What is the best FORD engine per dollar

[HealeyRick]

Originally Posted by rtstrack

Silverback51,

Maybe I didn't word it correctly, but there SHOULD be an answer to the question. This really shouldn't be too much of one's own preference, but more of a math issue. For example if you said a 302 long block could produce 250HP and they sell for $5,000 and then you said a 390 FE could produce 500 HP for $12,000. THe 302 would cost you $20 dollars per HP (5K/250) and the 390 would give you $24 dollars per HP(12K/500). In my crazy example the 302 is a better "value" all else being equal. I know prices of long blocks can vary depending on vendor, but they should be pretty similar for my case. That being said Chevy's certainly do seem to be priced cheaper than Ford's like Rick was saying

Approaching this from a "numbers only" approach and looking for "value", I'd nominate a used Explorer 5.0 motor with GT40P heads, Trickflow TFS1 cam, Edelbrock RPM or Weiand Stealth manifold and a Holley 570 SA carb. IF you could find a motor that didn't need a rebuild, you could probably be under $3000 with a motor than will put out 345 hp at the crank. I'm not saying it's the best motor, or the sexiest, or the most hp/tq. Just saying you have to go a long way to find better "value" in a Ford motor.