Roush 588 cu in R motor

[Pappy]

Am getting ready to buy a new Superformance Cobra Mark III and want the Roush 588R motor package installed.

Does anyone on here have the setup? Would like some input.

Thanks. Pappy

[Bernica]

Welcome! Do a search on this site about Roush motors and some problems folks have had. Not saying they are bad motors, just wanted to suggest that you do some research.
Good luck on your new adventure!

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Bernica

Welcome! Do a search on this site about Roush motors and some problems folks have had. Not saying they are bad motors, just wanted to suggest that you do some research.
Good luck on your new adventure!

Bernica is being diplomatic. We've have many members here have many problems with Roush engines. And they haven't always honored their warranties. And their engine prices are at the top of the market.

Personally, I'd look at other options.

[Bernica]

This engine? I'm with Rodnock on this one. Do some looking around....

588 R Crate Engine

[twobjshelbys]

I had issues with the fuel injection system in the 427IR, but none of the issues like excessive oil consumption.

[Bernica]

588 CID in a Cobra? Why?
Your money can be spent better elsewhere on the car IMHO.

[Bernica]

Have you given thought to tires? As the saying goes, that's where the rubber hits the road and should not be overlooked. Again, IMHO

[Pappy]

Originally Posted by Bernica

Have you given thought to tires? As the saying goes, that's where the rubber hits the road and should not be overlooked. Again, IMHO

The widest NITTO 555R's that the wheels will take.

[rodneym]

Here's a bit of "counterpoint" on this "non biased Cobra site"...

I've owned 2 Roush motors, a 402R and a 468SRFE. I personally put 2k of the SPF/402R's 5,500 miles before selling. It was leak free and reliable - a really nice motor. The second was the 468FE (the original motor in my Kirkham). I put on 3,500 miles. It was also leak free (), started every time on the first try, etc. What I didn't care for was the Avenger carbs Roush is so fond of but Roush's bit's and pieces give Kirkham a run for their money.

When I had my Twin Paxton motor built, I had Tom Lucas refresh the old Roush before I sold it (I wanted to sell it in good faith, having been refreshed by an FE expert). I asked Tom, "So what's the deal with Roush?" His reply was that the components were name parts. His issue was that they left "power on the table" by not porting, and there was certainly an extra cost for the name. They also have/had a warranty that created a standard. I understand there are people who have had warranty issues but that's certainly not the norm. Other builders had to compete with said warranty and ... they're not not all here with us now. Also, it could certainly be argued that the extra cost for the Roush would be made back on resale, just ask Lance Stander.

The real issue for me is that if there's a problem, Roush won't be as responsive as the independent. It doesn't mean they're gonna leave you in the weeds, though. And for every Roush story there is, there's just as many from the little guys. In fact, my choice of Roush over an "FE god" (with the Kirkham's first motor) was due to quite a few first hand accounts from owners! Having Tom Lucas or Joe Felciano's cell number and having them pick up on a Sunday means alot and there in lies the rub. Roush's business model isn't as conducive to a good builder/customer relationship as a Barry, Brent, Tom, George, etc. and a relationship is what you want. For a crate motor, it certainly doesn't mean Roush is persona non grata.

[DWRAT]

Go big or go home.
I wish I had a 588R under my hood.

[Pappy]

The big 588R is carbureted, so that's ok. I was more interested in how the Superformance chassis and set-up handled the heavy motor and torque of "big hole" motors. Another thing, I see the new Superformance Cobra's have a ZF rear end and apparently a one and only ratio of 3:45 (close). With the 588R torque I would much prefer around a 3:25. Oh, this will be strictly a street buggy.

Pappy.

[RodKnock]

Here's just one saga, but there are plenty of others, including tin-man and I believe CSX4910 too, but trust me, I'll be corrected if my memory is wrong.

Dissapointing year end with my Roush 427R

There are some sad Roush sagas out there.

[Bernica]

In my business, I have always preached "run to the problem and fix it". The rest will sort itself out over time and reasonable people, which doesn't always happen, but I believe in good faith and taking care of the customer above all else. Now that's the construction biz, but I would never have an engine built by anyone that I couldn't pick up the phone and talk to about any issues and know that he has my back best he can. I don't want to talk to customer service or file a claim and wait for some commitee to decide if I'm worthy.
my 2 c

[Dimis]

Originally Posted by Bernica

In my business, I have always preached "run to the problem and fix it". The rest will sort itself out over time and reasonable people, which doesn't always happen, but I believe in good faith and taking care of the customer above all else. Now that's the construction biz, but I would never have an engine built by anyone that I couldn't pick up the phone and talk to about any issues and know that he has my back best he can. I don't want to talk to customer service or file a claim and wait for some commitee to decide if I'm worthy.
my 2 c

Bernica, the more you post, the more love I got for you!

I do think that Roush have the best looking engines... those valve covers are sweet - all be it unjustifiably expensive. Over twice the price of even the most expensive Blue Thunder covers when I last enquired. (Hey, my car is a replica, so why not my engine... )

[Bernica]

Originally Posted by Dimis

Bernica, the more you post, the more love I got for you!

Hey, what's not to love?
That's "Zen-Bernica"! You don't want to see "Bad-Bernica", but he is alive and well!

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Dimis

Bernica, the more you post, the more love I got for you!

Sounds like Dimis is "feeling the Bern......ica"

Sorry, inside USA joke.

[Dimis]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Sounds like Dimis is "feeling the Bern......ica"

Sorry, inside USA joke.

Ah Rodknock my man, the more you post, the more you sound like a "septic tank"

Sorry, inside AUS joke.



PS: I saw a 930 with a LS7 and wondered... I wonder if he'd sell it to me for a discount

[blykins]

I'm at $20500, but I'd be at 604 cubic inches and would make about 750-775 hp on pump gas, with a hydraulic roller. Would peak the horsepower at around 6000. Very mild.

Ford Motorsports block, Scat crankshaft, Callies rods, Trick Flow A460 heads, etc, etc. High quality stuff.

Complete engine from oil pan to Quick Fuel Dominator carburetor. All pulleys, brackets, alternator, starter, and a pack of adult diapers.

Obviously, less expensive engines are available. I could build a 630 hp 385 series engine for probably around the $14000-15000 mark.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Bernica

In my business, I have always preached "run to the problem and fix it".

... or, wait around for the problem to get worse and then charge more to fix it.

[Dimis]

Originally Posted by patrickt

... or, wait around for the problem to get worse and then charge more to fix it.

Sounds like how lawyers make their cash...