Newbie - Superformance Engine Question

Cobra Braggin' · #1 (**permalink**) 05-27-2012, 10:57 AM

Let me first start off by saying, I'm a Newbie to this community and I want to thank all of you for your helpful and informative threads about my ultimate dream car the 1965 Shelby Cobra 427.

After researching my dream car for over 7 months, I've decided that I'm going to order and purchase a Superformance MKIII. My big dilemma is, what is the best engine to go with. My desired use for my car is to drive it everyday and on long weekend cruise trips. I plan to have some very limited track use but mostly street driving. I want to have the title registered as 1965 vintage car so I don't have to worry about smog tests etc. All that said, please post your thoughts on the Roush 427SR VS. the Ford FE 427SO. What's the best choice for me? And, can I get both engine types registered in NC as a 1965 vintage car?

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

Mark IV · #2 (**permalink**) 05-27-2012, 11:47 AM

I would expand your search the include builders such as Southern Automotive, Brent Lykins, Keith Craft and others.

The "Roush" name carries a lot of weight with some buyers but you can get more for less elsewhere. If the name is not worth the extra cost to you there are good values in Windsor 427 strokers to be had

Call Dennis at Olthoff Racing to purchase and install the powertrain, call me to buy the chassis

Dennis can also guide you through the NC regisdtration process.

Cobra Braggin' · #3 (**permalink**) 05-27-2012, 03:33 PM

I will definately look into Southern Automotive. I've heard of them I think they're in GA? I'll also look into the Craft motors and Brent Lykins as I'm not familiar with them. Its nice to know there are options to the Roush that will save me $. I really appreciate the tip on Dennis Olthoff. I just discovered this week that Olthoff Racing is right up the road from me near Charlotte. I'm excited that his operation is only an hour and 30 minutes drive from me. Still trying to decide BB 427 or SB 427. Thanks again!

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

kayakjack · #4 (**permalink**) 05-27-2012, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cobra Braggin'

I really appreciate the tip on Dennis Olthoff. I just discovered this week that Olthoff Racing is right up the road from me near Charlotte. I'm excited that his operation is only an hour and 30 minutes drive from me. Still trying to decide BB 427 or SB 427. Thanks again!

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

+1 on the advice about Dennis Olthoff. I have owned my Superformance for about 5 1/2 years. Olthoff did the install for the original owner (I am the 2nd owner). The whole deal is bulletproof. Drive it anywhere - totally reliable.

I wish Dennis' shop was closer to me.

Buying the car from Mark IV (see his post above) and letting Dennis do the install would be a great way to go.

Enjoy your ride. You will love it.

Jack

Cobra Braggin' · #5 (**permalink**) 05-27-2012, 04:08 PM

Thanks Jack! I've decided when I'm ready, I'll have Dennis Olthoff do the install of my drive train for sure. Now I just have to decide BB or SB for my 427 engine LOL! Thanks again fo the input.

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

B.M.B.C · #6 (**permalink**) 05-27-2012, 12:13 PM

Go with any the above mentioned engine builders they offer far better back up and after sales service. Personally i prefer FE in cobra and most superformances are SBF,the choice is yours and its a one shot deal so choose wisely.

Great Asp · #7 (**permalink**) 05-27-2012, 02:31 PM

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

E

fordracing65 · #8 (**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' · #9 (**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 · #10 (**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' · #11 (**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 · #12 (**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' · #13 (**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!"

Cobra Braggin' · #14 (**permalink**) 05-27-2012, 04:11 PM

Thanks B.M.B.C. I'm leaning towards FE but still undecided.

vatdevil · #15 (**permalink**) 05-27-2012, 05:11 PM

Whatever engine you choose, get good high performance tires. If not, all the HP will just be wasted. You can't go wrong with either motor, so long as they are built for your intended use.

Cobra Braggin' · #16 (**permalink**) 05-27-2012, 05:15 PM

I'm planning on having my wheels shod with Good Year Eagle Racing tires. Thanks for the tip!

Cobra Braggin'
"Cobra Man For Life!"

Hydramada · #17 (**permalink**) 05-27-2012, 08:49 PM

Go see Dennis Olthoff. He has an amazing amount of seat time in Superformance Cobras both on and off the track. He will ask what you want to do and make some brutally honest recommendations. Dennis has assisted me through both my Mark IIIs and I could not be happier.

Cobra Braggin' · #18 (**permalink**) 05-27-2012, 09:06 PM

Awesome!!! I'm so happy the Dennis Olthoff and his shop are just up the road from me. I'm definately going to handle my entire process of getting my SPF MKIII through Olthoff Racing. Thanks ofr your comments I greatly appreciate it and I'm looking forward to getting it all done within a year or less... Fingers Crossed to get my Dream Car!!!

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

SPF1061 · #19 (**permalink**) 05-28-2012, 06:03 PM

I'm not namin' names, but off the to of my head, there are maybe 4 or less Cobra replica manufacturers that I would look long and hard at if I were going to buy another one. Living within an hour and a half drive of Dennis Olthoff's shop would seal the deal for me on which way to go. The official Superformance headquarters might be in Irving, CA., but the real ground zero for SPF is Mt. Ulla, NC. No sh!t.

Cobra Braggin' · #20 (**permalink**) 05-28-2012, 10:48 PM

Absolutely!!! I've been reseaching the 1965 Shelby Cobra 427 since last year and only recently discovered that Olthoff Racing is located practically in my back yard! I'm stoked to visit Dennis and his shop. Especially now that I decided to go with SPF MKIII as my replica choice. For me, there is no other way to go but SPF through Dennis Olthoff.
Mt. Ulla here I come!!!!

Cobra Braggin'
"Cobra Man For Life!"