Supercharger vs. N/A build!

[Cobrat24]

Ok fellas, I think I've decided to go to a big block, but where are you boys buying your blocks from? And I'm not taking about eBay either.

Spoke with my builder last night and let him know that's the direction I'm looking but he was telling me I'd be looking at 15k for example a complete Windsor build. This is blowing past my budget by 5k.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Cobrat24

Ok fellas, I think I've decided to go to a big block, but where are you boys buying your blocks from? And I'm not taking about eBay either.

Spoke with my builder last night and let him know that's the direction I'm looking but he was telling me I'd be looking at 15k for example a complete Windsor build. This is blowing past my budget by 5k.

If by "big block" you are thinking FE, then your $10k budget isn't going to get you there. 427 and 428 blocks are going to blow your budget to pieces -- a 390 less so. And a Windsor is not a big block. Whatever engine you choose, 289, 351, FE, or 385, I would let a trusted engine builder choose your block, not you.

[Bernica]

Originally Posted by patrickt

If by "big block" you are thinking FE, then your $10k budget isn't going to get you there. 427 and 428 blocks are going to blow your budget to pieces -- a 390 less so. And a Windsor is not a big block. Whatever engine you choose, 289, 351, FE, or 385, I would let a trusted engine builder choose your block, not you.

Yup. As an example, a new bare Shelby FE aluminum block is about $7k from Shelby and a completely built FE from them starts at just under $30k and goes up from there.

Of course, you can start with a good used FE block, but take heed and do your homework on them before you lay down the $$. Many horror stories here and out there.

Before buying used, I would pay a quality builder to go through the block thoroughly and give you the final thumbs up or down.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Bernica

Of course, you can start with a good used FE block, but take heed and do your homework on them before you lay down the $$. Many horror stories here and out there.

But, mind you, if you do not suffer the fate of the horror stories, there is a school of thought that a "seasoned" iron block, with decades of heat cycles, and with nice thick walls, is superior in many regards. Not the least of which can be your DEQ inspector, if that matters, which it might not, but it might.... Personally, give me a beautifully seasoned, original iron block any day of the week.

[rodneym]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Personally, give me a beautifully seasoned, original iron block any day of the week.

Me, too. With one minor deviation...

Personally, give me a beautifully seasoned, original iron block any day of the week, so long as it goes in a beautifully seasoned, original Cobra.