Engine Option (Just For Discussion)

[Joe's Garage]

Originally Posted by Bernica

I think you are wrong. Plenty of guys here that can prove it. You are trolling for someone to take the bait, I think.

All I know is when I see a quality replica that looks authentic with 427 fender badges and all the right knick knacks, and then find out it has a 460 FE in it, my first thought is what a colossal brain fart

[Thor maine]

Originally Posted by Joe's Garage

All I know is when I see a quality replica that looks authentic with 427 fender badges and all the right knick knacks, and then find out it has a 460 FE in it, my first thought is what a colossal brain fart

When I look under the hood of a very well done Cobra replica, Kit, HotRod shaped like a Cobra and I see a Chevy or a Hemi or Viper V10 or a Buick Grand National V6, Mopar HellCat or some other really cool motor , I think " WOW outside the box Let's go for a ride". I look under the hood and I see a Ford motor I think "Wow super cool, let's go for a ride" Its all good just enjoy the ride!

[Joe's Garage]

Originally Posted by Thor maine

When I look under the hood of a very well done Cobra replica, Kit, HotRod shaped like a Cobra and I see a Chevy or a Hemi or Viper V10 or a Buick Grand National V6, Mopar HellCat or some other really cool motor , I think " WOW outside the box Let's go for a ride". I look under the hood and I see a Ford motor I think "Wow super cool, let's go for a ride" Its all good just enjoy the ride!

A little tongue 'n cheek for some of the FE guys who preach what the "correct motor" is, what they have of course, but missed the memo on 427 CID, the double standard gets old.

[750hp]

I agree with everyone. NO! I DISAGREE WITH EVERYONE!

What are we talking about?

My Dad and I have owned Cobra bodied "whatever we're calling them" cars and they have had:
351W
355 SBC
454 BBC
398 SBF
427 FE

Loved them all.

[blykins]

You say potato, I say potato......

[Buzz]

We agree! Out of curiosity though - question for both you and Craft Engines - putting aside Cobra authenticity which automatically gives the FE the nod, what would be your version of the ultimate Ford based build for maximum, cost-no-object street and occasional strip performance in a Cobra-like car? No limit on cost, cubes, induction, aftermarket blocks, etc.

[blykins]

Probably a 385 series engine with an Eliminator aluminum block.

It's just hard to beat a BBF in terms of horsepower potential.

[750hp]

Originally Posted by Buzz

No limit on cost, cubes, induction, aftermarket blocks, etc.

C and C Motorsports 11.2" 4.9" BS block
B441 Hemi heads
800 cubes
Sheet metal intake.
Carbs / throttle bodies - who cares because they'll probably be above eye level anyway..!

Something like this...


We're putting the Chevy equivalent into a street driven Chevelle. At 805 cubes on 93 octane pump gas, it made 1458hp. Detune the Ford Hemi even more and it'll still be a 1000hp motor. Just right for a Cobra.

[Buzz]

Damm - Craig, would that beast even fit between the fenders? I definitely agree the ultimate setup would start with an alloy 385 based block. Dry sump?

Fastd, that engine with aluminium block and heads wouldn't make the car nose-heavy. Iron block 427 cars are pretty evenly balanced front to rear as it is. It could possibly even end up with a small rear weight bias.

[Thor maine]

Originally Posted by 750hp

C and C Motorsports 11.2" 4.9" BS block
B441 Hemi heads
800 cubes
Sheet metal intake.
Carbs / throttle bodies - who cares because they'll probably be above eye level anyway..!

Something like this...


We're putting the Chevy equivalent into a street driven Chevelle. At 805 cubes on 93 octane pump gas, it made 1458hp. Detune the Ford Hemi even more and it'll still be a 1000hp motor. Just right for a Cobra.

That looks like something that would be on the TV show "Street Outlaws"

[fastd]

Blykins,

So how high would you get that 385 to rev? Would you stroke it?

I feel like a lighter engine, that revs to 7k, that feels "light" with 450-475 of crank hp and torque is probably perfect for 2600 lbs era Cobras. Some of the other makes in the 2200 lb area could live with somewhat less.

If we compare with today's cars, the best compliment any car can get is that it is "well-balanced". If your sense of balance is a nose heavy 600+ monster that is a beast to drive than God bless.

[blykins]

If you're just looking for 450hp, then the expense of the engine I was referring to would be in vain....

The 385 series engine with the aluminum block, TFS heads, etc., would literally be a 600+ cubic inch engine and would probably make 800 hp very easily...on pump gas....at 6000 rpm.

The beauty of a big engine is that you don't need to stress it hard to make horsepower.

[fastd]

Blykins,

So then what would you recommend for 7k rpm engine that is light with 450ish hp and torque?

[blykins]

331/347 sbf....

I could even make a 289 make that kind of horsepower....would be light on torque though.

[Bernica]

Originally Posted by CraftEngines

I can't tell you how many times we get asked the question, "what is the best engine for a Cobra?" I can give feedback on the Kirkhams and Superformance cars we have built in house. I tell most guys it is a personal preference of 302, 351, FE, or 460. Just curious to get some responses from Cobra owners with real world experiences. Our most popular Cobra engines that we most always have going are 427ci Windsors and 482ci FEs. Let us hear your opinion.

Back on topic. For me this is the only choice for a 427 S/C!

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Bernica

Back on topic. For me this is the only choice for a 427 S/C!

It doesn't even have a coil.

[Bernica]

Originally Posted by patrickt

It doesn't even have a coil.

That's a WIP (work in progress) pic. It's been through a few coils since then!

I seems to me that there will always be the segment that simply must have an FE, but it sure sounds like things are trending to the SBF strokers as Brent and Lance have mentioned. Easier on the wallet for sure and now days putting up some good numbers.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Bernica

Back on topic. For me this is the only choice for a 427 S/C!

Snob!

[Bernica]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Snob!

Just tryin' to keep it "Real"!
What the hell, this thread has gone to s$$t anyways...

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Bernica

Just tryin' to keep it "Real"!
What the hell, this thread has gone to s$$t anyways...

Well, maybe we can steer the conversation to "What's your favorite Cobra color?" And I'm sure there will be ONLY ONE (1) VOTE for Desert Storm Camo Hummer Beige.