Why do I need 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.