Engine Choice for a new BDR?

[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

[jhv48]

Guys, he’s got a $15,000 budget for engine, trans, clutch, flywheel, starter, installation and tune.
After buying the trans, clutch, flywheel and starter, he’s got about $12,000 left. Installation and tune probably adds another $1,000 at least. So he’s got an $11,000 budget for a complete engine. Kinda rules out an FE. Might have to go to one of the lesser known crate engine companies for a 408/427 small block. But it’s going to be tight.