TURBOCHARGE or SUPERCHARGED - The $64 Question

[blykins]

I know you were just quoting another website Dan....

However, his block is an aftermarket block. I've never had any issues with running the 4.100-4.170" stroke crankshafts in a production block and there certainly wouldn't be any in an aftermarket block. The 4" crankshaft that you use in a Dart/World/Ford Racing block has the same stroke as a crank that's used in a 408.

As far as the 289/302 engines, 500hp is very possible with pump gas and nothing more than a stroker kit and a really nice set of heads. My 347's make over 500hp, peak at 6500 and run on 93 octane.

My advice for the OP would be to get the engine in the car, then see what *he* is able to handle. 550-600 hp in a Cobra is a hand full.

[mhacars]

I have first hand experience with this issue. Back when I was having my alloy CSX built, I had never even driven a Cobra. When it came to getting a motor for it, I ordered a supercharged dry sump aluminum FE from Shelby. I did not want to have any second would have could have thoughts. With 6 pounds of boost, it makes 760hp and 710 foot pounds of torque at 6200 rpm based on the dyno runs at Kroyer.

When the motor was complete, I made the trip out to Shelby in Las Vegas to hear it run. That day, Gary Patterson took me for fast ride in a supercharged Series 1 and told me that the car had 500hp and what I had purchased is exponentially crazy and that I should be very careful when I drive the car and slowly learn how to drive the car. After the ride, I was taken to the oops department at Shelby where customers with regular motors crashed their cars and were awaiting repair. The cars had the same damage....right front fender and drivers rear quarter panel. I took a picture of them to remind me of what can happen with a normally aspirated motor.

Driving the car educated me on how much power is too much power. At low speeds it is very docile but it spools up so quick that it is dangerous as you accelerate. It can get away from you very quickly and as a result I don't even take it out more than once a year. If I had to do it over again, I would go with the FE but without the power adders as too much power is not manageable and very dangerous.