Engine Option (Just For Discussion)

[blykins]

Originally Posted by Three Peaks

PS- I'm a Chevy guy and I like the LS line a lot. Much like the earlier GM small blocks, they are easy to upgrade, lots of parts available for hot rodders, lots of them to choose from , etc..... but this is only the second SBF I've built and I really have enjoyed the process and the engine has responded fairly easily to my ham handed wrenching techniques.. not that I'm going to threaten Brent's business any time soon!

There are pluses and minuses to every engine family. I have yet to find one family that has everything in check. Everyone may think that I'm pro-Ford all the way and have never touched a Chevy, but I have handled a few and I have even touched a couple of LS engines. I built a 402 for a local guy, that used an aluminum GTO block and a set of AFR heads that put down 500 hp at the tires in a late model Camaro. He picked it up on a Saturday morning, had it in the car and dyno'd by Monday and placed 3rd in a field of 83 cars (one of those races where they do the 1/4 mile, auto-cross, etc., all at once) the following Saturday.

However, I could have done the same thing with a 402 inch Windsor.

What got in my craw was when someone said that the LS engine was superior to anything Ford ever had or has now. Obviously it was a statement born out of emotion, as there are *zero* engines out there that are superior to all others. As mentioned above, each engine family has their own "perks".

If you want to look at modern muscle car performance, then I would have to give the nod to the Modular Ford engine.

If you want to look at compatibility and pricing, then I think a lot of Chevy engines get the nod.

If you want to look at which engines have tried and trued longevity, then there are several that would fit that bill, but I don't think I'd reach for an engine that has only been out since 1996-1997 (both Mod Ford and LS), I'd reach for something that has been beat on since the 60's.

In my mind it's hard to beat a big inch Windsor with Cleveland heads. IMO, that's the best compromise of physical size, horsepower, available displacement, originality, etc. However, also in my opinion, it has no place in a Cobra...