Why do I need a big block?

[Gunner]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Only problem with that is you can't get a manual with a CSX car....

OMG, you mean all the CSXs are automatics?

[PLDRIVE]

Patrick, that knowledgeable kid U are referring to will have discontent well prior to peaking under your hood. He will see your second roll bar, and that fiberglass body, and he will say to his buddies “guys it’s only a kit, lets find a real one” Get off your high horse.

[*13*]

First off, the guy got some impressive numbers from his SB. Very cool! 2nd... It's a Live subject. Can't open that can without a few heads Perkin up

Originally Posted by Dangerous Doug

I get the "it's only a small block" and my car is a 289 FIA... and usually by people that pulled up in an 80's "vintage" Tercel.

...most of the time, though, people are pretty thrilled just to see my Cobra.

Yeah, it's cool to see a BBF in a 427 and a SBF in a 289 FIA or slabside, but really, it all comes down to what turns your crank (or blows your skirt up, if you happen to be a chick...).

I am a bit appalled by this thread. Here's a guy that got some impressive numbers out of his engine and he's sharing the fun. It quickly digressed into a comparison of penis sizes (though metaphorically, but clearly...).

Clearly, he doesn't need a BBF. He's thrilled with his engine. Let the guy enjoy it.
DD

[RodKnock]

Don't pick on the CSX owners, the Kirkhams don't have a complete manual either, though they do have a very purty book on Larry Ellison's car.

Why is a manual necessary for complete factory rollers like the CSX, BDR, SPF or Kirkham anyway? I can understand the ERA, but dropping in an engine and tranny in a factory roller seems superfluous to me. Granted I would need the book entitled "Installing Engines and Transmissions For Dummies", but most guys around here are wizard-engineering types.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Why is a manual necessary for complete factory rollers like the CSX, BDR, SPF or Kirkham anyway?

The same reason that they are available for any other car -- they break. Now granted, compared to any car you can buy today our Cobras are very simple cars, but you still need a manual; it makes things a 1000% easier. Say your tach just up and quits tomorrow and you ask me to fix it. Without a manual that's going to be a PITA first just figuring out the wiring, figuring out if it's the gauge or maybe the MSD box, maybe it's a fuse, ok it's probably the gauge, what do I do to pull the dash, does the steering column have to come out, etc., etc., etc.

[Stentor]

Originally Posted by PLDRIVE

I went to have my car put on a chassis dyno today, and I was well pleased with the results. My engine builder told me their engine dynoed was conservative (642HP) and they were not kidding!! First pull 559, second 561 and third 559. Not bad for a small block on Pump Gas that Idles at 950 and will run all day long on in fifth gear at 2100rpm. Oh by the way this was with the small carburetor (QF 850) the 1050 made 12 more HP and more TQ throughout the entire RPM range on the engine dynoed! I am very happy with the results. Engine 461 SBF, Custom LSM solid roller, Super victor (dr J port work).

PLDRIVE,
Those are some impressive numbers. Enjoy your car with that mean, large CI, small block.
Good luck.

[FuzzyDiceRide]

I have a "fake" Cobra with a "fake" 427W and I even have "fake" FE valve covers..and
that is not consistent when compared to other "fake" Cobras? , with rod slinging ,hot
running,no cranking FE's ;-) . However, this might be considered a "fake" opinion too !

[blykins]

Originally Posted by FuzzyDiceRide

with rod slinging ,hot
running,no cranking FE's !

Wow, that line sounds way too familiar. I think McDipwad is back.

[McD00]

Originally Posted by blykins

Wow, that line sounds way too familiar. I think McDipwad is back.

I don't sleep, I wait......don't get me started!


McVette

[dcdoug]

Yep. Let's just ban him again and move on.

[elmariachi]

My car has been on the road for 6 mos/1500 miles. Behind being asked if its real, the second most asked question is not how much horsepower it makes but whether or not the engine is a real 427 or FE.

Each of us incorporate things into our cars that we are most proud of. Maybe its red piping on the seats, a snakeskin-covered dash or a Viper purple paintjob. For me it was a rod-slinging, hot running, no cranking, hard-to-find, PITA-to-build, expensive FE. And best of all I found it in a barn, where it had been waiting patiently for me for 35 years.

"Why, yes ma'am thanks for asking, it is a big block."

[SP01715]

Originally Posted by elmariachi

My car has been on the road for 6 mos/1500 miles. Behind being asked if its real, the second most asked question is not how much horsepower it makes but whether or not the engine is a real 427 or FE.

I have never had anyone even mention the letters "FE". 99% of the people I have talked to have no clue about these cars.

[Got the Bug]

Originally Posted by SP01715

I have never had anyone even mention the letters "FE". 99% of the people I have talked to have no clue about these cars.

Same here. That probably means that the 1% of people who might know what an FE is are the people in your local Cobra club...and let's face it, they don't really care that much either.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Got the Bug

Same here. That probably means that the 1% of people who might know what an FE is are the people in your local Cobra club...and let's face it, they don't really care that much either.

Oh no, don't kid yourself... they're there alright. They're just being polite. If I was in Santa Cruz and saw your car at a show or cruise-in I would walk right over and look in your engine bay. Then I'd turn to you and say "looks great, you've got a really nice car here." Of course, I'd be thinking....

[Doug I]

Originally Posted by patrickt

.....Of course, I'd be thinking....

.... man that Roush 402 sure is pretty

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Then I'd turn to you and say "looks great, you've got a really nice car here." Of course, I'd be thinking....

"Oh well, it's not aluminum."

AND/OR

"Oh well, only one roll bar."

[elmariachi]

Originally Posted by Got the Bug

Same here. That probably means that the 1% of people who might know what an FE is are the people in your local Cobra club...and let's face it, they don't really care that much either.

Most of the people who ask if its an FE are men at cruise-ins. " Maybe its more like 1.37% versus 1% though.

Women just say "My what a big motor you have."

[RICK LAKE]

Buzz The 351 motors both Boss and windsor where not around in the cobra race days. 289 stroked became a 302. 351 Windsor was a whole new block assembly that came out in 69 not 100% sure this was the correct year. Cobra racing from Shelby was done and gone to mostly private guys. GT-40's where another thing. A strong windsor in the 390-427 will out preform a FE motor with the same size cubes and internals being the same. Windsor has more HP, FE has more torque due to the bore and stroker setup. Windsor will rpm quicker than an FE because of assembly weight of the bottom end. 351 motor have some GREAT race and speed parts. FE is catching up to them at a slow pace. As far as the Cammer motor based on an FE block, this is a WHOLE different ANIMAL. 550-575 pounds for the new aluminum cammer and 635hp to start with a 7,500 rpm limit. Rick L.

[FuzzyDiceRide]

I had a 1970 Mustang with a 428 and it was one mean hoss ! (for the day) and I do love
FE's and could have put one in my car....However the small package and novelty of the
427 W stroker impressed me. I have a Mustang with a 347 stroker and that engine influenced my decision about another stroker. Each to his own of course. I see some are
very touchy about friendly sarcasm too ! lol Take that FE and shove into overdrive .....

[jagxjr5012]

Because you can have one !!

The only thing better than one big block is two big block's !!!

ERA #208 and ERA #682