Big Block vs Small Block, a Cobra quandary

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by Cashburn

This is not a small vs. big block question...

Yes, actually it is, I was not mentioning brands, because I do not want that type of bias to cloud this thread.


Bill S.

[convincor]

BB with IRS. The 4 spd doesn't bother me. I still get 14-15 mpg on long cruises. Runs 2800-2900 @ 65mph and there's a ton of torque on tap in that range. Heater, I rarely turn on.

[Cashburn]

Originally Posted by mrmustang

Yes, actually it is, I was not mentioning brands, because I do not want that type of bias to cloud this thread.


Bill S.

Again, if the first car or the second car was repeated with the only difference being the actual engine then it is a small vs. big question. The 2 cars are so different in quality, components, suspension, fit/finish, etc. that you cannot draw the comparison here and ask big vs. small.

I think you are asking which car you would buy, or which car you should buy to resell?

You'll never get the bias out of a "Cobra" owner, once they make their decision it is ultimately the "right" decision from that day until they sell it and either buy the same brand again or buy a different brand which then becomes the "right one".

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Cashburn

You'll never get the bias out of a "Cobra" owner, once they make their decision it is ultimately the "right" decision from that day until they sell it and either buy the same brand again or buy a different brand which then becomes the "right one".

Absolutely right again. It is the Cobra owner's psychological defense mechanism that helps to justify prior decisons that they now regret, but are reluctant to spend the money to remedy. Their vociferous defense of inferior components makes the pain less acute....

[lovehamr]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Absolutely right again. It is the Cobra owner's psychological defense mechanism that helps to justify prior decisons that they now regret, but are reluctant to spend the money to remedy. Their vociferous defense of inferior components makes the pain less acute....

Well put!

"Easy choice: FE/toploader/IRS" +2

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Absolutely right again. It is the Cobra owner's psychological defense mechanism that helps to justify prior decisons that they now regret, but are reluctant to spend the money to remedy. Their vociferous defense of inferior components makes the pain less acute....

I think you're lumping every Cobra owner into one "absolute" category called "biased" and we're all different. In my mind, I'm able to narrow Bill's decision to just a SB versus BB question and put the kit quality aside.

I believe I'm able to recognize the inferior components in my car and may choose to either live with them or remedy/fix them down the road. I've already chose to upgrade several things with my car. No manufacturer makes a perfect car.

[scales]

#2. Visual Impact.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

I think you're lumping every Cobra owner into one "absolute" category called "biased" and we're all different...I believe I'm able to recognize the inferior components in my car and may choose to either live with them or remedy/fix them down the road.

I didn't mean to imply that everyone with inferior components vociferously defends them, but some on this board clearly do (live axles are a common example). So you have to ask yourself "Why?" Of course the answer lies in the nuances of human behavior -- and it adds a certain amount of "spice" to this forum. But you gotta spot it when you see it, and unfortunately, that's just out of reach for most of the newbies.

[ROUSHAC]

Bill, the green car - for an obvious reason in my case.

[Buzz]

I can't for the life of me see why an experienced Cobra afficionado would pose this question other than for the sheer entertainment value of the responses, so, in the spirit of entertainment - here it is.

Two cars presented, no prices, so cost is not a factor and no build process to consider. A small block FFR vs. an ERA with an FE. No offense to FFR - they are the best at what they do - but the choice is ridiculously academic.

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by Cashburn

Again, if the first car or the second car was repeated with the only difference being the actual engine then it is a small vs. big question. The 2 cars are so different in quality, components, suspension, fit/finish, etc. that you cannot draw the comparison here and ask big vs. small.

I think you are asking which car you would buy, or which car you should buy to resell?

You'll never get the bias out of a "Cobra" owner, once they make their decision it is ultimately the "right" decision from that day until they sell it and either buy the same brand again or buy a different brand which then becomes the "right one".

Resale did not come in to play until you mentioned it and got me thinking. These days I usually just buy to drive, then sell when I am bored, but if the prices on both can be negotiated, maybe reselling one to recoup some of the cost on the other is not a bad way to go. Appreciate the idea.

Bill S.