Pond, BBM, Genesis, Shelby. Quality, Machining and Final Cost ?

[FUNFER2]

Hi Brent, why do you hatr aluminum FE blocks ?

Right now, I'm researrching what I want and my needs. I hate buying/building anything,.....too quickly, so I research,.... everything. It's a love hatef of type thing, especially if
my decision turns out to be wrong.

I'm going back and forth between an 428FE, 427 side oiler, 390FE Or, becare of lower cost and HP/TQ, with the 460, boring and stroking it to 514 (+).

My Cobra is set up for a 428FE, with motor mounts, brand new flywheel, bellhousing and new clutch.

The possible problems with changing to the 385 series is,

trading or selling the FE parts above, is the width and height of a 460 going to be a issue, maybe making a new higher hood scoop wich means body work and respraying the entire hood and matching the pearl in my white stripes. All of that is not a problem, as I'm a retired autobody/painter, but the cost of the paint is expensive even with me doing the work.

The problems with staying with an FE is,

The total cost is very high.

Finding a old 428 block in good condition, or a newly casted block,
the cost of either is expensive.

Lack of high HP/TQ with the older FE vs cost. $15,000 to $18,000. I,m wanting 600 HP @ the crank. The 460 is easy 600, the FE ,...not, plus extreme cost of an FE at that HP.

I'm looking at aluminum and iron blocks. So give me your thoughts of both.

When I do get the funds, my wife/boss says around $13,000, but if needed, we'll see about more. I also need a tranny. .

I lost $10,000 in the last build as my engine builder went belly up thus steeling my money and parts. Long story,.....(I think Brent knows my story)

I'm having trouble on Barry's site of the cost of complete engines and short blocks ?
Same issue on George's website ?