Which block to chose ?

[MrBuffet]

Hi all,

The high command (the wife) has finally succumbed to the constant nagging from my daughter, myself and grandpa (in that order) to allow us to undertake a 3-generation family build of a FF MKIII Roadster for street use (target: low to mid 400's HP, and about 450 torque, no drag, and only very seldom track usage).

The plan is to do a reasonably era correct build, but with modern upgrades in terms of heads, pistons etc. as well as put in a A/C system, and a nicely shaped luxury style interior.

The mechanical parts of the build is something I'm completely comfortable with, and since my dad is a wood ship model builder I'm sure we'll end up with nice inlaid panels etc.

I have build engines (albeit European ones) in the past, and hence feel reasonably comfortable putting the engine together -- that said I have little era experience with American blocks -- hence I'm turning to you lot to give me some input on block selection.

Up front I have to state that I *think* I need a 60's code to be on the block for registration purposes. If I understand it correctly a kit with an original 60's engine in it, then the car will be registered as a e.g. 1966 -- this makes it *a lot* easier to export e.g. to Europe, which I likely need to do at some point. If someone could validate that I would be much obliged.

Now in terms of engine choices, I gather that the era correct blocks are the 427 SO, the 427 TO and the 428. In terms of pricing I'm getting a feeling from reading forums etc. that a 427 SO is insanely/prohibitly expensive, the 427 TO block reassuringly/moderately, and the 428 something that one can actually pay for. I also understand that the 427 TO in some cases can be re-drilled to a SO.

so in short I'm a little lost here, and my question is thus --

1) Is it worth the cost going for a 427 block, and what would my choices be (e.g. Original, Genesis block with 1966 stamp etc.)?

2) Do I need to worry about TO vs. SO for street use?

3) Is the 428 just as good for street use as the 427?

4) what kind of cost should I expect to pay for the different (original) blocks, 427SO, 427 TO and 428 respectively

5) what specific things outside over bore should I look out for if I buy an original block?

6) are any of these blocks compatible with / have provisions for aftermarket A/C systems?

7) I have also talked to some people who have urged me not to go the FE route and get a 351 sportsman or 351 BOSS block instead, and then if need be bore / stroke it to 427. Understanding that it would break the era correctness, and maybe also have a negative effect on the ability to get it registered as a e.g. 1966.?

As you might gather, I'm in a bit of a undecided state, hence any thoughts or inputs, would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

MrBuffet