Longevity & Reliability vs. Power

[blykins]

For a heavier car like that, you would generally want to keep the torque curve a little broader and the horsepower curve shifted a little lower. But the answer to your question is yes, you can have a reliable FE and still hit the peaks whenever you want.

The FE market has really went nuts in the past 5-6 years and the aftermarket has lots of great parts available now.

Are you planning to use an existing 427 block, or will you be going aftermarket? Some of the older blocks will handicap you in your choice of camshafts.

Feel free to pick my brain. I'm a Ford engine builder and have FE experience.

[zrayr]

Originally Posted by blykins

"................. Are you planning to use an existing 427 block, or will you be going aftermarket? Some of the older blocks will handicap you in your choice of camshafts.

Feel free to pick my brain. I'm a Ford engine builder and have FE experience.

thanks for the offer. My initial thoughts are to go with vintage block & heads w/ a mechanical flat tappet cam. I'm really not looking for a monster HP engine. Just want strong enough internals so I can accelerate fully thru the gears when I feel like it.

Even 450 HP would probably be plenty.

Z.

[blykins]

Getting 450hp out of that combination shouldn't be a problem. Unless you're set on exactly 427 cubes, you can also throw a 428 crankshaft in that block for a "factory stroker" combination of around 454 cubic inches. You would also have your choice of the aftermarket crankshafts that are available, which would provide you with closer to 500 cubic inches.