stroking a 427 so

[Jeb]

Originally posted by Jeff Frigo
Jeb:

Where in the hell did you find this $hit? I'm sure it came out of some type of drag car that competed in a specific displacement class. Why would anybody want this for the street.

And what is your problem? Yes, it's from a drag racer who realized that cubic inches aren't always the important factor in a race. Like you use a foil for torso work, and an épée if the whole body is the target. It's the complete package and how it all fits together. Raki is not a substitute for rosé and massive cubic inches could be the equivalent of a broadsword in a fencing match that would be better served with the swift-revving capability of a lighter blade.

In a lightweight vehicle like a Cobra, being able to spin the motor to higher RPM's and having it be not-unhappy there is probably more important than going sideways at will on public highways. And the long rods are easier on the thin sidewalls of a true 427's bore. You know about bores? This destroked 427 would rev faster, and rev higher, and rev more safely than stock 427's. And, it doesn't have the cross-drilling that messes up so many 427 cranks at speed. It would be the basis for a very mean sounding FE. With Tunnel Port heads or even SOHC heads, it would be a screamer.

The only benefit I've read in this thread of more cubic inches is to be able to stand on the throttle at 60 mph and basically lose control of the vehicle (and draw attention to one's self). If that is the goal, then cubic inches (and/or a roots blower sticking a couple of feet out of the hood) should accomplish your objective.

If the idea is a better handling, better performing vehicle, in a road course situation, then you won't get a better engine for that purpose than the FE which, for its cubic inches, is light and powerful. It can be made better: though the use of lighter weight components, more up-to-date parts, and restructuring for a very particular usage (like destroking it for high-percentage midr/upper RPM ranges)

My opinions only. I'd certainly like to hear from anyone who has actually run such an engine, which would probably be the small-block folk who have recognized the utility of buzzy vs brawny.