Toby,

I got to thinking about it. If you can get 2/3 the price of the KC aluminum offering out of your existing engine, that would be everything you wanted for about the same price as upgrading your existing engine with aluminum heads and intake.

The value of an original side oiler is so high, it is about the only engine you can sell and nearly purchase and all new aluminum engine that is better in every way except being original.

So the question comes down to "what is your ERA worth with existing engine verses an aluminum engine?" I have to believe there are plenty of cobra nuts that would preffer more HP and lighter aluminum over an original cast iron engine. Ernie is spitting coffee all over his monitor right now screaming origonal is worth more, and I'm sure there are a lot of people who would agree. I'm thinking either way there will be plenty of people happy to have your car. Make yourself happy. You only live once!

olddog, I have to agree with you, to some degree. The demographics of Cobra ownership have steadily been moving away from 'period correct' for some years now. While a few, hardcore, retain that thinking our voices are growing ever fainter. The demographics began to change in a marked way about the same time BDR came on the scene. New, modern, better, CHEAPER became the new watch words, the Walmartization of the replica industry. Get it now, get it cheaper, just add 'water' (a motor).

Not all side oilers are created equal, a 'real' date coded 1965 block is more desirable for 'period correct' than a later model block, for instance. In keeping with the new spirit of things, however, a 1968 or later block maybe actually be preferred by some (myself included) because you can run hydraulic lifters (as in hyd roller) if you chose to do so. So a later block gives you more flexibility while retaining the flavor of a 'real' side oiler. Of course, 'real men' run a flat tappet anyway... :LOL:

SOME replicas are better suited for 'period correct' than others. Putting a date coded 1965 side oiler in some 'kit's' would be a rather futile undertaking as far as resale goes. It would be right at home in a nicely prepared Kirkham, on the other hand.

In my case I bought my ERA specifically because it had a side oiler, while an alloy KC or Shelby is interesting, I would NOT have bought the car with either of those engines under the hood. I have a friend who bought an older Hi Tech for the same reason, specifically because it had a side oiler. There are some of us left who still think that way... :D

some people have said having the extra weight on the front is good for keeping lift down ,

Olddog,

That is it exactly!
what to do?

Toby

Toby-

I went with an all aluminum KC motor for my ERA in order to keep the weigt down and performance up. If you look at the details of the entire installation, I believe you can match the weight of a small block with aluminum heads. Aluminum flywheel, QT bellhousing, even the light weight pulleys Keith put on my engine all add up to weight savings. I have a small battery mounted in the back. My goals was 50/50 weight and under 2350 lbs, wet. Don't know if I'll get there, but I will be close.

I say do it!