What is the best FORD engine per dollar

[Thor maine]

Real 1, You have a real one so the FixOrRepairDaily is right where it belongs.But if you have a HotRod that looks like a Cobra a Chevy looks just fine and for OP best engine for dollar. As far as the value issue a fully dressed FE Ford you are looking at $15k. A vintage Chevy 427 or 454 your in the $6 to $7K. So let me think why a FE cobra sells for more.Its like a Harley guy saying how much more his bike is worth than a rice burner,yeah well it cost three times more I would hope so. But if you have a real shelby Ford is the only way to go.It is all good let's just get out and enjoy regardless what is connected to the go pedal.

[Thor maine]

The Chebby guy's love to stir things up. Found On Road Dead, I can go on all day.I guess in the clubs where authenticity is the holy grail( oh yeah IT'S NOT A REAL Shelby Cobra and never will be no matter how you match the number of rivets or how much aluminium you put on it or you track down the paint code that was used for Daytona in 1964) the Chebby would be mortal sin punishable by death. But to the HotRod crowd they love the Chevy. And who built the Cobra ?? A bunch of California HotRodders who wanted to wax the ass of that over priced euro trash.

[Skuzzy]

Thor maine, I will have a Cobra one day and I can tell you I would never consider buying one with a Chevy engine in it. Not going to happen. Nothing wrong with the Chevy motor, but it does not belong in a Cobra.

Seems to me those "California HotRodders" were lead by a Texan (Shelby) and a Brit (Miles). I am not sure if any of them were from California (not saying none of the were from CA). The shop happen to be there.

[Thor maine]

When I said "California HotRodders built the cobra " I was quoting Carroll Shelby. So you only want a Ford in your Cobra, cool.But if you are building a kit make it the way you want it with engine you want. And I don't know what club Racer X#99 reads but horsepower,reliability and cost seem to be the dominaint thread here. In the 60's the HotRodding scene was Detroit and southern California , thats why the Texan and the Brit all ended up there. And for that we are all grateful they did

[Silverback51]

I'm a big block Chevy fan. But you have to remember that Ford pretty much copied the BB Chevy when the designed the 385 series engines and improved the problems that Chevy had with them.

Yes, the 385 series is a little more expensive, but it's worth it in my opinion.

[Dimis]

Thor Maine - ".... a Chevy looks just fine and for OP best engine for dollar."

Have I missed something...
Where does the OP say he is interested in CHEVYS?
"What is the best FORD engine per dollar"

A Chevy may be free, and run on water, & produce 1000hp with 1000tq but in this thread the option is null & void.

[AL427SBF]

RICK LAKE nailed it ...
number #1 is a stroker windsor in the 393-427 range in Aluminum
----

[Dimis]

Originally Posted by AL427SBF

RICK LAKE nailed it ...
number #1 is a stroker windsor in the 393-427 range in Aluminum
----

Al, I'll see your answer and raise you... the "BEST response" to this question is Silverback's

Originally Posted by Silverback51

What is your favorite color? Do you prefer blonds or redheads?

There is no answer to this question.

But then you should get some interesting replies.

[AL427SBF]

Silverback's comparison falls way short of a parallel argument, determining hair color without selection criteria is not the same as what the OP asks which does have selection criteria ...

If you were going to buy, or have one built, what type of FORD engine combo would produce the highest HP/TQ per dollar, all else being equal.

RICK's response still stands and is irrefutable ...
#1 is a stroker windsor in the 393-427 range in Aluminum
----

[blykins]

Originally Posted by AL427SBF

If you were going to buy, or have one built, what type of FORD engine combo would produce the highest HP/TQ per dollar, all else being equal.[/b]----

Easy. A stroked 429/460. You can use a factory 460 bottom end, slap a set of Kaase P-51 heads on it, throw in a solid roller cam, and push 700hp. Adding cubes only adds to the fun.

[REAL 1]

What is the price difference between a good FE390 or 428 build and a 385 series build and power comparisons?

[mdross1]

Originally Posted by AL427SBF

Silverback's comparison falls way short of a parallel argument, determining hair color without selection criteria is not the same as what the OP asks which does have selection criteria ...

If you were going to buy, or have one built, what type of FORD engine combo would produce the highest HP/TQ per dollar, all else being equal.

RICK's response still stands and is irrefutable ...
#1 is a stroker windsor in the 393-427 range in Aluminum
----

Silverback did hit it square on the head.There are those of us that need the Wow factor when you open the hood and have a hard time seeing the ground because of the big block wedged between the frame rails.They do make 385 aluminum blocks also,no need for one in my car the weight bias is just the way it should.

[AL427SBF]

Originally Posted by mdross1

Silverback did hit it square on the head.There are those of us that need the Wow factor when you open the hood and have a hard time seeing the ground because of the big block wedged between the frame rails.They do make 385 aluminum blocks also,no need for one in my car the weight bias is just the way it should.

I agree, there are those of you like patrickt who buy these things to impress the neighbors, doctor pics with photoshop and spend more time looking at them than driving them. Too bad it ain't real eh? Remember, all you have is a KIT CAR, but if forging Leonardo da Vinci signature on that Mona Lisa PRINT you have makes ya feel better then go for it

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by AL427SBF

like patrickt who buy these things to impress the neighbors, doctor pics with photoshop and spend more time looking at them than driving them.

Now Al, c'mon... you gotta admit, this one is just gorgeous. Right?

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by AL427SBF

I agree, there are those of you like patrickt who buy these things to impress the neighbors, doctor pics with photoshop and spend more time looking at them than driving them.

If I wanted to impress the neighbors, then I'd have to actually take my car out of the garage and drive it.

AL's calling us "waxers." If I weren't a Buddhist, then I'd be very insulted.

I have all the love in the world for ya AL.

For me, logic dictated that 427 Cobra's came with FE's.

SBF's should be installed in small block Mustangs, Fairlanes, Galaxies, Falcons, etc.

385's should made into avant garde coffee tables. I'm kidding of course.

[Thor maine]

"Join me ,join the Dark Side and together we can rule the galaxie"!! Hey it's just a hobbie let's all just have some fun with it.

[CowtownCobra]

Best engine for the money? The one that's already in the car running fine and is paid for

[D-CEL]

Chevy? LOL just proves the bow-tie boys cant read either.

Brent is on the money. Power /cost

Stroked 429/460 with P51 heads NO question. There is a nothing special 545 build detailed on 460ford.com with this combo that makes over 950HP.

GAME, SET AND MATCH!

385 SERIES FOR THE WIN!!

Jason

[RodKnock]

Obviously, "The Best Per Dollar" is an ambiguous question. Many of us felt that a SBF or an FE were "The Best Per Dollar" for our builds.

If I thought a 385 series was "The Best Per Dollar", then I would have installed a 385 series in my car. I didn't. In my opinion, the best engine for my Cobra would be a new 427 SOHC CAMMER!

[B.M.B.C]

SBF's should be installed in small block Mustangs, Fairlanes, Galaxies, Falcons, etc.... And of course Mk1+Mk2 Slabsides, Daytona Coupes, GT40s...........