Engine Option (Just For Discussion)

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by blykins

Even some of the guys with the most trained eyes can't discern between new CSX and Kirkham cars and the originals....they just look newer. But underneath, they are exactly replicas, as I mentioned above.

There are also other degrees of replicating, as demonstrated by the other manufacturers.

When you get into, "a HotRod that is shaped like a Cobra.... With a giant asphalt ripping engine of what ever flavor you like".......then you start getting into this:



Like I said, if you want a replica, build a replica. If you want a kit car, build a kit car.

The issue with this line of thinking is that people would take an abomination like the above and put a gen-you-whine Ferrari steering wheel in or even an engine from an old Dino and huff and puff that it's better or more real than a superbly executed, dimensionally and proportionally correct recreation with an American V8.
It's just blind brand loyalty speaking when folks think a stretched wheelbase, awful looking, live axle kit car with an FE is more of a Cobra than a beautiful, accurate looking replica with IRS and a brand X powertrain.
Its a noble and admirable hobby when an owner painstakingly recreates original details on his replica, but its just ridiculous to pontificate that a mishapen heap with a stroked windsor and dual rollbars is "better" than another kit car because it has a Chevy mill.
Shelby had no brand loyalty whatsoever. He went with whatever deal suited him best at the time. If you're a blind follower of some marketing department's koolaid - then fine, but why care so much when others make different choices??

Having said all that, I really like FE's and well executed details in nicely done Cobra replicas - definitely the most desirable way to go for a 427 replica. I also like the easy power of 385 series engines and while I appreciate the Coyote, I just find it way too big and bulky for its displacement. I like windsor strokers and I love the look of the AC MK VI with its sleek body, modern interior and LS powerplant. I suppose I'm more obsessed with the look and "spirit" of the Cobra than its (debatable) brand heritage.
At the moment, for me the ultimate engine build for an old-school looking replica would be an alloy Dart or other aftermarket Ford-based big block with +/ - 600 HP, stack EFI, beefy internals and good street manners.