Hurricane build HM-1023

[Hoodabest]

I got the roof done on my garage, not exactly what I had planned, but the city got involved and turned a simple deal into a global project. Really harshing my gig as far as forward progress. As it stands, I'm looking at my options for the engine build. I have a 351w std bore block needing machining/prep, plus all the goodies minus rotating assembly (have heads, 2 x 4 intake, etc ) or, I can go down the stroked FE route (have block, forged crank, crossbolt caps, etc ) but I'm torn. Both options have up/downs. Anyone out there had or driven both in a s/c type platform? I see the windsor option as less xpense, lighter, POSSIBLY more reliable. The FE? Well, more (lots) money, heavier (handling?), better sounding, like, in my dna better sounding, more value of the finished car, and lastly, not having to explain to the ignorant but inevitable douchebag my rationale behind a small block. Please keep in mind that my 390 FE block will be crossbolted, and thus indistinguishable to all but the most astute douchebag's scrutiny. That rant over, either option would end up with an almost identical power curve. I've been building vintage Harley engines for 25 years, so I kind of get it, folks have different sensibilities. Just hoping for some input from you fine folks.

[moore_rb]

Originally Posted by Hoodabest

I'm torn. Both options have up/downs. Anyone out there had or driven both in a s/c type platform? I see the windsor option as less xpense, lighter, POSSIBLY more reliable. The FE? Well, more (lots) money, heavier (handling?), better sounding, like, in my dna better sounding, more value of the finished car

You've summarized all the keys points yourself right there. The Windsor will be an easier/less expensive platform to extract more HP from, unless/until you decide to go up over 420 cubes, while the FE "looks" more correct in a 427 style replica, and will allow for more "crazy" if you want to go up into the expensive mega-Cube area. That just about covers it...

You can put a set of FE-style valve covers on a tall deck Windsor, and cover the carb with a Turkey Pan, and who's gonna notice the difference at the monthly Cars and Coffee at that point?

If you plan to build the car with "originality" in mind, and want to show the car, drive it occasionally, and keep wrenching on it forever, build the FE. If you plan to DRIVE the car, show it occasionally, and still keep wrenching on it forever (but spending less $$ while wrenching on it), then build the Windsor.

Larry makes a good point that your chassis is already set up the Windsor- is more fabrication worth the time and effort? (again- it's your decision)

And sound? I'm not sure I follow... Put the right cam, lifters, and rockers in ANY engine, and tune the exhaust correctly, and they can sound just as raspy as you want them too. One of our local Az guys (DrDuc) has a 500+HP 427 Windsor in his car, and it sounds EVIL, and can smoke every FE around it (of similar displacement) every time he hits the go-pedal.

Originally Posted by Hoodabest

and lastly, not having to explain to the ignorant but inevitable douchebag my rationale behind a small block. Please keep in mind that my 390 FE block will be crossbolted, and thus indistinguishable to all but the most astute douchebag's scrutiny.

Just ignore the douchebags, and don't let them influence your decision. It's your car. Use your judgement.