New 427 vs old 427

[Evan H.]

Turk: Bingo! Yes, as I've stated before jealousy is a terrible thing. Slants ones opinions and makes for unfounded bias. However, between the two of us I think we can lead them to the light.

The article Turk cites is also true. Miles time was actually bested by a Turkish driver in a 427 Cobra with street tires no less. I have pictures of the driver wearing his Fez affixed with chin strap behind the wheel for those that don't believe it! How's that for DOCUMENTATION, JEFF?! You want "official" time? There's your official time.

As noted by the most rabid of aluminum block proponents, he himself admited that he first tried to find an original SO but due to unacceptable specimens opted for the "new improved" 427.

Good original servicable blocks are out there just like me as stated. Many who can't find good servicable blocks go aluminum.

The phoney & flawed reasoning for the aluminum block being a "better" choice are as follows:

1. Maybe you really want the weight savings of a lighter block. If you really want that "weight" advantage and it is REALly going to make a difference to you then aluminum may be your better choice. However, if weight is that important and if you are going to autocross the car or play racer and weight is the main concern why not opt for the "best" engine of all for this..the vaunted SB???? After all can't you get 700 hp easy out of a 351W at 1/4 the cost???? Parts are less expensive and more available too. Its the engine of choice for that "serious" play racer in us all. Also don't you gain alot of that weight back with POWER STEERING? Just asking?

Additional weight savings can also be had with a supercharged GN 6 cyl. Consult with Justa6. After all isn't he blowing everyone's doors off? Jamo this may be the ticket for you big guy. Every pound counts for the truly performance minded.

If weight savings are the goal you guys going for the aluminum 427 CENTER OILER really missed the boat!

2. Or maybe its the horsepower you can build that baby up to. Those were fantasic numbers for the aluminum block "CENTER OILER". I mean like...WOW! Rated for 2000 hp! Aluminum block wins that battle. No doubt about it. Thats impressive!

But no one answered my previoius question. I'll ask again for those that missed it and those that ignored it. How many of you macho dudes are running right now over 750hp? A 2000hp Cobra ought to be a scream (literally) on the autocross course or open track day. Everyone needs one of those 2000hp aluminum engines. I'm sure alot of you are qualified to race such a vehicle. Life insurance paid up???

3. Or maybe its the claimed "extra" strength of the 427 CENTER OILER that caught your eye. No one answered this question either so I'll ask it again too. How many of you drive hard enough to blow up a 427 SO or have done so on the race course. Your certainly not going to do it on the street. Maybe you drive harder than those that drove a 427SO to 5 SCCA A production titles or repeated LeMans victories. If the answer to this question is that you do drive it hard enough to blow a SO up then you qualify to drive the 2000hp aluminum motor referenced in #2 above so by all means, go for it.

Don't get me wrong. The new Shelby aluminum block is a beautiful thing. They make for an awesome engine.

Just be truthful when that amazed admirer looking at the car of his dreams asks the question " Is that a real 427 Side Oiler?" Now for the moment of truth.

Remember. There is no substitute for the REAL thing to the purist... Now where did I put that Steppen Wolfe CD???

BTW: John: 13.8 time was done as I understand in an SC. Even if it was done in a Comp car both sported a 427SO. Right??? The point is an original 427SO set the time.

FEnis envy. Its a terrible thing.