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I'm surprised no one has mentioned handling characteristics in here as well! A small block 351 will make plenty of noise and plenty of power for a 2400 lb car and handle sooooo much better than a big block.
In Colorado our roads are twisty and sometimes with steep drop-offs. The last thing you want is your Big block engine to "push" a corner that has a 2500 foot drop-off! The Small Block gives a nice 50/50 weight ratio from front and rear tires. I would rather have a little less "wow factor" under the hood than the "WHOA! factor" heading into a less than friendly corner! |
You would have to ask him if he intends to drive hard on mountain roads, it did not seem that way to me. You are correct though that the weight bias is much better with a small blk......for road racing but, it sounds like he'll just be having fun cruising the street...... in a cobra ! Also, with the new crate engines from Ford like the 358cu, 377cu, or even the Rouch stacked fuel injection, in a cobra would be way fast enough for our 2400lb cars. For milled street applications, a engine producing 300-400 hp. will suffice and will also get better gas mi. It just comes down to the owner on what he wants to spend, how will it be driven & possibly, sound. I always say engine wise, "whatever turns your crank" is fine.
Kev |
Hey Sunshine..............how much money you got?
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Rainmaker,
If you plan to drive your Cobra a lot, get a smallblock. It will be fast enough to scare the **** out of you and anyone who rides with you. If you have to drag race other Cobras and have too much money, get the big block. With either choice, plan to autocross a couple of times or take a driving course before letting it loose on the road. It will surprise you! Paul |
There is NO subsitute for cubic inches.
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Also depends on which Cobra "style" body you buy. You'll have a lot of trouble fitting a big block into the 289 body (which is why the 427 Cobra body was created -in part). Not sure how much hotter or louder a big block is (compared to a small block) but imagine I'll go deaf soon enough as well as stay real "warm" sitting at a stop light.
Course, with the big block you still have to decide between 400, 500, 600, 700 horsepower (or maybe more), i.e.,I've even seen one with a blower. |
Should have known this was a sticky subject, but hey. I'm a glutton for punishment. Thinking of changing my handle to "Lightening Rod."
Thanks for the great advice. |
HP PER DOLLAR from the FORD racing parts web-site
CID COST HP $ PER HP 347 6790 415 $16.36 351 6450 385 $16.75 392 6800 430 $15.81 466 (CJ) 5795 500 $11.59 466 (SJC) 5895 550 $10.72 514 7595 625 $12.15 D-cel |
With the mechanical ability of a chimp, the question doesn't seem so much big block or small (do a search, and numerous threads on the topic will come up), but what can you buy that others can build and maintain for you. New Beemer?
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I saw a Z8 in a teal color the other day that had me drooling. Very nice!
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Big Block = 38D
Small Block = 32 A |
"It's all about the Benjamins"
Hey, Lightening Rod aka: Rainmaker,
Just find a good 'local' engine builder. One that can build & maintain your engine. That's what I did. Kind of an expensive 'jiffylube' I know, but I don't change the oil in my other vehicles either! Just decide how much engine you can afford to maintain, & find a local engine builder that can build it. jdog:) P.S. Remember "Life's too short & you can only do it once" & I don't know anyone with a BIG BLOCK that says they wish they had a small block. Now, click on my photo gallery to see what a true 427 Cobra's engine should look like!:cool: |
Quote:
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You need to choose your likes, driving style, budget, and how loud of a car the blondes will like. And remember those hot side pipes, it can kill the mood if your honey gets burned. Enjoy!
Gas Milege????? Anyone worried about MPG should buy a GEO Metro not a high performance car. I"m not trying to be mean but just step back and think about the terms gas milege and Cobras.. I think its funny and always chuckle when I read it on this forum. Tony |
Edley....you nailed that one in both instances....
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I agree Tony! Economical Hot Rod is a great oxymoron. Kinda goes right along with a few of my favorites like: Government Organization Sanitary Landfill Pretty Ugly Legally Drunk Paid Volunteer There are so many...%/ |
Jdog, I took your advise, 'cause I wanted to see for myself what a true 427 should look like. And I've got two words for you.........you're right.
Dane |
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