F460 & BackDraft/Superformace Help
 

I'm in the market for a cobra and thinking about the Backdraft or Superformance. More importantly I'm interested in an F460 with about 550 hp. Any thoughts with this engine? Probably will have it built by Performce Engineering in Ohio. I 'v heard good things about them. The only down side is that I live in NJ and if something goes wrong with the engine it could be a problem getting it fixed.

Also I would appreciate any thoughts about the Backdraft vs the Superformace car. I know there is probably allot of information on this topic and what I have read so far has not swayed me either way. The only downside with the Superformace car is the price tag. Whereas with a Backdraft you could get a turnkey Cobra for about $50 which is better than $60. **)

Basically I'm just interested in street cruising and perhaps going to the track to run the qtr mile.

Mod Note- moved to All Cobra Talk

my preference would be to get a Ford CRATE 460 ( or 514 ) vs a custom build . Many spfs have 460/514s in them . If going custom, find a shop NEAR YOU vs several states away. If /when a problem develops it is easier to get back to a local engine guy vs long distance ..and a ford crate allows you easier access also to ford performance dealers . the further you are from your engine builder/ installer the further away from timely driving of your car , ie less down time the closer you are as car is not in transit several hundred miles -and easier for you to see what is transpiring during the install . The closer (engine , builder installer ) the better for after the sale needs .

re backdraft and spf ... I am not that familiar with backdraft ownership experience, but suspect if you add the optional cost of options to a backdraft that come standard on a spf, that the dollar differences are not that great when finally tally'd up . mebbe i am wrong , but worth a comparison . if you dont want a top, side curtains et al, then the backdraft ( or similar ) would have a price advantage . My top is used often ,extends the driving season- and yes, i drive mine in the rain too .

either way , both are good products, as are other brands ..but my old spf built in 1996 keeps on taking a licking and keeps on ticking .

good luck with your choice . Bill

If I was purchasing a Ford 460 it would be directly from the Ford Motor Company as they have put together far more engines than any of the other crate engine suppliers. Superformance has always made their Cobra so almost any SB or BB could be installed but Back Draft never recommended a BB but as we speak I heard that is changing so I suggest you contact Reg Dodd of Back Draft and talk with him about a BB install.

Frank a BDR has a nice Black/White with a 460 in it that is available....

I had a 460 custom built by performance engineering. The motor purrs like a kitten, I couldnt be happier. Do your research, I dont believe that the crate motors come with roller rockers, cam and timing chain. The custom built does. Pistons are different forged vs cast. There are some differences.

They have built a ton of motors, I think they have it down to a science by now.

Since you are in NJ you will want to make sure the casting code on the block pre-dates 1974... with the Ford Racing crate you have no guarantee the block will meet that requirement. I would go the PE route since you can define that requirement.

We are also facing our first warranty claim with Ford Racing at the moment and I can tell you the response from them has not impressed me as of yet and it is not any easier than dealing with PE or another custom engine shop.

We have customers in NJ with BDRs and have started doing more big block installs lately. Freehold is not that far a drive if you have the time to visit with us and learn about the Backdrafts and our advantages to other options in the market.

You cannot go wrong with either brand you mention, it is just a matter of defining the components (price, style, size, performance, etc.) that are most important to you.

F460 Back draft/superformace
 

Yes. I have looked into the Ford crate motor, however, since I live in NJ the crate motor will just not pass for emmision's. NJ actualy checks the casting # on the block, serial #'s and they was to know the VIN # of the car that the engine came from.

I did compare the Superfromance with the Backdraft and found that if I went with the Backdraft (and added few options like the 17 inch wheels, Top, and heater) I still manged to save approx $10K over Superformace. I have driven the Backdraft, but not the Superformace. I would appreciate any opinions from a person that has driven both of these vehicles

Thanks

I have driven both but own a SPF so I am more than just a little rejudice. I like the SPF better but it is probably much better if you drive both. Personal opinion is everything when evaluating these cars which explains why there are so many loyalists for so many brands.

I almost hate to say anything here about PE but I would highly recommend that you consider buying locally. I have a PE engine and am happy with it. I bought my car in 1999 and Eric at PE built my engine. I had one problem with it and he stood behind it so my personal experience has been very good with Eric. Keep in mind that this was a long time ago. That said, I have heard far too many PE horror stories in the last couple of years that I know to be true that even if close by I might be extra careful going back there. As a matter of fact, I would not.....period. Being a long way off I HAVE to believe that you can find a competent engine builder with equal talents in your own backyard who would offer much greater security should something go wrong.

Just one other opinion.

two cents
 

i just went through a similar deliberation. i was already set on Superformance, but debated used vs. new. I picked SPF over anyone else (in this price range) due to the period correct look of everything, down to the smallest details like the Smith and Lucas guages. quality and reputation were very important too, but it was the cosmetic accuracy to the original that i liked.

I went with the guys in Ross, OH and picked a Ford 460 crate motor, rated at 550HP. Eric put it on the chassis dyno, did stuff to it and bumped the rear wheel hp from low 400's to about 413hp i think.

1,300 miles so far since getting her about a month ago. the engine sounds and looks fantastic, pulls like crazy, and i have zero regrets. i live in NYC, and keep the car up in Mass, so I can relate to the worry over distance. The answer is to find somebody near, and that's the nice thing about these hot rods - no shortage of people, it seems, who specialize in big (or small) block Fords.

PM me if you want to know more.

Oh, and you can get that set up for under $60K. Unless prices have gone up in the last 60 to 90 days...