Superformance Engine

mrud · #1 (**permalink**) 09-12-2002, 04:04 PM

When I look through most of the Ads as well as talking to Superformance, it seems the engine of choice is the 351 or some modification to it. Is there a reason that a big block would not be considered as the engine of choice ? When speaking with ERA people, their engine of choice is the big block. What about other manufacturers?

bnewell · #2 (**permalink**) 09-12-2002, 05:59 PM

The engine choice was simple for me........the hp & the torque......it just simply dosen't get any better than that!!!

Brian

p.s. oh yea, did I mention the sound?????

p.s.s. and don't forget when the inquiring minds want you to pop the hood......oh baby!!!!

purepop · #3 (**permalink**) 09-12-2002, 07:25 PM

I agree a Cobra is only a Cobra when it is breathing thru a big block. If you want a small block then buy a 289 body car!!!

Mr.Fixit · #4 (**permalink**) 09-13-2002, 08:45 AM

A SPF will accept veirtually any ford V8. 351 based motors are popular for a number of reasons, light weight, lots of good parts available, etc. Cobras that have big blocks usually don't handle as well because of all the extra weight up front. Alot of cobra fans wouldn't even consider having a small block motor, often for nostalgia reasons. Some cars are offered with mostly big blocks, like the west coast. It's personal choice, like music or wine, you will never get everybody to agree on what's best.

agro1 · #5 (**permalink**) 09-13-2002, 10:39 AM

Not going near this one with a 10ft pole....If you don't know and have no preference, go with a 351 W.

acaskie · #6 (**permalink**) 09-13-2002, 12:20 PM

Perhaps the biggest factor for a lot of folks is cost. Any big block will set you back a few thousand more than a 351. A full out 427 could cost you upwards of 15 grand.

Everything that goes into a big block is expensive. Not so the 351.

Bill Wells · #7 (**permalink**) 09-13-2002, 12:34 PM

hey, you can put anything in a spf that you want. engine choice is a passion, just like color and brands to many folks. why are more than half the cobra's blue ? followed by silver tones ? why are they brand x,y, z vs spf ? engines are the same. i have seen 302s in spfs, 351's any combo of strokers in all block sizes , as well as an array of stock block or played with blocks in 427, 428, 429, 460, 514, 520 and BIGGER TOO ! some with blowers, some with NOS and even 2 chev engines . check your bank balance, decide what you want to spend and then shop your engine(s) and brand(s) based on your needs/desires . the choice is yours. what the pattern has been of prior buyers should have no bearing on your choice...do what ya wanna do .the debate of one brand vs another, bb or sb...fi, efi or carb will go on forever. it will never be settled. to each his own, hence the variety. that was what was so awe inspiring at dvsf2, seeing the unbelievable array of creativity in builds, various brands, color choices, engine choices and each was in love with what they had. there is no winner or loser when it comes to YOUR CHOICE> go4it. everyone wins. bill

Dirty Harry · #8 (**permalink**) 09-13-2002, 03:24 PM

Initial cost is less for a sb. Fuel economy better with a sb. Car handles better with a sb. Easier to keep a sb cool. Front suspension holds up better. Decent horsebower available from a sb. But...every man's car has to be right for him and no one else should be critical.

bmalone · #9 (**permalink**) 09-13-2002, 03:34 PM

I respect every man's engine choice--could care less if you have SB or BB. But, must point out that a SB is not necessarily cheaper. When I was in the research phase, the built 418 I wanted cost about 20K. That was the price to get the kind of numbers I was looking for. I know some will argue that their SB cost considerably less--no problem with that.

The 514 and 520 builds I looked at cost quite a bit less. For example, a straight 514 crate motor goes for just over 7K.

After all, variety is the spice of life. Besides I wound up going FE, so what do I know?