Upcoming FE build: plan coming together

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by 767Jockey

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.

That's my $.02, your mileage may vary.

For me, there's a significant "value" difference. With all other things being equal, I will buy the Cobra with the 428 every day of the week and twice on Sundays over a Cobra with a 390. But that's just me. Part of the decision for me is emotional and I do not get emotional about a Cobra with a 390 regardless of how "it looks on paper."

The '67 Mustang GT could have had a 390 in it, depending on options. Shelby or someone inside SA decided to "upgrade" to a 428 for the GT500. Sorry folks, I can't remember the story.

The OP seems to be steering towards a 390 and that's great, if that's what he chooses. My opinion always seems to be in the minority.

My viewpoint is biased of course. I also chose an alloy body, because I wanted to closer in authenticity to the original. I think the 428 is the better choice between the two (390 versus 428). IMHO.

[patrickt]

Good 428s are getting harder to find. They're still out there though. There's a zillion 390s left -- so it's possible, I guess, that in 10 years a 428 could have a significant value added to it simply because you can't find them any more.

[767Jockey]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

For me, there's a significant "value" difference. With all other things being equal, I will buy the Cobra with the 428 every day of the week and twice on Sundays over a Cobra with a 390. But that's just me. Part of the decision for me is emotional and I do not get emotional about a Cobra with a 390 regardless of how "it looks on paper."

The '67 Mustang GT could have had a 390 in it, depending on options. Shelby or someone inside SA decided to "upgrade" to a 428 for the GT500. Sorry folks, I can't remember the story.

The OP seems to be steering towards a 390 and that's great, if that's what he chooses. My opinion always seems to be in the minority.

My viewpoint is biased of course. I also chose an alloy body, because I wanted to closer in authenticity to the original. I think the 428 is the better choice between the two (390 versus 428). IMHO.

Rod,
We agree more than we differ on this. The main difference is with your line "all other things being equal." I assume you are talking cost as well in that statement? If the 428 block were $100 or so more than a 390 block I would certainly consider it. However with most of them now in the $1800 - $2500 range, and a 390 block in the $100 range, there is just no justification for a replica with a 428 based on that cost differential. If someone scores a huge deal, or had one laying around, sure, but at 20X the cost, I still don't get the point. If someone asks what's under the hood, and you answer a 445" FE, no one knows what the block is. If it means that much tell 'em it's a 428 block, other than getting under the car and checking the block number against a reference book, there is no way to tell, and THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE. Damn, for the $2000 saved, you could buy some very, very cool parts for the engine, there's no telling what you could buy. Again, I'm with you all the way on the FE, I just don't get the allure of a 428 over a 390, especially when you bore and stroke both, which almost everyone does now. There's just no real difference.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by 767Jockey

Rod,
We agree more than we differ on this. The main difference is with your line "all other things being equal." I assume you are talking cost as well in that statement? If the 428 block were $100 or so more than a 390 block I would certainly consider it. However with most of them now in the $1800 - $2500 range, and a 390 block in the $100 range, there is just no justification for a replica with a 428 based on that cost differential. If someone scores a huge deal, or had one laying around, sure, but at 20X the cost, I still don't get the point. If someone asks what's under the hood, and you answer a 445" FE, no one knows what the block is. If it means that much tell 'em it's a 428 block, other than getting under the car and checking the block number against a reference book, there is no way to tell, and THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE. Damn, for the $2000 saved, you could buy some very, very cool parts for the engine, there's no telling what you could buy. Again, I'm with you all the way on the FE, I just don't get the allure of a 428 over a 390, especially when you bore and stroke both, which almost everyone does now. There's just no real difference.

Once in the car, I couldn't tell the difference for sure. Heck, I would need a Ford casting numbers book, and three wise men, to figure out the difference between a 390 and 428 (or whatever FE block) with the block right in front of my face, stadium lighting and a magnifying glass.

Nothwithstanding my lack of knowledge, I would feel more emotional about having the 428. On paper, you're right. 390 is cheaper and makes just about the same HP.

When I said all other things being equal, I meant everything about the car including the car, trans, etc., internal parts of the engine, but for the block and differences in the build required for a 428 vs. 390, if any.

I just looked on the FE Forum and saw two complete 428 shortblocks for $1,800 obo and a complete CJ for $4,000 obo. Of course, who knows about the condition, but I think you could get a 428 block for much less than your figures. For a $1,700 (using your low end #) difference, I would opt for the 428, but that's me. And trust me, I'm NOT normal.

Obviously, there are people out there willing to "upgrade" to the 428 block.

[patrickt]

You can't rely on casting numbers -- the only way to tell a 390 from a 428 is to take off a piece of the engine and peek inside. Actually, you can't tell a side oiler from a 390 in our cars because you can't see under the car to find the cross-bolts without jacking it up (much less to see the side galley) and it's too hard to use a mirror. A 390 with the extra webbing that can be bored out nicely and is stroked to 445 is just as good as my 428CJ that is bored out to 447 cubes. I have a shorter stroke for faster revs (and a slower piston speed), but that's mostly bogus.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

You can't rely on casting numbers -- the only way to tell a 390 from a 428 is to take off a piece of the engine and peek inside. Actually, you can't tell a side oiler from a 390 in our cars because you can't see under the car to find the cross-bolts without jacking it up (much less to see the side galley) and it's too hard to use a mirror. A 390 with the extra webbing that can be bored out nicely and is stroked to 445 is just as good as my 428CJ that is bored out to 447 cubes. I have a shorter stroke for faster revs (and a slower piston speed), but that's mostly bogus.

Please don't give me logic. That never works on me.

I did add the verbiage of having three wise men with me, since I have no clue. Chevy's are far easier to decipher.

I want a 428 over a 390, "and that's all I have to say about that."

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

I want a 428 over a 390, "and that's all I have to say about that."

Alright, how much more is my 428 worth to you over that of an equally performing 390? Assuming both are built pretty much like one another and with similar performance specs. A thousand, two grand, five grand?