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The FE is a medium block in the Ford world. The question is, what exactly Is the point of 550HP in a sub-3,000# car on the street? |
It's all a matter of supply/parts availability.
If you are building a 4.250 bore side-oiler, you have three choices if you want a new crankshaft:
No one makes a new 3.784 crank, so you have to go with a used one or pay dearly to have one custom made. The 428 crank (3.984) uses Ford rods and the same original size bearings. When fitting the crank, you have to buy complete sets of bearings to get the sizes you need. Depending on how things workout, it is conceivable you'd need to buy multiple sets to come up with the combination you want. With the two longer strokes, they use a chevy sized bearing and are available individually so you can mix & match as needed. Also some may argue the longer rod gives a little better geometry. I'm in the process of building another FE and would love to go with a standard stroke/bore unit - but it just isn't doable - at least I haven't found a way to do it and still use new parts that my budget will allow. Paul |
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Cheers, Glen |
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I'm assuming that your engine selection was restricted to a choice of one....yes? Cheers! Glen |
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Then if that's not enough, make them venturi-less with a spray-bar auxilary venturi. Gary |
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Personally, I would have put a Chevy LS engine like the Aussies do, but when a Kirkham comes up for sale in the States, they nearly always have FE’s. So, resale or money was a factor. And the FE was just a plain easy and headache free installation. And I appreciate the easy path. What I didn’t do, is install a toploader, date coded side oiler, Shelby badges, Smith gauges, ID plate, paint, etc., or even buy a CSX, to achieve the most “accurate replica.” ;) |
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Glen,
I think the answer is many reasons. They are: 1) drive ability (lesser cam needed), hydraulics and factory rockers are still good. 2) parts availability 3) no visible difference except in performance 4) sometimes the additional HP does get called on 5) you can street it without spinning the tires (a lot) 6) The originals were not far off 500 HP with worse tires, suspension, etc. 7) the newer tires, 5 speeds, reward end ratios, all provide support for the higher horsepower. I did not select my engine, simply bought the car shortly after the build. The lightweight aluminum was a plus to the hp and ERA car. Phil |
Well, just remember that if you put any engine in a 427 style car other than an FE, children will cry at car shows when you open your hood, and the other Cobras that have FEs in them won't let you play in any of the Cobra games. You will eventually be banished to the land of misfit Cobras.:cool:
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Two of my buddies have 427's in their Unique Cobras.
One is a '65 427 s.o. that Keith Craft stroked to 487. It has something like 620 fwhp and 630 fwtq. 9 to 1 compression. Very street-able. I've driven it a lot. I had it at 7,000 in third gear and 6,700 in fourth. 3550 Tremec. 12" wide rear rims and lots of tire. Fast when you want it to be. The other is a Pond's aluminum block 482 build by Keith Craft. 9.5 to 1 with TKO 600 630 fwhp & 640 fwtq. Very street-able. Both will cruise in 5th (.84 ) at 1800 rpms with out the trailer hitch jerk. And like someone said "it's a replica". And 98% of the people that look under the hood "don't know" Remember, Shelby sold a lot of 428 Cobra with 427 badges. So what is real? |
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Why wouldn't you?
The cost to build is the same. ;) |
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OK, must admit, in the interests of full disclosure, yes my 289FIA will be powered by a 302, and the 'chassis' is a monocoque :eek: Cheers! Glen |
I used to have a brother in law who once bragged to me that he had a GTO, a harley and a 44 Magnum. Only the biggest of every compensator was good enough for him.
Lets face it any 427 Cobra replica is a major compensator for most owners (not me of course);) For my own goals, I'd just love to get it running right so I can go out and scare the wee out of myself!;) |
There you go Glen, I believe you have your answer, everyone has their opinion, and this is why I like this club, so much, no wrong answer's :) Yesterday I had the opportunity to drive my neighbors 66 Chevelle (Well built)427 4-speed to a car show. Heavy car compared to our Cobra's, but sure pull's hard, and easily break's the tires loose in the first two gears. Nothing like a Big Block to put a smile on your face ;) Cheers Tom.
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