KC-514 Engine 700 HP $10,600 !

[FUNFER2]

patrickt- no,...no,...no lol
No loans for my hobbies. The only one I've ever had was for our house and I paid it off in 2001. I sold my Pro-Street Camaro and my wife's 68' Mustang for a large down payment. We agreed that after we paid the house, we would build a Hot Rod or Cobra, and we did. The same with the sprint car. If we didn't have great sponsors, we would not race. We have a "toy fund" for all the toy's, if the piggy bank is empty, we don't dig into savings.


mjmacqua- the torque also matters but, not as much because, in these light cars, a lot of torque just blows the tires off. HP is better for ME, for top speed and higher RPM's. If you have a heavy 3,100 lb car, you do need the high torque to get the car moving.

With aluminum heads, 10.5 compression is fine. I'm at 10.2 with steel heads with no detonation.

(I have to leave right now but will continue latter) (wedding to attend and racing the sprint tonight. be back asap)

[Ronbo]

Ronbo- The reason for the discussion is what I've already stated.

Just to clarify, I'm not talking about a 385, 428, 429 or stock 460. Only, the Alum. FE vs Keith's 515. That's it.

What I'm looking for in this discussion, is the difference of price, power and if,.... you consider only putting a original to the Cobra, a FE.

So, with that said, let's please continue.

RodKnock- That's right, most that sell with the FE's do bring more money when selling. That's a issue, $6,400, it's not chump change. Is it worth spending that much for being a "FE" ?

If, these two engines were both the same price and HP/Torque of $10,600 , hell ya, go with the FE but, their not.

Thank you,
__________________
Kevin

Your compairing apples to oranges and you've already decided on the orange.

So what are you looking for in this discussion? It's obviously the right choice for you and that's fine. There are reasons for the extra money to be spent on the aluminum engine. Is it worth $6k, well, yes.

If your not interested in originality, the 510 chevy is a pretty good choice as well...

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by FUNFER2

patrickt- no,...no,...no lol We have a "toy fund" for all the toy's, if the piggy bank is empty, we don't dig into savings.

Well in that case, the mere fact that you are asking about an FE in this thread tells me that if you don't get one now you'll always wish you did and, absent failing health (fiscal or otherwise), you'll put one in sooner or later. You should go ahead and do it now and just tell the builder what HP/TQ numbers you fancy and they are easily achievable. Remember though that as those numbers go up, the drivability and life-expectancy go down. Only 1 in 100,000 people will appreciate your FE; you will be one of them. The FE will provide you pleasure simply looking at it. It's not the best engine ever made, nor the lightest, nor the strongest, nor the most reliable -- but it's what you obviously want (I understand that) and you won't shut up about it until you get it.

[olddog]

I love the 385 series engines as a power plant. Lots of options to make good power relatively inexpensively. A better designed engine than a FE in most areas. However they are big. Too big to look right under the hood of a Cobra in my opinion. I have seen plenty and even rode in one. The ride was impressive, but they still do not look natural to me all crammed under the hood.

They look like it would be difficult to work on them, but I never tried. The close proximity of the pipes to your feet has to be hot. The longer bore centers making the block longer has to shift the ballance point further forward than an FE.

As I said I like the engine, but I just do not think it is the best pick for a Cobra. Now for all of those who have one, more power to you. I enjoy looking at them, and would like another ride in one. I hope there are always people who do something different, as it would be boring if they were all exactly the same.

The one fact you can never get away from is that most people, who see a Cobra, asks if it has a 427 in it. The FE can make plenty enough power. I guess you could even diaper the damn thing to keep it from pissing all over the garage. Love it or hate it, it sure does look and sound good.

That's my opinion, anyway. It ain't worth much.

[cdog]

FE's are great, but a little trickier than the 385's to make into big HP motors. But HP is really not relevant after a certain point. It's 1965 technology, not a 911 GT2, so the extra HP is just more wheelspin in most situations.

Also, I'd check the streetability of that 385. Big compression? Solid cam? Big lift cam? Roller lifters? Race heads?

If so, that's a very poor setup for longevity.

[Keithc8]

You hit the nail on the head with the block deal. If you built the 514 with the only aluminum block available you would spend 5500.00 more on it because of the cost of the block and head studs.
If you do the FE engine in a similiar size as the 514 like a 510C.I. FE Big Bore version with a single plain intake you would make in the 650 to 660 HP range. We just finished a 527FE engine for a customer with 10.25 to 1 compression, our Stage 3 CNC ported heads, mild custom street solid roller that was 256/262 with about .650 lift and a single plane intake that made 685 ft/lbs torque and 730HP. Granted the FE does run a little more than the 365 series but they are a lot better for the same money compared to what you use to get. We have tried to make the FE engine as nicer and more affordable than it has ever been.
We sell a lot of the 514 to 600C.I. 365 series angines to the fast street and drag racing crowd. Good luck with your project and I hope that we can help. We do have some less expensive FE engines available with cast iron blocks and less options. Thanks, Keith Craft

[FUNFER2]

I agree of course, that aluminum is more expensive but, that was not really a question. What I asked was, is it worth the extra $6,600 and less HP ?
You the man Keith !

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by FUNFER2

I agree of course, that aluminum is more expensive but, that was not really a question. What I asked was, is it worth the extra $6,600 and less HP ?
You the man Keith !

Yes, it's worth it. The lighter front end, by about 150 lbs +/-, will make up for some of the HP difference and make your car handle better, which echoes the sentiments of earlier comments.

And if and when you sell it, you won't have snobby people like me ignoring it becuase it has a 385 series engine in it.

[Ronbo]

No one is trying to argue just trying to answer your request for input.

That is what you were asking for, right?

If your looking for input from only those that agree with you then state so.

Fact is your stance is similar to another person around here who only wanted to justify his choices and ignore people's responses that don't share your view.

[FUNFER2]

Ronbo- I've appreciated most others opinions here but, you have a tendency to be sarcastic rather than helpful. I believe my question's have been clear. If you choose not to reply with any constructive input, then you don't have to be part of this discussion, and I won't answer any further replies from you.
We have complete differences on how we approach discussions, and that's ok . Were just different people with different mindsets.
Take care.

Too all others, thank you for your positive attitude and opinions.

And, thank you.

[FUNFER2]

Keith, can you email me the price's of these engines ?

[Kzof]

My point was simple, buy whatever makes you happy.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Kzof

My point was simple, buy whatever makes you happy.

Yep, whether it's an FE, a Parker Side-by-Side, a Pine Tree Shilling, or whatever else it is your interested in, stuff like that you buy for yourself because it makes you happy. Asking for others' input on those type of buys and all you're likely to hear is "Just looks like an engine, gun, and coin to me."

[Keithc8]

Kevin which engines would you like a price quote on. We do a Genesis cast iron block FE with the Stge 2 CNC heads complete for 16,000.00 which saves a little over the aluminum block. The new 427 FE block is still about 3200.00 higher than the stock 460 block. The reason we can do the 460 so much cheaper is the block cost mainly plus a few other things are a little cheaper.
I do believe the FE is worth more money and with the less weight will run just as good as the heavier engine. I will be happy to quote you on what ever you might want. I did a Dad and son the 514s for their Cobras and they like them very well but their first cars. Thanks, Keith Craft

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Keithc8

I do believe the FE is worth more money and with the less weight will run just as good as the heavier engine. Thanks, Keith Craft

I think he gave his advice already.

[FUNFER2]

Rodknock- I have some other questions, for his advise.

IS THAT OK WITH YOU ?

[brobehr]

Kevin
I am still learning and prepping for a futrue cobra purchase...and I too drank the FE kool-aid.

brobehr

[FUNFER2]

lol, that's funny.

I will reply to Keith and ask for his advise. (who's better) !

Thanks