What is the best FORD engine per dollar

[RICK LAKE]

rtstrack 427 cammer is # 3, #2 is the shotgun Kasse motor in the 598 cubes, and number #1 is a stroker windsor in the 393-427 range in Aluminum. If you want to go cheap, I know I am going to hate myself with this one, LS7 or LS9 GM motor. LS2 with a 454 cubic inch stroker kit does it all. I have to go wash my mouth out with SOAP.@#%$#@@$%% Rick L.

[767Jockey]

You're talking HP per dollar, and it has to be Ford? I would have to think it's the 429 / 460 engine. They make gobs of power and torque cheaply.

[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

[Silverback51]

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

If you do not consider personal preference, then it's simple. The 429/460 cubic inch 385 series engine is the way to go in the Ford family. There is no substitution for cubic inches. And the parts for these engines is comparable to the Windsor engine family.

Yes, you can take a Windsor engine into the 400+ cubic inch area, but you spent a bunch of money to get it there. If you had started with the 385 series, it would have been money you could have spent on other things.

There, is that better?

[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.

[mdross1]

This is the one issue I beat myself up with when first starting my build.I wanted the Cammer at first,(Price! Holy Chit!!) then a Boss (Holy chit again!!) FE next (at that time it was too old tech) settled for 385 series,it being the biggest bang for the buck.It turned out to be amazingly quick,especially after having the suspension scaled.

[DR 385]

Good afternoon Gentlemen, ladies...

Ex,
"A-hole? Really? , you can do so much better than that. If you're not going to take this treatment seriously...

Itbites,
Thank you, I am pretty dam funny sometimes.

Ronbo,
You make it to easy..

Yes, some days I feel like a proctologist. All I do is try to treat A bunch of rectums, who sole purpose is to spew "FE"ces on unsuspecting browsers.

"and your fat! And..and...stupid...and.. nobody likes you!"

You hurt my feelings now!.... Ok maybe not.


Great Asp,
Yaaaawn, "troll" yea, I get it, you're calling me a troll again..

For your edification, it is now and has been for sometime, socially unacceptable to use the term "retard" to describe people with developmental or behavioral disabilities. I have not and would not use that term in that fashion.
To attempt to link my incredibly accurate description of you to those who face special challenges is deplorable.
This is similar to the anti gun lobby trying to link law abiding gun owners to violent criminals. It is done to satisfy your own personnel agenda, and is symptomatic of larger issue. That your position is not sturdy enough to stand on its own merit.

Make no mistake, I am insulting you and the other "FE"tared members, who believe that they are somehow better than those who choose the drive-train based on cost, capability, efficiency and durability.

Bullying? Just discussing the facts with my fellow cobra owners.

I was waiting for it, and now, as I postulated, it has occurred.

Guys are trying to have me blocked and the thread locked?
Why?
Really, and that will keep me from posting? Has it ever worked?
Be smarter than that, don't make the decision for censorship.
If you don’t like what I have to say, don’t read it, or better yet, stand up and shout why your position is stronger and why I'm full of crap!

Welcome to freedom of speech, I suggest we all practice it, teach our kids about it and use it to its fullest potential.

Here endeth the lesson.

DR385