Build thread - Resurrection of an old Contemporary

767Jockey · #1 (**permalink**) 05-08-2009, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

Good advice. You can get just as much power out of a 428 block as you can a 427 block, and that power will be wayyyy more than you can ever use. And unless your car is up on a lift, no one but you knows the difference.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZOERA-SC7XX

Getting back to the engine...It's gonna take a while for you to build another 427. Why not just do up a mild 390 or 428 for the time being...just to DRIVE the car. You can always do the 427 killer engine next year. I run a somewhat mild 428 in my car and I love it. It's reliable, somewhat fast, and pretty good on gas. Sure, I'd love a 427 side oiler with 600 HP, but some things are a compromise. I understand your dilemma, and agree that the machinist must be paid, but paid by the block manufacturer, not you. In the meantime, maybe a nice 390 short block can get you on the road, and that's what it's all about. Good luck and keep the faith.

The problem is I have ALL the pieces already for the 427 build. To go to a 390 now I have to store all the 427 parts and start all over again with crank, rods, block, heads, cam - none of this stuff that I have now will work in a 390. My quickest way out of this is to get the block manufacturer off his a$$ and get in gear and get me a block. The machining cost issue is peripheral to the main issue - I need him to get me a block, either cast Iron or aluminum NOW! It is good to hear, however, that at least one of you don't think that I am off base thinking that this guy ought to pay the machinist. I appreciate the input. Sometimes we get so angry and emotional that we are certain that we're in the right, and we really aren't. I wanted to make sure I wasn't putting myself in this position. The opinion of knowledgeable people without a dog in the fight is always appreciated.

patrickt · #2 (**permalink**) 05-08-2009, 06:15 PM

Are you dead-set on a "new" block or could you live with an original? I know there are SO blocks on www.fordfe.com but I do not know the price.

767Jockey · #3 (**permalink**) 05-08-2009, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

Are you dead-set on a "new" block or could you live with an original? I know there are SO blocks on www.fordfe.com but I do not know the price.

I'm stuck with an aftermarket block, Patrick. It's a VERY long story, but to make it short, the original Ford sideoiler block I had planned to use ended up with a bad cylinder in it. Rather than sleeving the block the engine builder decided to bore the whole block .047 over and ordered the custom pistons in that size. He then hardblocked the block and assembled it. I was out of town while all this was going on. When I got back I rejected the block and bought a new one. I am using the .047 over pistons we now have because they're already paid for, and they're really good, top quality stuff. Because of the size, however, a Ford block really won't accommodate them, it has to be an aftermarket block.

patrickt · #4 (**permalink**) 05-08-2009, 06:27 PM

... somehow I thought that was the case. A cry for help for an aftermarket block here and on www.fordfe.com is bound to get you one at a modest premium ... I would think.

767Jockey · #5 (**permalink**) 05-08-2009, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

... somehow I thought that was the case. A cry for help for an aftermarket block here and on www.fordfe.com is bound to get you one at a modest premium ... I would think.

No doubt. Unfortunately this guy has $3600+ of my money, and I have a block doing it's best Swiss Cheese imitation. I really am kind of stuck waiting on him. It sucks, but I really have no other alternative.