 427…it was a mystical engine to me that belonged in a Cobra. I immediately planned a big block swap and if I would have had an extra $20,000 at the time, I wouldn’t have blinked with a modern aluminum 427 FE. I instead went with a 385 series 545. My engine has become kind of freakish as it’s morphing into a supercharged SuperSnake (complete w/SS hood). Now, I wouldn’t trade it!

After being in the Cobra fraternity for some time now and part of an incredible and diverse group of guys within the Capital Area Cobra Club, we’ve got everything up here...countless kits and engines. As Bill stated, your use of the car is an important factor. We have a serious race squad here (track & autocross) and they’re all small blocks…and they’re nasty! My car should be the king of the drag strip in the area, but I haven’t learned how to drive it yet, so our best time is currently held by a sb…and I’m still honored.

Now there is something so pure and beautiful about the modern CSX’s, Kirkhams, and ERA’s , that even I would feel funny about anything other than an FE in them. They’re just so true to the originals (there is a picture of Patrick’s car where it is still, but looks like it’s in motion…about as beautiful a picture of a Cobra as you’ll ever see). We have several Kirkhams and a few CSX’s (a 4000 & a 6000) in our club and when you stare at them, it’s like flashing back in time. All have 427 FE’s in them. All make your mouth drop open! And that’s before they even start…then, oh my God…that sound! With my car starting out not so true to an original, it’s been easier to take some liberties…but to this day, I still get goose bumps when I stare at or drive it.

Bottom line…when you grow to truly love something, it doesn’t matter what others will think (but there is definitely a magic to a BB 427 in a Cobra)

Whatever you decide, I wish you the best with your car

(within the CACC, this is always a fun ribbing back and forth between the SB & BB guys!)

Merry Christmas to Everybody!

[fordracing65]

Very well said, every time this topic comes up some people sigh, but I can listen and read about the mighy FE all day long.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by GG108

They’re just so true to the originals (there is a picture of Patrick’s car where it is still, but looks like it’s in motion…about as beautiful a picture of a Cobra as you’ll ever see).

Ahhh, you're probably thinking of this shot. And the story behind it has ERAChas commenting "Pat, your car looks like it's going fast even when sitting still -- I'd sure like a pic of it, if you don't mind." So, a little nip & tuck here, a little Gaussian there, and voilà -- a showpiece shot for Chas! The hi-res version of it now adorns the living room wall of his home, right next to a pic of his beloved Golden Retriever, Rex.

[ERA Chas]

Originally Posted by patrickt

"Pat, your car looks like it's going fast even when sitting still -- I'd sure like a pic of it, if you don't mind."

NOT. George Lucas couldn't make that thing look fast. I can't believe Peter let that out into daylight with the company name on it. He just 'took the money'.
I AM removing any laxative supplies from the cabinet and hanging this in their place.
Rodknock said it best:
"Wait a second here. Patrick has a 428. That's like the light beer or a white wine spritzer's of FE's."
Yep, Cobra-Lite --only with Groucho's eyebrows.
Keep me out of your web psycho-babble and stop attempting to be the wise sage to the Cobra world. Even the noobs can see you're a jackass.
Put this under your tree.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by ERA Chas

I AM removing any laxative supplies from the cabinet and hanging this in their place.

Rex is not going to like that. Oh well, Merry Christmas anyway.

[greg schroeder]

If the plan is to look at the car and cause maximum confusion for others asking if it is real get a basic FE with old looking valve covers and old fashion fuel lines and stuff. Then you can make jokes about it being a real car along with evasive responses avoiding disclosure that the car isn't an original Cobra.

For me the plan was to go with a nice size engine that didn't kill the budget. I wanted the car to be very streetable cruising or a fricken hammer if the throttle is mashed and be able to make a casual start high 10s 1/4 pass without having to destroy the car launching hard. The Roush 427R stroker Windsor, hydraulic lifters, Victor Jr. intake, Pro-Systems carb and AFR heads seems to be the trick just like many of the packages out there. Get a good fuel delivery system and a set of Drag radials.

If the plan was to go faster, sure go for a 500+ cube big block or maybe a twin or single turbo small block stroker. That would be fun particularly if the engine was built as light as a Windsor.

The bottom line is you just gotta do what you like rather than what others like.

[mdross1]

Originally Posted by greg schroeder

If the plan is to look at the car and cause maximum confusion for others asking if it is real get a basic FE with old looking valve covers and old fashion fuel lines and stuff. Then you can make jokes about it being a real car along with evasive responses avoiding disclosure that the car isn't an original Cobra.

For me the plan was to go with a nice size engine that didn't kill the budget. I wanted the car to be very streetable cruising or a fricken hammer if the throttle is mashed and be able to make a casual start high 10s 1/4 pass without having to destroy the car launching hard. The Roush 427R stroker Windsor, hydraulic lifters, Victor Jr. intake, Pro-Systems carb and AFR heads seems to be the trick just like many of the packages out there. Get a good fuel delivery system and a set of Drag radials.

If the plan was to go faster, sure go for a 500+ cube big block or maybe a twin or single turbo small block stroker. That would be fun particularly if the engine was built as light as a Windsor.

The bottom line is you just gotta do what you like rather than what others like.

No doubt there are a lot of opinions some stronger than others.I found over the years it's interesting asking for advise but invariably you will get many different answers and the reasons for them.In my case knew I wanted a big block,just for the grunt at any speed,and for the unmistakeable look when you open the hood of these fantstic cars.My car was built with one thing in mind and that was to please the owner/builder,ME!!
Could care less what critics have to say,my car has all the things I ever imagined a Cobra could be since the first time I ever laid eyes on an SC.Best thing is I built it in my shop my name is on the title and it's parked in our garage maybe 60' from where I am typing this thread.
So no matter what you choose and what to power it with embrace it,enjoy it to the fullest,never forget we only have one shot at this life we cannot do it over.Good Luck, I for one will be interested in what you choose.MDR