I think it really depends what you are looking for? A SB is lighter up in front, which in turn allows the car to handle much better on the track and street. A BB can give you gobs of torque and a sound like none other, but will not handle as well...Unless! you go with the aluminum lock and heads...then you the best of both worlds at the cost of both worlds:LOL:

Ps.
Now there are always exceptions and there are some unreal motors out there that are SB's or smaller! For example: I own a 32' salt flat street rod that has a 144ci Dodge Turbo motor that make well over 700 hp at the wheel...ON GAS! I set three records this summer out on bonneville with average speeds of over 200mph!see it at RaceDeckracing.com I would love to build a Cobra for out there using this motor...I am confident I can get it over the 200 mark!

wow great responses from the forum! BTW on my link scroll down a little to "quick1" in his post is the video clip of his 289 hi-po doing a 10.74!

Yeahh the guys are right, one thing I have learned in my life is that If I don't get exactly what I want... I am not happy with it! If you like the 289, and it sounds like you got a good motor btw keep it! one guy said tune up the 289 is his vote! Thats what I'd do, there are some HOTT 289's out there and in the video link i posted a bit earlier is one of them!

False advertisement.. lol I know what you mean.. I want to run a twin turbo 306 so Im not gunna have a 427 badge either haha

Post some pics of ur car if and when you can!

James Dean? Thats odd at work a friend of mine is obsessed with James Dean.. and I guess James Dean was from Iowa where my friend is from and this guy keeps pictures od James Deans grave on him at all times! lol He and his pals go visit the grave often and drink beers next to it and pose with the beers next to the grave (a beer was placed for JameS Dean also)

lol but anyway I never knew how he died.. did he die in a Cobra!? BTW Im only 23 so sorry I don't remember James Dean on the news! lol

take care man! Take these guys advice, ur 289 rocks!

Does size matter? Well, it all depends on your perspective, doesn't it. (Should I go there???)

The '63 and '64 Cobras were initially powered by 260 small blocks, then by 289's. Badging on the side said, "Powered by Ford", and nothing more. Most of the musclecar era cars had the engine displacement badge on the car somewhere.

In '65 & '66, the engine used was the Ford FE 427, although other FE engines (390 - 428) were also used. The badging on the side if the car said, "Ford 427 Cobra". So what does this mean today, particularly when the most popular replica of the Cobra is the '65 '427 S/C, of which only 31 were made???

From what I've read, the consensus seems to be this. If you have a '65 - '66, 427 S/C body style (which most of todays cars are), AND, you have an FE engine (with the requisite chrome, pent roof valve covers) the period correct badge is Ford 427 Cobra.

If you have any other Ford engine, then the "Powered by Ford" badge should be used. Any other engine should have its own logo used. Powered by Chevrolet, Powered by Mopar, Powered by Caterpillar. Or leave the side of the car unbadged.

Anyway, that's my take, and the least hassle when you open the hood. "Is it a real 427?" If the engine is an FE of any displacement with the requisite chrome, pent roof valve covers, you answer, "Yup!"

If you have anything other than an FE engine, and the side emblims simply say, "Powered by Ford"; you can open the hood and the valve covers on the engine say "Cobra", or "Ford Motorsport" , or "Ford Racing".

Anyway, for you guys who don't have "Real 427FE's" under the hood, "Powered by Ford" will keep 'em guessing .

jurgen,

Do you own Racedeck? I'm thinking about putting your flooring in my garage - I think it looks awesome!

The Saint,

James Dean died in a Porsche 550 Spyder, but I am asked that question sometimes too.

All else, you've been very supportive and entertaining in this thread. I think I will stick with my 289 as is for now. I may consider re-badging though...

Jack,

I like your take. Were any of the original 427 S/C-bodied cars equipped with the "powered by ford" badging? If so, my mind's made up. If not, I'll probably re-badge anyway

Goaztecs:
Yes, I own Snap Lock Industries which manufactures RaceDeck.
Did you buy from us directly or from our #1 dealer "Big Bob Evans"?
I am glad you like it and thanks for choosing RaceDeck:3DSMILE:

Thats the one negative to all out cars,,you have to explain and tell stories constantly,I go theu the same with the bikes I ride,but then again it is better than having a non discript ride no one notices.
My personal opinion,if I ever get a car with other than an FE,I would use the small block style emblem,but I say go with what floats your boat,and any one who does know any thign about these cars will have equal appreciation for the 289 and 427,,I know I sure do,I want one,,lol
SAINT ,,wanna bye a vortech s trim for a 5.0 ?
Tim K

I'm rebadging my FFR to Powered by Ford. I intend on making my small block ( 302 ) look like the originals including the Harrison Tank.

I did read but did not confirm that Shelby made one prototype before the so called "flip top" that had a 289 motor and had the 427sc body ( test mule as they called it )

Any one read or know about that one?

Thanks, Randy

other way around
 

Johnny, Mr Brzynzynsky(where's the vowels?) can fill in the details.

That makes sense testing the 427 in the 289 body.

Another question: was the oval air cleaner used in any model?

I noticed the 289 had either a 14" chrome or webers and the 427 depending on street or competition had the single or double carb setup with the turkeypan or just the Stelling and Helling 8" chrome air cleaner setup.

Thanks, Randy

Wow, 15 minutes has past since a mention of the "Flip-Top" and no responce from Bobby B. I hope nothings wrong. Johnny, I don't think the oval air cleaners were ever installed on the Cobra, that was a Mustang accesory only?

MY BADGES SAY "POWER BY FORD" :D :D

Johnny,

That's a good question. I believe they were, but I cannot remember seeing one in person or in pictures now that you say it. I have an oval COBRA air cleaner and open-letter valve covers on my motor, and it realy looks the part. I'm not sure if it is correct though. Perhaps you should start a new thread with this question. Someone will know.

Change the Badge to "POWERED BY FORD" , Enzo at finish line supplies these. The body style is 427 . I put these badges on mine and it has a 351 cleveland. Very few people say any thing about having a 427 in it.

rich