Upcoming FE build: plan coming together

[767Jockey]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

aks, if you would allow me to add my $0.02. I know the 390 is an FE block and I know cost is also an issue, but for the sake of resale value, as Gunner expressed earlier, and also for more cubes, I would try to "move up" to the 428 block. Additionally, a 428 was installed in many Cobras and would be higher on the "originality scale." I originally looked at several 428 and 427 blocks, but I got tired fast of looking at blocks that either were rusted, needed sleeves, cracked, etc. While I didn't want to spend big bucks on an aluminum block, I'm now very happy that I did, although now I'm hankering for a SOHC engine. Though I don't really want to carve up my footboxes and make my steering linkage look like a snake.

I'm not saying go buy an aluminum block, but try and imagine yourself in a couple or few years with the car and driving it, and ask yourself the "BACK TO THE FUTURE" question "Am I happy with the 390?"

Maybe it's just me. I'm an FE guy, I have zero interest in Windsor based engines. As far as FE's go, there is the SOHC, there is a 427 sideoiler, and the rest are all just FE's. A 390, 428, 352, etc. block with a stroker kit in it is all the same. They're FE's. A 428 engine was just a slightly bored and significantly stroked 390. That's it. Externally they're identical, internally they're almost identical. I personally see no value in a 428 block unless you're redoing an original Cobra, Mustang, etc. that originally came with one, a restoration that needs a specific block. For a replica to have any significant additional value with a 428 vs. 390 block - I just don't see it. They're just FE's. Step up to a cross-bolted, sideoiler big bore 427 block, and THAT's a significant difference. 390 vs. 428 block - there really is no difference at all, value wise. As far as power, a 428 block can be made to displace a few more cubic inches than a 390 block, assuming you take both to their max capacity, and therefore on a max effort engine it'll naturally make a few more HP. However, that is the ONLY difference. You can EASILY exceed the 500 HP mark reliably on a 445 cu. in. "Prison Break" stroker kit for a 390 block. No problem with that, and while I don't have the numbers in front of me now, you can get, what, maybe 15 more cubic inches out of a 428 block? That should work out to about 17 extra HP on a HP per Cu. In. basis. Is anyone going to pay a big premium for this? I seriously doubt it. Get the heavy web 390 block, they're all over the place, readily available for about $100. Machine it well, drop in a stroker kit, and you're complete with the short block for less than some numbers correct guru would pay for just a 428 block that'll make no more power and last no longer. That's my $.02, your mileage may vary.