There is several versions of a drawing of engine dimensions on the net. I think one of them shows a FE compared to a 385 series.

I can tell you I have seen 385 series engines sitting beside FE engines in Cobras and the few inches difference makes a huge difference in the car.

Bore spacing on FE is 4.63" 385 series is 4.90"
Deck height on FE is 10.17" 385 series is 10.30"
385 series heads are much larger

Aside from the headers I would check if the starter clears the chassis. To place a 385 in a "CSX" chassis I had to hammer a huge dent into the rail. Can't remember if I had to modify the footboxes, too.

I guess your chassis clears either block and accessories? Even your fuel pump or oil filter can touch the chassis and you face more changes.

And what power difference are we talking about? You'll never feel it...

And there are non-trivial issues like room for the starter. I'm running a Summit Racing Protorque clockable starter and it's tight against the frame rail. I have to remove the oil pan to remove or install the starter. Tight fit.

I apparently have no life, as I've followed this thread and all the posts since its inception. SMH

Regardless, if the car's set up for an FE I'd put an FE in it. Easy decision. Want more torque or HP? Make a Super Snake.

Want more? How about the Supercharged 5.0L Coyote Crate Engine (785 HP & 660 TQ) from Edelbrock? Almost certainly lighter than either an FE or a 385.

Performance Crate Engines - Ford - Supercharged 5.0L Coyote Crate Engine (785 HP & 660 TQ) - Edelbrock, LLC.

Hey Bryan, how about a 8-71 huffer. ;)

If the measurments are correct (except 2" longer) why would a 460 be tighter than a FE, just different in shape ?

$24,500,......wow.

Supercharged 5.0L Coyote Crate Engine (785 HP & 660 TQ)



(What do you mean by, "I apparently have no life, as I've followed this thread and all the posts since its inception. SMH")

Those dimension charts don't tell what intake they are based on - I'm assuming a cast iron 4bbl OEM intake but not sure. My suspicion is once you get into performance intakes the 385 will grow taller than a FE.

I believe it's a Edelbrock RPM, but I'll check.

If I was ready, this is a great engine.

$13,000 (Offer less of course)

12.5:1 compression, but may be ok using aluminum heads and E-85 fuel on the street, but stretching it ?

489 CI 427 side oiler

Motor is complete and currently in my 66 Fairlane so you can hear it and drive it. The details are as follows:

Genesis block 4.280 bore
JE domed pistons 12.5 - 1
Scat 4.250 cast crank and H-beam rods
Edelbrock 60089 427 heads, SS valves mild gasket match & porting by Roush Performance
Comp Cams custom Hydraulic Roller & lifters .622 lift, duration 252I & 262E @ .050 112 LS
Nice choppy idle.
T&D street rockers

Short block built by Keith Craft

Less than 1000 easy street miles

Can be had with a couple different intake & carb combos. Currently has a Blue Thunder MR with BJ & BK carbs all new from Carls Ford Parts. I would rather keep the MR but could be talked into selling it as is. Also available with a Dove Tunnel Wedge or Edelbrock Victor w/Dominator carb flange etc.

Long Block $13000.00. Adder for intake and carb combo can be discussed.
Call to discuss other possibilities.

Well, after a lot of researching, speaking with many FE guys, owners, engine builders and most importantly my wife,.....we've desided on sticking with an FE.

We'll spend a lot more money for what I want, but l'm positive we'll enjoy it more than a 460, except for the cost. %/

Need to save, save, save for an FE. ;)

Interesting decision. If you are putting this engine in a CSX chassis (original or continuation) there is no doubt that an FE would be the only logical choice - (in a BB car of course). I have had both an original side-oiler and a 460 stroker...if performance and an impressive BB appearance is your end-goal, go with the bigger motor. I know I am late to this discurssion but I'd suggest you reconsider your choice...

Tony

http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d..._514_kaase.jpg

http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d..._141242656.jpg

After months and months of posts and threads, and soul-searching, and mental torment by FUNFER2 on FE vs 385 - please don't get him started again. An FE is good - go with it. Lets move on to the transmission. :)

Tony, great looking 385 series, especially with the 8 stack. I also have one now, but first.
Give me details about yours. Like, will you have a computer system ?

Although my Cobra is not original, not even close, I still like the FE and type of wheels. The only two reasons I had for other than a FE, was more HP and lower cost. If I had a much larger budjet there wouldn't be an issue, a BBM side oiler, heads and intake, stacked injection and everything polished would be sitting between my frame rails, but sadly that won't be the case. But, what I have will be a great setup, and very happy with the cost.

Dan, I agree, it's been a antagonizing time for me, but it's also been rewarding time also.
Not as easy as the first time around with engine decisions and budjet. Back in 2000 the cost of a FE was much less, today it's astounding. Finding a good 428 FE is getting hard to find. I almost went with a 390FE stroked to 445ci, which can be a strong, reliable and powerful engine, but the cost of a short or long block to a complete engine is still around
$10,000- $13,000. (+ -)

Ok, now I have some great news. After a lot of searching and soul searching, I just bought a new 428 FE from Larry Dove, of Dove Manufacturing. Has all his products except for his aluminum block. But that's ok, some of his blocks had porosity issues, as with the other three also had them. I also looked at buying a used engine, but that can get scary.

I also bought a lightly used BORLA/TWM 8 stack injection, complete except a fuel filter and lines. All polished, which I would have done anyway, and the FAST EZ system.

I'll post specs and pics in a while.

Actually, for the new build please join me here.

http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/all-...ml#post1431438

Kevin - I am thrilled you are on your way to a nice powerplant...post some pictures as things come together! Bravo!

Tony

lol,.....me too !

My thread link above has more info and pics. That will be the new build. I started that to get away from this thread about having a FE or 514 in Cobra's.

Thanks for the uplifting !

My BORLA/TWM injection.