Engine Choice for a new BDR?

samyt · #1 (**permalink**) 08-06-2019, 06:05 PM

Don't have the budget for a ROUSH or Iconic engine set so I wanted to get your thoughts and recommendations for an alternative to the Roush/Iconic engines...still on the fence about Craft Engines as the reviews are mixed...Like some feedback on other posts, trying to be in the 500HP range with good drivability and reliability...much appreciated.

Cashburn · #2 (**permalink**) 08-06-2019, 06:22 PM

Let’s cut to the chase... what’s your budget? 😬

bobcowan · #3 (**permalink**) 08-06-2019, 06:45 PM

500hp, with good drivability. Good goals. The magic 500hp number is a little more difficult to obtain than most people think. You hear that magic number all the time. But most owners can't show you a dyno sheet to back it up.

To make that much power, you have to move a lot of air. That means either a lot of displacement, or forced induction. I suppose you could get there with nitrous, but that's not really what you're after.

For simplicity and durability on a moderate budget, I prefer more displacement. Think about a stock block 393. If you can get your hands on a '69 351W block, consider a 427. The Dart Sportsman block is the best, but may not be budget friendly.

Call Mike Forte or Gordon Levy and have one of them build something for you. They have many years of experience doing exactly this.

samyt · #4 (**permalink**) 08-06-2019, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cashburn

Let’s cut to the chase... what’s your budget? 😬

I was thinking about $15K all in..complete drivetrain installed and tuned. Are you the backdraft dealer in CT?

Cashburn · #5 (**permalink**) 08-06-2019, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samyt

I was thinking about $15K all in..complete drivetrain installed and tuned. Are you the backdraft dealer in CT?

Yes in CT. The $15k will be a challenge. Email or PM your all in budget. I’ve got some ideas.

Cashburn · #6 (**permalink**) 08-06-2019, 07:17 PM

By that I mean total budget with the roller.

samyt · #7 (**permalink**) 08-06-2019, 07:17 PM

Heard a lot of great things about you guys..I should probably come by and spend couple of hours with you..I am in NJ (not far from CT) and we can. go thru all the details.

Dumpling · #8 (**permalink**) 08-06-2019, 07:45 PM

Quote:

It's in perfect condition with about 5000 miles on it. Never raced, street driven only. Genuine Ford sideoiler block, not a service block. Genuine Ford MR heads. Forged Ford 427 $ crank, LeMans rods. Forged pistons. Solid lifter cam of unknown specs. Original Ford aluminum MR dual quad intake. Dual Holley carbs, not sure which ones, but I believe they're original (not re-pop's) BC/BD carbs. I do not know many part numbers nor dates yet. The engine was built with as many original MR parts as possible. I know this isn't a lot to go by, but if anyone has a super rough ballpark that might help for now. I want to make sure her expectations are within reason.

Right now the engine is on a stand in the garage. He turned it over by hand on a very regular basis, as his plan was to soon buy another Cobra to put the engine in. How to best sell this - leave it assembled, or tear it down to show what parts are in there. It's a shame to tear it down as it's in perfect running condition and it's tight. However, I understand that buyers may perhaps want to see what's in there. Sort of a damned if you do, damned if you don't scenario.

This guy is looking for a value...$12K has been suggested.

Cashburn · #9 (**permalink**) 08-07-2019, 03:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samyt

Heard a lot of great things about you guys..I should probably come by and spend couple of hours with you..I am in NJ (not far from CT) and we can. go thru all the details.

Send me an email so we can discuss options.

tpatodd · #10 (**permalink**) 08-07-2019, 04:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samyt

Heard a lot of great things about you guys..I should probably come by and spend couple of hours with you..I am in NJ (not far from CT) and we can. go thru all the details.

He does an amazing job! I love mine!

Dwight · #11 (**permalink**) 08-07-2019, 07:07 AM

Craft 408 street motor over 500 Hp and Tq. $9,000

I installed one in Hodges B&B. Sweet combination. Very Fast, very easy to drive around town. 16 mpg. Over 17 on long trips. Sounded like a Cobra should.
I drove his Cobra to London one year. 1100 mile round trip. Great.

Coach had one in one of his Cobras. I think the 408 may be the best street motor in a Cobra.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txBXSZ8sph0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VxLB5kjF18

cycleguy55 · #12 (**permalink**) 08-07-2019, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samyt

I was thinking about $15K all in..complete drivetrain installed and tuned. Are you the backdraft dealer in CT?

Windsor or FE? Toploader or 5 speed with OD (e.g. TKO 500, Richmond Super Street)?

_Chris_ · #13 (**permalink**) 08-07-2019, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cashburn

Let’s cut to the chase... what’s your budget? ��

I've heard great things about Jay@VMS.
Working with them on a new build.

VMS 427Xv2FI

ERA 626 · #14 (**permalink**) 08-07-2019, 10:30 AM

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

samyt · #15 (**permalink**) 08-07-2019, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cycleguy55

Windsor or FE? Toploader or 5 speed with OD (e.g. TKO 500, Richmond Super Street)?

Windsor, 5 speed TKO 600

MKS427 · #16 (**permalink**) 08-07-2019, 01:23 PM

Quote:

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.

MKS427 · #17 (**permalink**) 08-07-2019, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samyt

I was thinking about $15K all in..complete drivetrain installed and tuned. Are you the backdraft dealer in CT?

If you raise the budget 3-5K, you should be able to do an all out Windsor based Dart that is reliable on 91 octane. 427/445 580-600 hp.

bobcowan · #18 (**permalink**) 08-07-2019, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ERA 626

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

Quote:

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.

twobjshelbys · #19 (**permalink**) 08-07-2019, 01:54 PM

Putting a 30K engine in a 30K car is absurd. It's like building the most expensive house in the neighborhood. Unless you're doing it for your own personal enjoyment you'll just lose money.

MKS427 · #20 (**permalink**) 08-07-2019, 02:53 PM

Yep, and those of us who can, probably will anyway. LOL