So, what are the differences?

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by redmt

When is an FE no longer an FE

When it's not a 427. For example, a 428.

[redmt]

Originally Posted by cycleguy55

My perspective is the 'FE' designation relates to the design,

You could build an FE with no OEM parts -

YMMV

OK. Then would it not make more sense to then call it an FE "style" engine? I will stand shoulder to shoulder with any FE builder until you get into all of the "new and improved" blocks, heads, etc. Does it make me any less of an engine builder if I have limited knowledge of the non-OEM off the shelf parts? Does it make the builder who has never seen an original but is a wizard with the all aftermarket parts any less of a genius?

The point is that if your looking for a good engine guy then you should know pretty much what your looking for as an end result to start with.

I still say that if you stick with the one man shop, like Brent, then at the very least you will get a guy that knows every integral part of the engine and will be able to answer any questions you may come up with. There would be noting more frustrating than to call a big shop with a specific question and be told that BillyBob is off today so they can't answer your questions.

[patrickt]

If nothing happens to the "one man," in between the time you write him a check and the time when you have the engine comfortably broken in, then the experienced one-man-shop is absolutely the way to go. Brent's a nice guy and I would have no problem writing him a check. But I'd really like to see him expand his business and make more money (because a one-man-band can only make so much dough). College tuition, med school, law school, wedding costs... they'll all be here before he knows it.