427 FE vs. 427 Windsor

[AL427SBF]

as pushing the Windsor out to 427 puts you on the very ragged edge

Not so if you go with an aftermarket block - look at DART, you can bump those out to 460 and they're bullet proof.

[FFR428]

Originally Posted by AL427SBF

as pushing the Windsor out to 427 puts you on the very ragged edge

Not so if you go with an aftermarket block - look at DART, you can bump those out to 460 and they're bullet proof.

Keep in mind this thread is 7 years old.

[AL427SBF]

It will live on as long as CC is alive and well too

[FFR428]

Just sayin...............

[undy]

cubic inch envy...

[lovehamr]

Originally Posted by speed220mph

there will be a much less weight on the front tires, so handling will be better. Another option: consider the Shelby aluminum 427 if cost is not a factor.

Just thought bI'd answer this because every time this comes up someone says this front wheel BS. All I can say is that they must be used to Mustangs or something because my BDR with a 462ci FE is still 50/50.

[AL427SBF]

But that's not the whole story son, less weight = more effective HP.
Pulled this from the web re: SB vs BB
Vehicle Handles and Corners Better than a Big Block Engine

[fordracing65]

Originally Posted by lovehamr

Just thought bI'd answer this because every time this comes up someone says this front wheel BS. All I can say is that they must be used to Mustangs or something because my BDR with a 462ci FE is still 50/50.

I think most cobras are pretty close to 50/50. Just one more reason to love a cobra.

[AL427SBF]

Seems the 50/50 rule applies to your standard auto, but when you get lighter things start to change. For instance, according to this article regarding an FI racecar ...
It was found that a front to rear weight distribution ratio of 40:60 resulted in the fastest lap time.
SpringerLink - International Journal of Automotive Technology, Volume 9, Number 3

... and just when you thought you had it all figured out lol.

[fordracing65]

Originally Posted by AL427SBF

Seems the 50/50 rule applies to your standard auto, but when you get lighter things start to change. For instance, according to this article regarding an FI racecar ...
It was found that a front to rear weight distribution ratio of 40:60 resulted in the fastest lap time.
SpringerLink - International Journal of Automotive Technology, Volume 9, Number 3

... and just when you thought you had it all figured out lol.

There engines are in the back, most new race cars are mid-engine, just one more reason to love a GT-40.

[r67cat]

Interesting article that addresses this question. Rick
Testing 427 Windsor Vs 428 FE - Mustang & Fords Magazine

[lvhdude]

Originally Posted by r67cat

Interesting article that addresses this question. Rick
Testing 427 Windsor Vs 428 FE - Mustang & Fords Magazine

Nice article, but doesn't really address the hypothetical question as the FE 428 in the article is smaller bore and longer stroke than the FE 427. The question was 427 SB to 427 BB.

[67FEfastback]

I all boils down to personal preference, and budget considerations.

When I first started with the idea of doing an FE, I went through one bad block, then another (trying to find a good used engine)

At that point I discussed with my engine builder, doing a 408 W stroker.
Adding up the costs, It was going to be about $2K more to do the base windsor stroker, than to do a street 428, because I already had the block and crank (all that was usable from the 428)

If budget is no consideration, then a man-o-war block based W is going to be pretty stout, but stroking an FE to 464,484, or 500+ cu is going to make more power

A more economical (heavier) option is the 460 block, probably more power and cheaper then the stroker W.

For me, I respect the power these motors can make, but I'd rather open the hood, and look at an FE, or soch motor.

It's the same thing, when I look at all the hot rods, at the cruises etc. 90% of the cars use a 350 chevy for a power plant, economical, good power but boring.
I have much more respect for the guys using an interesting power package, like a nailhead, flathead, etc.

[ERA Chas]

Originally Posted by 67FEfastback

If budget is no consideration, then a man-o-war block based W is going to be pretty stout, but stroking an FE to 464,484, or 500+ cu is going to make more power

Another year old thread back from the crypt but still a valid question for those less knowledgeable.
Ah-not quite right '67.
MOW Windsors of 427" easily made 618HP @ 11:1 in solid roller form with 4500's on race gas octane. MOW 460" Windsors on 93 did that as well.
MOW 427" drags @13.5:1 with solid rollers made 680>708 HP.
A good 482FE will do 620.
For the record I've been an FE owner for 27 years...

[YerDugliness]

Why limit it to Windsors?

How about a Cleveland bored and stroked? I know they can achieve 408 CID, 427 has to be just a bit of development away, and with the Cleveland you have the great canted-valve heads.

Look at some of the 400M engines that have been cruising to victory over the FE engines in the Popular Hot Rodding Engine Masters competitions....

According to popular lore (I have never seen one) there are even alloy blocks out there, so weight could be further reduced beyond a factory iron block.

The problem with the Cleveland blocks was two-fold....the cylinders walls were very thin, limiting the amount the engine can be bored, and the oiling system did not prioritize the mains, resulting in many a useless engine when the main bearings spun.

All things that could be (and, reportedly, have been) worked out...

Of course, the ultimate would be a 427W block with Chi 3V heads.....but, that's another story altogether!

Cheers!

Dugly

[fordracing65]

Originally Posted by YerDugliness

Why limit it to Windsors?

How about a Cleveland bored and stroked? I know they can achieve 408 CID, 427 has to be just a bit of development away, and with the Cleveland you have the great canted-valve heads.

Look at some of the 400M engines that have been cruising to victory over the FE engines in the Popular Hot Rodding Engine Masters competitions....

According to popular lore (I have never seen one) there are even alloy blocks out there, so weight could be further reduced behond a factory iron block.

The problem with the Cleveland blocks was two-fold....the cylinders walls were very thin, limiting the amount the engine can be bored, and the oiling system did not prioritize the mains, resulting in many a useless engine when the main bearings spun.

All things that could be (and, reportedly, have been) worked out...

Cheers!

Dugly

They have a Windsor block 427 with Hemi heads 700hp, but still everyone likes the look of an FE, its always about looks.

[RET_COP]

Is resale a consideration?

[YerDugliness]

Originally Posted by fordracing65

They have a Windsor block 427 with Hemi heads 700hp, but still everyone likes the look of an FE, its always about looks.

Ever seen a Cleveland?

Many think the Cleveland is the best looking Ford engine ever made...not counting the flathead V-8

It has a very unique sound, too.....

Compact, pretty, powerful, just a bit expensive to build because of the short time they were available.

Clevors....now, that is a different matter...you can even get a Clevor intake manifold from Edelbrock....but not an Air-Gap model (are you listening, Edelbrock????).

Cheers!

Dugly