289 and 427 street versions

[lippy]

I was pretty torn between a 289 and a 427 (ERA). I ended up choosing a 427 because it's the car I've been thinking about for about the last 40 years, I like the look, and I thought it would be cool to have an FE. At the same time, I wanted to do something just a bit more understated so I chose FIA wheels and went without a stripe. I was very close to doing a street build, though.

Being someone who over analyzes things, my advice is not to over analyze this and just get whatever turns you on.

[DanEC]

I think you are going to have to make the decision of 427 vs 289 street roadster yourself. There is just so much you can take away from other people's advice because either one is a top notch car. It's not like you are going to conclude that one is superior to the other - they are just two different approaches.

I would not over-sweat the issue of a healthy small block overwhelming a 289 roadster with wires and 70 series tires. The ERA is actually plenty docile to drive. The clutch throw is long and not overly quick. Same for the throttle. The suspension is well designed, compliant and not going to surprise you. Plus, the 289 ERA runs basically the same suspension as the 427 model. I suspect you could definately create some stupid moments in a 289/302/351 powered roadster - but certainly not anymore so than in an FE powered 427 car if you follow true 427 street roadster trim with 7 inch rims all the way around with 70/60 series tires in the rear.

A street style 427 roadster with smooth hood, undercar exhaust and no roll bar is a lot less common than the usual SC style 427 car. And a 289 slabside is going to be even more unusual than a 427 roadster. A lot of us grew up with memories of these cars from our youth and in my case I remember the 427 cars more than the 289 cars. But, if I had been a few years older or somehow just more aware of the 289 cars back then - I probably would build a 289 car. Fortunately ERA had not brought out the 289 car when I ordered mine so that simplified things.

Good luck.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by DanEC

I think you are going to have to make the decision of 427 vs 289 street roadster yourself. There is just so much you can take away from other people's advice because either one is a top notch car. It's not like you are going to conclude that one is superior to the other - they are just two different approaches.

I would not over-sweat the issue of a healthy small block overwhelming a 289 roadster with wires and 70 series tires. The ERA is actually plenty docile to drive. The clutch throw is long and not overly quick. Same for the throttle. The suspension is well designed, compliant and not going to surprise you. Plus, the 289 ERA runs basically the same suspension as the 427 model. I suspect you could definately create some stupid moments in a 289/302/351 powered roadster - but certainly not anymore so than in an FE powered 427 car if you follow true 427 street roadster trim with 7 inch rims all the way around with 70/60 series tires in the rear.

A street style 427 roadster with smooth hood, undercar exhaust and no roll bar is a lot less common than the usual SC style 427 car. And a 289 slabside is going to be even more unusual than a 427 roadster. A lot of us grew up with memories of these cars from our youth and in my case I remember the 427 cars more than the 289 cars. But, if I had been a few years older or somehow just more aware of the 289 cars back then - I probably would build a 289 car. Fortunately ERA had not brought out the 289 car when I ordered mine so that simplified things.

Good luck.

Dan is The Man. Pretty much sums up my feelings on the topic.

When I was a kid, I bought a poster of a 427 S/C. Eventually, I purchased a '66 Corvette with a Big Block Chevy and sidepipes, so I knew exactly which direction I was going towards when I ultimately bought my Cobra.

You just know. Feel the force inside you.