What is the best FORD engine per dollar

rtstrack · #1 (**permalink**) 03-12-2009, 07:12 PM

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. Just curious

Silverback51 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-12-2009, 07:26 PM

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.

RICK LAKE · #3 (**permalink**) 03-12-2009, 07:31 PM

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 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-12-2009, 10:15 PM

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 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009, 12:25 AM

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 · #6 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009, 06:48 AM

Quote:

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 · #7 (**permalink**) 02-18-2012, 10:18 AM

Quote:

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 · #8 (**permalink**) 08-29-2009, 06:23 AM

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 · #9 (**permalink**) 08-31-2009, 01:40 PM

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

tkb289 · #10 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009, 12:50 AM

rtstrack,

This may be considered a non answer to your question ... but another way to go would be to buy a good, low mileage used motor. Doing the $/HP calculation on a transaction like that could be a significant "value".

undy · #11 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009, 03:56 AM

Just HP per dollar... Windsor, without a doubt.

Fordzilla · #12 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009, 05:02 AM

My opinion would be a Windsor small block or a 385 series Big Block. Both can be built to make HP without breaking the bank.

mikeforte · #13 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009, 05:12 AM

Hi,
I think HP per dollar needs more thoughts. How many HP do you want and what is your budget?
That said a inexpensive HP combo would be a 460 with a nice cam intake a CJ heads or a 390-428 stock rebuild.
Spend more money and I'd build a 427" Dart block based Windsor. Less money would be a stock block 351/408 combo. Remember the power is in the heads, cam & intake.
Enjoy the build,

RICK LAKE · #14 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009, 06:08 AM

rtstrack 427 cammer are maken over 700hp with a little work. Depending on if you own a FE block in the 390-428 family, you can bolt on a Dove cammer kit for 13,000.00 plus machine work. I will not give you the life span of this motor because of way TOO MANY MOVING PARTS and issues in the past withthis company. Next Kasse shotgun motor based on a 429-460 lima block. With his setup of upper end in a street motor 820-840HP. Price for the special heads, intake, rockers and misc parts, about 15-17K. The winner of the mess in Ford blue is a windsor stroker with a 393-440 cubic motor you are in the 600 HP and about 11-13K depending on heads and intake. It's all about the WOW factor when you open the hood.

If you are not a pruist on your car than an LS2,3,7, or even building a 9 will be about or little less than the Fords. HP in this motor can go from 300- 800 depending on setup. Price is in the 10-15K range.

They are all about 18-27 dollars per HP. depending on the price of parts and if you want to use, used parts on your motor. Everyone here wants to get the most bang for the buck in both the WOW look and trying to save a little money when possible. I will say this,in the long run, THERE ARE NO SHORT CUTS OR CHEAP MOTORS THAT live long under abusive driving. You will get what you pay for in the deparment. The 3-5 major motor builder here are giving a real solid deals on there motors with warranties and stand behind them. Again they KNOW you are going to abuse the car down the road, 98% of the people do.

. Rick L.

Wayne Maybury · #15 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009, 06:21 AM

A 347 (stroked 302) or a well built 460 are pretty hard to beat in straight HP per $. It is quite expensive to get decent power out of an FE.

Wayne

Great Asp · #16 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fordzilla

My opinion would be a Windsor small block or a 385 series Big Block. Both can be built to make HP without breaking the bank.

I did not see "FE" mentioned in this post.

Where is Mick you B&*^%$#@????

What have you done with him???????

E

lovehamr · #17 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009, 08:53 AM

I'm a small block and FE guy now but dollar for dollar and HP/TQ nothing Ford beats this;

http://www.fordracingparts.com/parts...tKeyField=9287

And anyone who thinks a windsor is going to beat this for the same money ($8100) is on crack.

rtstrack · #18 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovehamr

I'm a small block and FE guy now but dollar for dollar and HP/TQ nothing Ford beats this;

http://www.fordracingparts.com/parts...tKeyField=9287

And anyone who thinks a windsor is going to beat this for the same money ($8100) is on crack.

Damn that seems pretty impressive per $$$.

Thanks for all the great replies guys, its really got me thinking....

Fordzilla · #19 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rtstrack

Damn that seems pretty impressive per $$$.

Thanks for all the great replies guys, its really got me thinking....

I'm not on crack but have seen some Windsors that will beat it & for less money! Brent Lykins posted some Dyno results a while back that were absolutely incredible from a small block. I don't know what that motor cost but maybe he will see this & chime in with cost & dyno results. Anyway, It's a tough question with so many variables involved, but a fun question that gets everyone thinking & posting.

I'm an FE guy, If it's not a monster stroker blown FE then it's not for me! (Although I have had some great little Ford small blocks in early Mustangs that were a blast on the street)

Doug I · #20 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009, 09:13 AM

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