03-09-2001, 05:37 AM
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Senior Club Cobra Member
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Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Novato, CA, USA,
Posts: 827
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Not Ranked
It's my impression that FE parts are actually becoming more, not less, available. In addition to Shelby's FE blocks, an outfit by the name of Genesis is now making aluminum and iron blocks. The demand for things FE is on the upswing, due to the fact (I think, anyway) that more and more guys who used to drool over FE's in younger days can now afford (sort of!) to indulge themselves. Yes, FE hardware is rarer than parts for modern production engines, but if you look you can almost always find what you need.
There's no question but that FE's can overheat, especially in Cobras. And, I've heard the problem is somewhat worse with the 427's because the cylinder walls are so thin. However, many of us are able to run 427's without terrible overheating problems. Some suggestions: Never go past an .030 overbore without sleeving back to stock. Airflow is critical. Aluminum sheet ducting in the nose cowling helps. Blocking gaps between the radiator and the cowling is a good idea. Two pusher fans (like the originals) in addition to one big puller (mine's 16 inches, I think) give me plenty of airflow, even at idle. A high flow aluminum water pump can help--I've got an Edelbrock. Also, I run three bottles of RedLine watter wetter.
I'm sure some other members have more tips. Just take your time and get all the information you can, and you'll make the right choice for your application.
Good luck,
Tom T.
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