Newbie - Superformance Engine Question

Great Asp · #1 (**permalink**) 05-27-2012, 02:31 PM

How much experience with high horsepower cars, or racing have you had?

E

fordracing65 · #2 (**permalink**) 05-27-2012, 02:53 PM

From a Wake Forrest alum and a land owner in High Point, don't get a Roush motor, you can get the same engine from a builder and save yourself thousands to spend on other things, unless your heart is set on the name, there are builders on here, Blkykins, at B2 motorsports, that will put an engine for you and stand behind his product with A+ customer service, with that said get a Windsor or Fe both make tons of power and fit in a cobra so nice. Have Dennis Olthoff do the install, his family basically designed the SPF and nobody drives one faster than Dennis himself.

Cobra Braggin' · #3 (**permalink**) 05-27-2012, 04:37 PM

Thank you very much for your thoughts. It's nice to speak with someone with the Carolina connection. (I'm a big ACC Basketball Fan). In all of my research on SPF MKIII's, the Olthoff Racing name comes up all the time. I was thrilled when I recently discoved they are located near Charlotte so close to me. I'm going to call Dennis Olthoff for sure regarding the install. So many SPF Cobra's I've seen have Roush 427 SR motors and I was beginning to feel like if I went another route I would be disapointed. I like the idea of having a FE 427 BB but that's because I'm facinated with history of the Carroll Shelby original and the Wow factor associated with BB engines as opossed to SB's. However, I'm no expert so your input is very helpful. Still undecided as far as engine choice.... Thanks again!

Cobra Braggin'
"Cobra Man For Life!!!"

Chilibit · #4 (**permalink**) 05-27-2012, 04:55 PM

I think you would be well served to turn off the computer and go spend a half day in a small block car and a half day in a big block car. Then you will know. Don't confuse 'reality' TV with reality. Start by driving over to see Dennis. Time well spent. All IMHO of course.

Cobra Braggin' · #5 (**permalink**) 05-27-2012, 05:08 PM

Chilibit, I think you're right. I'll never really know what to expect until I drive both big block and small block Cobra. I'll be honest, I've never really driven a car with that much brut power. I can't wait to try test one at Olthoff Racing so I can really understand what it feels like. Thanks for the sage advice....

Cobra Braggin'
"Cobra Man for Life!"

Cobra Braggin' · #6 (**permalink**) 05-27-2012, 04:14 PM

I have no experience at all with high horse power cars or racing. I've just had friends with muscle cars and I've always wanted to own one. Thanks.

Great Asp · #7 (**permalink**) 05-27-2012, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cobra Braggin'

I have no experience at all with high horse power cars or racing. I've just had friends with muscle cars and I've always wanted to own one. Thanks.

Having owned two SB Fords in Cobras and now one FE in a Cobra (all three were Superformance cars), I would recommend the small block (unless you really wan the FE). IMO the BB car can be more of a handful to drive, while a 400-450 hp SB car is much more comfortable.

Now the age old discussion here at CC is always the BB cars vs the SB cars, and I do not mean to start that up.

For a driver, go SB. For looks, go FE. Whatever you do, put a Ford in it.

E

Cobra Braggin' · #8 (**permalink**) 05-27-2012, 06:10 PM

Yeah, honestly I've been wondering if the BB with 500 plus HP would be too much for me to handle anyway? In a car that only weighs 2500 Lbs., it seems that 450 to 485 HP would be plenty. I'm much more concerned with being a happy owner/driver that the looks with an BB 427FE. Even with a small block Cobra, I'll still be the coolest guy in my town LOL! I've never seen one SPF MKIII since I moved back here in 2001. GO SPF Cobra's!!!

Cobra Braggin'
"Cobra Man For Life!"

Great Asp · #9 (**permalink**) 05-27-2012, 06:49 PM

Good luck partner!

You will have fun no matter what.

E

Cobra Braggin' · #10 (**permalink**) 05-27-2012, 08:16 PM

Yesir!!! I'm going to enjoy every part of the journey. Thanks again and Happy Trails Bro....

Cobra Braggin'
"Cobra Man For Life!!!"

Cobrajames · #11 (**permalink**) 05-27-2012, 06:53 PM

I was looking for an FE 427 for my 1st choice and a SB 427 as my 2nd choice last year. The one I chose after 8 months of looking has a Roush 427 SR/Twisted Wedge cam with a TKO 600 and it has been fantastic to drive. Tons of power and very quick for me at 512 hp/522 tq. It has 6500 miles and no engine problems or oil burning for me. I am very happy with this combo and its dependability.
I must say, however, that if it ever did blow up, I would probably replace the motor with an aluminum FE 427.

Cobra Braggin' · #12 (**permalink**) 05-27-2012, 08:28 PM

Very cool... I've really being seeing lots of stuff on the Roush 427SR SB during my 7 months plus of research and everyone who has one seems to be totally happy theirs. My love of the history behind the FE 427SO BB makes me want to test drive one before I decide to go with a 427 SB. Either way its going to feel great to actually get behind the wheel that first time. If feels good though to have made my choice to go with SPF. I had no idea there were so many choices in builders out there when I first started my search last year. LOL!

Cobra Braggin'
"Cobra Man For Life!!!"