Roush 588 cu in R motor

[Bernica]

Have you given thought to tires? As the saying goes, that's where the rubber hits the road and should not be overlooked. Again, IMHO

[Pappy]

Originally Posted by Bernica

Have you given thought to tires? As the saying goes, that's where the rubber hits the road and should not be overlooked. Again, IMHO

The widest NITTO 555R's that the wheels will take.

[rodneym]

Here's a bit of "counterpoint" on this "non biased Cobra site"...

I've owned 2 Roush motors, a 402R and a 468SRFE. I personally put 2k of the SPF/402R's 5,500 miles before selling. It was leak free and reliable - a really nice motor. The second was the 468FE (the original motor in my Kirkham). I put on 3,500 miles. It was also leak free (), started every time on the first try, etc. What I didn't care for was the Avenger carbs Roush is so fond of but Roush's bit's and pieces give Kirkham a run for their money.

When I had my Twin Paxton motor built, I had Tom Lucas refresh the old Roush before I sold it (I wanted to sell it in good faith, having been refreshed by an FE expert). I asked Tom, "So what's the deal with Roush?" His reply was that the components were name parts. His issue was that they left "power on the table" by not porting, and there was certainly an extra cost for the name. They also have/had a warranty that created a standard. I understand there are people who have had warranty issues but that's certainly not the norm. Other builders had to compete with said warranty and ... they're not not all here with us now. Also, it could certainly be argued that the extra cost for the Roush would be made back on resale, just ask Lance Stander.

The real issue for me is that if there's a problem, Roush won't be as responsive as the independent. It doesn't mean they're gonna leave you in the weeds, though. And for every Roush story there is, there's just as many from the little guys. In fact, my choice of Roush over an "FE god" (with the Kirkham's first motor) was due to quite a few first hand accounts from owners! Having Tom Lucas or Joe Felciano's cell number and having them pick up on a Sunday means alot and there in lies the rub. Roush's business model isn't as conducive to a good builder/customer relationship as a Barry, Brent, Tom, George, etc. and a relationship is what you want. For a crate motor, it certainly doesn't mean Roush is persona non grata.

[csx4910]

As the not so lucky owner of serial number 1 of the 511 Roush I can say the first 2 years were Hell. That being said, after getting sorted nad many trips back and forth I can say if I had to do over I would seriously look at a quality builder building a similar size motor for half the cost.

On the other side, now that the motor has some miles (about 3000)and properly sorted, it runs like a beast and I have no problems for quite a while since the initial couple of years. Do I love my motor - Yes, would I buy another Roush product again that was brand new just released - NO WAY. That being said the 588 has been out for a while I would think they worked some bugs out but you could build a carb'd 588 from another builder at half the price

[Ace23]

By all means if you want a 385 series big block then get it and don't look back.....personally I wish I had the 385 platform over my stroked Windsor. Do yourself a favor and reach out to Lance with Craft Performance or Brent Lykins with Lykins Motorsports. Both of these engine builders are forum sponsors and will be able to build you a more reliable combination than the Roush offers and it will be a lot less expensive as well. I don't have a Roush but have heard enough stories to keep me away.....you should also add Ford Motorsport crate motors to this list. We have a local SPF coupe with a 427 ford crate engine that took a dump that was practically new. Spend your money with a reputable builder it will be a much better outcome.