66 GT40 Le Mans engine question

[MysteryTrain]

Thanks, Ron. Some follow up questions (I'm not well versed in GT40's):

Were those 427s of the NASCAR side-oiler type as in the Cobras?

Were there small block GT40's? I've seen/read something on a GT40 (not sure which series) that had a small block. I thought it was a 302, though it could have been a 289, I guess. My recollection was that it was this article was on an original in as-raced condition. Did FIA rules change, thus making a switch to small block power in the GT40's at a later date or was there another reason for the change?

Seems like most GT40 replicas I've seen in person have sb's. Like Cobra replicas, I assume this is due to cost restrictions and/or handling preferences. The original 427 Cobras have the reputation of sub-par handling because of those heavy blocks. Did the GT40's have no such problem because of the mid-engine placement?

Your wealth of knowledge is appreciated.

[computerworks]

I'll defer the details to the GT40 experts here... the history is as fascinating as the Cobra.

But, oversimplifying:

The Mk I is the original Ford GT40. Early cars had a 255ci; production models had 289ci.

The Mk II used the 427.

The Mk III was a street car that used the 289ci

The Mk IV used the 427.