What is the best FORD engine per dollar

[Silverback51]

Originally Posted by Doug I

Cleveland runs about $14.70 / hp
Windsor runs between $15.80 and $17.20 / hp

427 SO $30 to $32.70 / hp
TO $25 to $28.50 / hp

Of course the pretty bits you can add make a huge difference

You need to add more information than that. What were the HP and dollar values you started with?

All I know is that if I want a 600 HP at the crank motor, I will spend more to get that with a windsor than a 385 series.

[mongoose7]

Grasshopper, you must have balance. hp un-applied is $ up in smoke! Running gear as a total package has it's own limitations. hp/tq + clutch +trans+rear-diff+ratio+BRAKES= beyond $ on hand. N.O.S. is hp on the cheap. Forced induction (S.C. or Turbo) can be done on a stock motor with low dollars. How long will it go "fast" is realative to parts used. Nascar and NRHA both feild full cards on race day with unlimited $. The full feild NEVER ends a Sunday with out blown engines! I was raised on bow tie powered cars. Gm is cheaper per $ than Ford. Ford is greatly cheaper than mopy dope
Mongoose7

[Xack]

If your talking about a Cobra... I'm assuming you are. Please don't put a cheby in it. I guess if your just going to crank it up and scare small animals, women and children then that's what you need. However, your 385 will do that more effectively. Fords are more expensive, but then what are you doing buying a Cobra in the first place if your worried about Engine $ ? Get a used Corvette and be done with it.

I'm not saying you need to put a stock 427 in your roadster. Like mentioned, Ford Racing makes great crate motors with a wide variety of components. The cheapest and most available parts are for the small block Fords by far. They make great HP and should not overpower your frame if its close to origional. Make sure your frame is rated for the torque and HP if you get a Big Block and opt for performance.

My 2 cents,
Xack

added 2/17/12, Just to be clear. I was responding to the prior messages regarding the suggestion that "chebys are cheaper". Not that the original post was asking about them or not. I had not looked at the post date. Sometimes old posts still are interesting if it's relevant. I got sucked into an old discussion.. shame on me.

[Doug I]

Hamr - what would you need to add to that before you can light it up and it produce those 625 ponies ?

[Doug I]

Cleveland
6200 for 425
7200 for 490

Windsor
6500 for 410
7500 for 450
8500 for 495

SO
13900 for 470
15700 for 480
TO
11900 for 470
13700 for 480

I understand that these are pump gas drop in complete prices, excluding fluids, starter and air cleaner. Engine arrives with carb set and a dyno sheet.

[767Jockey]

Only a big block Chevy can rival the Ford 385 series engine for cheap power. The 429 / 460 Ford 385 series engine produces prodigious amounts of power very cheaply. You can argue "best" engine until you're blue in the face, but HP per dollar, you just can't beat the big block Chevy, and if you need to stick with a Ford it's the 385 series engine - nothing else, DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR even comes close.

[lovehamr]

Originally Posted by Doug I

Cleveland
6200 for 425
7200 for 490

Windsor
6500 for 410
7500 for 450
8500 for 495

SO
13900 for 470
15700 for 480
TO
11900 for 470
13700 for 480

I understand that these are pump gas drop in complete prices, excluding fluids, starter and air cleaner. Engine arrives with carb set and a dyno sheet.

Come on Doug, you need a carb for the crate motor. As for those engines listed in your last post; where are they from?

Steve

[B.M.B.C]

Originally Posted by lovehamr

Come on Doug, you need a carb for the crate motor. As for those engines listed in your last post; where are they from?

Steve

By the look of them prices , id say southern automotive

[Red S/C]

I replaced a blown 65 side oiler with a 460 SVO block. It's 533 cu in and puts out 700 hp and 696 ft lbs. I'm very impressed with how much you can do with the 429/460 blocks. Having always been a GM guy until I got involved with the Cobra I had no idea the potential of the Ford 385 series.

[RodKnock]

How about 598 cubic inches of BBC producing 775 HP for $12,000. That's pretty cheap.

http://www.ultrastreet.net/engines/598_lowdeck.asp

[lovehamr]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

How about 598 cubic inches of BBC producing 775 HP for $12,000. That's pretty cheap.

http://www.ultrastreet.net/engines/598_lowdeck.asp

But it's a chebbie!

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by lovehamr

But it's a chebbie!

Yes, I know, but the original question is a trick question. It's not possible to answer.

[RodKnock]

OR how about early Porsche 911 engine dyno'ed at 262 HP at the flywheel on sale for $39,995:

http://www.early911sregistry.org/for...ad.php?t=26086

Talk about Ford engines being expensive.

[Fordzilla]

Hi E, He's still here! LOL!! I was considering the cost factor & the most horse for the dollar, cost of aftermarket performance parts, etc. The FE breaks the bank so didn't mention it. But, you are correct, I'm an FE guy. Have a new monster in the works that should be done in a couple months. I'll get pics up of it & the car when I can. BTW, Your car is looking really NICE!!!!! Great color scheme! Great Car!

[ROUSHAC]

You could always consider doing a bit of "Midnight Discount Shopping" to get the most bang for your buck. (Just don't get caught. )

[Doug I]

So Dave - you going to drive the getaway truck ?

[cscobra]

OK--consider my FE (390 V8, Canton oil pan, Blue Thunder medium-riser aluminum intake manifold, "cleaned-up" Ford cast iron heads, hydraulic lifters, Cobra LeMans black finned rocker covers although I may use my original-type chromed pentroof rocker covers on occasion), built for durability and reliability with reworked stock crank and rods, everything else new, with power similar to the original 428 road car.

I had estimated 375 hp (actual dyno: 381) and 427 lbs-ft of torque (actual dyno: 429); torque curve is nice and flat. Cost of the engine assembly (without my own carburetor, water pump, starter, or alternator, but with my recurved Ford FE distributor and Pertronix conversion kit, Pertronix coil, and ignition wires) was $3960. from Carolina Machine Engines. That's $10.39 per horsepower for an engine essentially identical to the original 428 road car for power (and identical externally for appearance), with all of the reliable power I will reasonably use in ERA 766. As I've noted before, it will be hooked up to a wide-range Toploader and a 3.31 rear end.

Not for everyone, but fine for me and for my intended use of the car, as well as my desire to build it as much like an original as is reasonable.

[lovehamr]

Doug, got your PM. Sort of figured that. I went ahead and did the math on the FMS 514; $8100/625= $12.96 per pony. Of course you'll have to figure a carb in there as well. But them's some hard numbers rite there!

Dave I always knew you had larceny in your heart!

[Ronbo]

Yep, 385 series motors produce gobs of HP and stump pulling torque, that's why they're a great choice for a station wagon, truck, school bus or limo. They're size and weight make them less than ideal for mid-size and smaller cars unless you plan on only going in a straight line. (bracket cars and such)

Ultimately, the question has no good answer, since there's no application stated. This matters most.

[rtstrack]

Ultimately, the question has no good answer, since there's no application stated. This matters most.[/quote]

Absolutely True, I wanted to try and get some facts out of everyone before i started getting too many opinions. Now that I have some good solid numbers and facts I can weigh whether I really want an all aluminum block, how much HP is acceptable, if I want to use my current block and parts, total cost etc. These posts were exactly what I was hoping to see. Thanks to all