SB Enough?

[DoneByDoug]

Guys,

Some folks are claiming that a cobra owner gets used to a SB and eventually yearns for a 427. What's everyones' opinion here?

My situation? I'd actually prefer a 302 B&Sed to about 347 c.i. with approx 400 ft/lbs of torque at the flywheel. I've never owned a race car but do drive a turbo Saab with a 5.8 sec 0-60 time, and a 72 Mercedes 4.5se (talk about torque!)

Will I be dissapointed with a SB FIA? I really do prefer the FIA look and would appreciate the better mileage of a SB.

Looking forward to everyone's thoughts.

Doug in Louisiana

[CHRIS DAMSCH]

If you're doing the Fia do the small block. Otherwise put the big block in it. There won't be any regrets later.

BTW, I have a small block.

[DoneByDoug]

I have yet to take delivery. 1 month into my 8-12 month wait time for an ERA.

I would definitely opt for the SB for the FIA, but would opt for the 427 BB in the SC if the power's going to dissapoint. My concern is maintenance and cost (both upfront and longer term).

[fsstnotch]

Just build it how YOU want it. If you build it with a big block because everyone else says you should, you may end up wishing you have a small block. Just build it however YOU want.

For an FIA, I'd definitely go with a small block.

Edit, you replied right when I did. I planned a SB for my SC kit for some of the exact reasons you just posted. Also, I plan to drive my cobra alot when it's finally done! So not only will teh SB be cheaper and more reliable IMO, it should also be a little lighter on the wallet when I fill her up. I'll get a few more smiles per gallon!

[Roscoe]

If this is going to be a SB vs. BB then I'm going to make some popcorn.

Roscoe

[blykins]

With an FIA car, I'd go small block.

But you can have the best of both worlds:

445ci Windsor Assembly Pictures

That's my 445ci Windsor. Big block power and you don't have to rev the poop out of it to get it.

[fsstnotch]

Originally Posted by Roscoe

If this is going to be a SB vs. BB then I'm going to make some popcorn.

Roscoe

Nah, I don't see a SB vs BB war here. I think MOST would agree that if the man wants a FIA... the SB is the suited choice!

[madmaxx]

sb vs bb who cares it is horsepower and torque. I will tell you right now if you are under 50 years old, you will be used to "small" block power (375hp/375ft-lbs) in 6 months and want alot more. You also want torque at low rpm's do not get 500hp and 500ft-lbs of torque where the torque comes in at 4500rpms. You want torque at 2500rpms. I would recommend go with as much engine as you can afford and then stretch another 10%.

[dlowman]

With the power that the SB's can make now days its a toss up. The only real difference is that big block sound at idle. lol and there is definately something to be said for that. I run a keith craft 408 with 550hp ish. I don't lack power at all. But I do envy those big block sounds.

[jmarsey]

Yes, a small block CAN be enough.

John

[Maurice Johnson]

Who has an FE390 in an FIA body. I don't recall seeing this combo in anyone's title block.

[diegokid]

The SB in the FIA already has the ability to outdo the 0 - 60 times you posted above so sheer power isn't the issue. You SHOULD be thinking that if the SB in the FIA isn't enough you will have a darn good reason to build the SC with a BB in a few years.

I'm using this reasoning in reverse. My wife can't drive a standard, in a few years she will want to drive one with an auto trans in it. That will be my excuse to build the FIA with the auto,"for her".

[Rick Parker]

"Yes, a small block CAN be enough"

Thanks JMarsey, I couldn't have said it better.

[Ronbo]

Want gas mileage put Fuel Injection in it and highway gears.

Build / gearing determine mileage not block size.

As for putting a BB in a FIA? Why not? There's lots of SB SC's out there.

It's all good...

[CHRIS DAMSCH]

Are we talking FE big blocks or 385 series? Or do you not care which one?

I agree, a small block can be enough. They are pricey to build though. I just think the bb will make power easier.

Like I said before, I'm running a stroked small block myself. But If I were to start from scratch, day 1, I would be building a 500+" BB stroker (385 based). Then there are no questions about having enough power.

Just my opinion, and we know what those are like!

[jmarsey]

Any time Rick!

Now, if it would just stop raining long enough at Fontana oops, I mean Auto Club Speedway, so we can have a race today.

John

[Slojo]

There are pleny of SB packages out there today that act like a BB performance wise, it really is a matter of how much green you want to spend and personal taste/opinion. I have a SB putting out around 430 torque/480 HP, and I can tell you it is more than enough for street driving for me.

As a relatively newer Cobra owner I did not want to be in a situation of second guessing my dream purchase so I did not get a 'crate engine' in the high 300 range HP/torque wise

[GlynMeek]

I agree 100% about the 'sound' of the big block when compared with the small, but I have a 'race built stroker' 347 that has a high lift camshaft and at the Austin meet yesterday, everyone remarked how good it sounded and that it really had that big block rumble. I guess my reasons for the SB were a) mileage and b) it always seems that the big blocks overheat more (according to most of the threads in this forum), and who needs THAT problem in Texas summers????

Glyn

[greg schroeder]

I have a small block 427 with no power adders. There's a sound reference in the video link in my signature. To me it sounds pretty good, but I may be biased. The trap speed isn't bad either.

[ItBites]

You can go too far with the BB power. I did. I do not regret it, but even on a sticky track with sticky track tires and in high gear, I have to be careful how quickly I mash the throttle. I think the EFI, with immediate response, has exascerbated the issue.

Life is soooooo tough...