what are the pro's vs con's on engines

[AL427SBF]

I like the direction this thread is going, neutral pros & cons at 1st, then polite bias toward one or the other, followed by less restraint and finger pointing. We are trending in the right direction, my 2 cents ...

Blown, you have the right idea, maybe bore it out to a 427 and get the best of both worlds?

- Weighs approx 100 lbs less than a 427fe
- Still same dimensions as 351c
- Huge torque increase over factory 351 engine
- Runs cooler than a 427fe
- Vehicle handles and corners better than a 427fe
- Just as fast or faster from 0-60 or 0-100 mph times vs. 427fe
- Runs thousands less in cost to a 427fe
- Won't leak oil like a 427fe
- Period correct displacement in a SBC package
- Performance parts available for all configurations

[patrickt]

RodKnock has personally witnessed hoards of spectators weeping at the sight of a small block in a 427 car. And, to a lesser extent, 385 series as well. But, in the end, it's your car... so put a rat motor in there if you want.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

RodKnock has personally witnessed hoards of spectators weeping at the sight of a small block in a 427 car. And, to a lesser extent, 385 series as well. But, in the end, it's your car... so put a rat motor in there if you want.

I haven't seen anyone weeping at car shows. But BBF's do lend an air of authenticity when installed in big block bodies, if that stuff matters to you. And from my own personal experience, big block Cobra bodies with big block engines appear to gather more spectators than other Cobras at car shows, if that stuff matters to you.

If authenticity and spectators don't matter to you, but cost does matter, then small block all the way.

[twin turbo]

Originally Posted by AL427SBF

I like the direction this thread is going, neutral pros & cons at 1st, then polite bias toward one or the other, followed by less restraint and finger pointing. We are trending in the right direction, my 2 cents ...

Blown, you have the right idea, maybe bore it out to a 427 and get the best of both worlds?

- Weighs approx 100 lbs less than a 427fe
- Still same dimensions as 351c
- Huge torque increase over factory 351 engine
- Runs cooler than a 427fe
- Vehicle handles and corners better than a 427fe
- Just as fast or faster from 0-60 or 0-100 mph times vs. 427fe
- Runs thousands less in cost to a 427fe
- Won't leak oil like a 427fe
- Period correct displacement in a SBC package
- Performance parts available for all configurations

Is the 351C ok to take out to 427? The Windsors usually use an aftermarket block to go that big.

[AL427SBF]

Originally Posted by twin turbo

Is the 351C ok to take out to 427? The Windsors usually use an aftermarket block to go that big.

There are 427C's out there, good question for an engine builder.

[blykins]

Originally Posted by AL427SBF

There are 427C's out there, good question for an engine builder.

Nope, no 427 Cleveland's....not from a factory 351c block anyway.

[AL427SBF]

Originally Posted by blykins

Nope, no 427 Cleveland's....not from a factory 351c block anyway.

How about bumping a factory 351w to 427?

Aftermarket 427 SBC
White Performance | STREET ROD ENGINES

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by AL427SBF

I like the direction this thread is going, neutral pros & cons at 1st, then polite bias toward one or the other, followed by less restraint and finger pointing. We are trending in the right direction, my 2 cents ...

Blown, you have the right idea, maybe bore it out to a 427 and get the best of both worlds?

- Weighs approx 100 lbs less than a 427fe
- Still same dimensions as 351c
- Huge torque increase over factory 351 engine
- Runs cooler than a 427fe
- Vehicle handles and corners better than a 427fe
- Just as fast or faster from 0-60 or 0-100 mph times vs. 427fe
- Runs thousands less in cost to a 427fe
- Won't leak oil like a 427fe
- Period correct displacement in a SBC package
- Performance parts available for all configurations

What's a small block versus big block comparison thread without some oversimplification, untruths and BS?

Yes, small block Ford engines are cheaper to build than big block Ford engines. True.

Performance parts are available for all configurations. Obvious, but true.

At a minimum, Cleveland heads are much larger than Windsor heads. So, they're not the same dimensionally. All big block Fords don't leak. And small blocks leak too. My BBF doesn't leak. And my BBF doesn't have any cooling issues.

The rest, leaks, cooling, handling and performance, will depend on the car, engine builder and your budget.