Engine Choice for a new BDR?

[ERA 626]

why is every one suggesting a small block in a 427 car? SMH...

[MKS427]

Originally Posted by ERA 626

why is every one suggesting a small block in a 427 car? SMH...

Simple economics, you get more power for about 6K less than an FE.

[bobcowan]

Originally Posted by ERA 626

why is every one suggesting a small block in a 427 car? SMH...

Originally Posted by MKS427

Simple economics, you get more power for about 6K less than an FE.

Exactly. Stroker small blocks are readily available with all new parts at a reasonable price from multiple reliable vendors. You can't say that about an FE.

The rest of the package is also readily available for a reasonable price from multiple vendors. Things like water pump, headers, alternator bracket, etc, etc, etc. All those myriad parts that we all use but don't often take in to account.

I don't even want to get in to the whole BB vs. SB argument.

[Phx Mike]

Originally Posted by MKS427

Simple economics, you get more power for about 6K less than an FE.

Really - more power from a Windsor than an FE?

[MKS427]

Originally Posted by Phx Mike

Really - more power from a Windsor than an FE?

From Craft Performance, all torque numbers are most likely low, as they start the dyno after torque peaks.
408" Iron Windsor 550/550 $10,600
427" Dart w Performer 572/582 $12,000
427" Iron FE w Performer 550/550 $14,900
482" Pond FE w Performer 600/615 $19,700
460" Dart w Victor jr. 600/600 $12,600
527" Shelby FE w Shelby intake 625/625 $26,000
FE heads cannot be modified to flow as well as Windsor heads.

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by Phx Mike

Really - more power from a Windsor than an FE?

On a HP/$$ basis the Windsor wins, hands down. OTOH, as the saying goes "there's no replacement for displacement" and you can build a bigger FE than a Windsor.

Having said that, there's always 385 series engines, where 800 HP (and more) on a stock block is achievable on pump gas.

[Phx Mike]

Originally Posted by cycleguy55

On a HP/$$ basis the Windsor wins, hands down. OTOH, as the saying goes "there's no replacement for displacement" and you can build a bigger FE than a Windsor.

Having said that, there's always 385 series engines, where 800 HP (and more) on a stock block is achievable on pump gas.

Yep agree. No question the hp/dollar is better on the Windsor. I was surprised to see those big power numbers on the Windsor’s and the higher power per cubic inch. I always thought the HP/cubic inch was similar and since the FE could be but to a larger displacement it would have more total HP.

[bubela]

I have a Smeding dart 351w punched out to 427 and makes 540/540. It's a great cruiser engine. It pushes you back in your seat, but doesn't blow your mind. I use to have a 79 bronco with a slightly worked 460. The tq from that engine and gearing was just silly.

I searched forever to find a Cobra with a 429/460 block that was in my price range. Finally settled on the Backdraft car. I'm happy with it, but I sure wouldn't mind the big block.

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by bubela

I have a Smeding dart 351w punched out to 427 and makes 540/540. It's a great cruiser engine. It pushes you back in your seat, but doesn't blow your mind. I use to have a 79 bronco with a slightly worked 460. The tq from that engine and gearing was just silly.

I searched forever to find a Cobra with a 429/460 block that was in my price range. Finally settled on the Backdraft car. I'm happy with it, but I sure wouldn't mind the big block.

Old photo. MSD box has since been moved behind firewall and fuel filter has been replaced with anodized aluminum inline unit. Intake has also been painted bright silver.

On the project list is to replace the Edelbrock Performer intake with either a Performer RPM or a Weiand Stealth. A new, taller (and probably wider), hood scoop will be required for either - likely a custom-fabbed unit.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/mRu6PBGA5jfucASe8

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by ERA 626

why is every one suggesting a small block in a 427 car? SMH...

In post #15 OP indicated Windsor with TKO 600.

There's a lid for every pot.