FE engine choices - down to two

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by lippy

(1) is a new Pond 427/482. (2) is an original 427 block with Shelby heads, stroked to 427. Cost is about the same.

I think you mean stroked to 454 for #2.

Before making any final decisions, I'd want to hear about what camshaft (and specs), intake, carbs, oil pan, water pump, balancer, flywheel, etc. are installed, if any. High quality components may swing my vote one way or another.

There are many folks here on the board who only want a vintage engine like a sideoiler or nothing else. They have their fans. What sideoiler block is used? I'm not a FE expert, but is it an early 1965-66 solid lifter block, a little later 1968 hydraulic lifter block or a much later over-the-counter replacement?

Certainly the earlier blocks are valued more and may swing my vote one way or another, but considering the cost difference of the engines (zero), I'd likely still opt for modern engineering.