I've had good experiences with Keith Craft. I have two 427 FE engines from him--one Shelby and one Genesis.

There is not a "best builder" of FE engines. Rather, there are a number of quality builders that have already been mentioned. You should talk to the guys that have been referenced and make your own determination who is most appropriate for your build.

Good luck.

Another vote for George at Gessford.

Thanks for all the info everyone. I know that there is no right answer to who is the best, but all the replies will help us narrow it down. I know that the shelby block isn't exactly original, and we aren't exactly set on using that, it was just an idea at this point. In our research we have found one builder who uses original 427 so blocks and sets them up identical to the originals. We are still scratching our heads as to wether or not to use an aluminum, original, new block, ..... I guess when it comes down to it we are looking for the original look with around about 500 to 600 horse, and wondered if there was an aluminum block that looked and functioned similar to original, or if the iron block is the way to go. Not looking for a fight from anyone, just want to know what my options are, figuring that everyones experience combined should give me some great ideas. Thanks

RacerX, thanks for mentioning Holman Moody, good call! :D

The Pond aluminum block is a re-pop of the original 1965 date code side oiler block. Paint it black if you want, I wouldn't/didn't. Keith Craft did his magic on mine, with the head work, and a custom cam. 482 CI's, of BIG, reliable horse power!

For what is worth....one factor in your engine builder should be proximity. I wanted a well built 427 and I already had the NOS block. I talked with Keith, FE specialties and others...but in the end, there was a man close to me that also had a great reputation and I took comfort in the fact that he was only 25 minutes away from my house. All the ones mentioned are great builders, but I thought a little more food for thought would not hurt.

Bring him out of the closet
 

Kramer Who is the mystery man. :confused: CO. Always looking for another PRO FE builder to add to the list who wants to help cobra and FE motor fans. It would be a plus if he likes Cammer motors too.:D Rick Lake

Big, Black & Stiff as Iron!
 

There's something to be said about silencing all critics by showing them the Real Deal, 66' 427fe side oiler:

http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d...5427jdog03.jpg

I take great pride in un-zipping (my hood) and giving them a look at this Big Black Iron Block!:D

http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d...aOct06_008.jpg


There's nothing that looks or sounds quite like an original iron block, from 'back-in-the-day'. It helps you get into the true feel of what it was like back then. The sound especially, is awsome! So 'Old School'!:cool:

jdog
It's all about 'bragging rites' or why else would we drive Cobras? There are a lot of cheeper hotrods out there if you just want to go fast. Cobras are all about 'Bragging rites'!:cool:

Randy Ritchey of Specialty FE Engine Design built mine

http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d...m/CIMG1022.JPG

Tom Lucas at FE Specialties provided my machined and blueprinted block/oiling system, and did the work to port and match my cylinder heads over five years ago. I've been very pleased with it. Runs and sounds incredible.

On another note, what has impressed me the most about Tom is how he helped so many different people at the Western States Cobra Bash the past few years, fixing things for people as issues or questions came up over the weekend. A lot of people miss him there at WSCB each year because he is rarely in his vendor booth because he is always out helping people. Many of those people are now his lifelong customers as a result. :D

Rick,

The gentlemen I was referring to is Rob McQuarie...who runs Blue Oval Performance in Denver CO. I talked to everyone, Kieth Craft, Tom, and Bob?(at gessford). All great guys. I knew about Rob ahead of time and everyone respects is work on 427's...specifically his machine work and since my block was a virgin I wanted someone who knew these engines and didn't work on anything else but fords. So in the end, I came back to Rob b/c he only knows Fords...and yes, he does cammers too. Saw a few while I was there actually. He did a great job..can't say enought good things about the engine and his work.

FE Builders
 

There are several builders to choose from and I am sure that a lot of them can do you a gret job. I do know that we are the only ones that have several customers that hold NHRA stock and super Stock records with an FE engine. We were the first to put a 428CJ Super Stock engine with factory compression, heads and carburetor into the 8's making over 740HP.
We also have original used side oiler blocks, new side oier blocks, new Shelby blocks, new Pond blocks, new Genesis blocks all in stock. New cast steel crankshafts, new steel 4340 crankshafts, new 4340 billet crankshafts, original rods, billet rods, original heads, Edelebrock heads and about anhy other FE part in stock. We are one of the few engines shops in the country that has their own CNC block, head and valve job machines to perform the work on the engines. We can supply most any combination in as little as two weeks when required. Plus we build about 80 FE engines a year that go allm over the country.
When it comes to delivery time, quality, horse power, durabilty and drive ability at a great price we are pretty hard to beat. We have a special right now on a Pond aluminum block 482C.I. FE with our Stage 2 CNC heads, hydraulic roller complete of the dyno for 16,500.00. This engines makes a conservative 575HP with small camshaft and 9.5 to 1 compression and about 600HP with 10 to 1 compression and one size larger camshaft. Our equipement, buying power and location helps us keep our over head down so that we can offer an aluminum FE engine for not much more than an aluminum small block engine. Give us a call and maybe we can help. Keith

Keith,
That is an impressive FE bio and a fantastic deal for an all aluminum 482.

Warhawk You should jump on that. 482 is a great street engine and a torque monster.