are sb 427's really 427 c.i.'s

[Keithc8]

There is no right or wrong answer here. I build both combinations and they both run great but this because we have done a lot of R&D on both combinations and know what we are doing.
No problem with stroking the 351W base engine because it has a 9.500 tall deck block but you will want to use an aftermarket block like a Dart so that you can build it with a 4.125 bore and a 4.000 stoke. This combination has a good piston design and rod ratio for 8000 rpms if wanted. I know becaue I do it and have run them that way. You are talking about a 6000 to 6500 rpm engine and the 4.000 stroke in the 9.500 block is just fine.
I have also had the FE engine in several of my Cobras rabging from 482 to 527 C.I. that have made in the 600 to 750 HP range and the best one ran 10.02 on street radials at 140 mph. Driven to and from the track and told could not run any more because it was to fast. I also had the fastest cobra at the Ohio Club Cobra gathering with top speed at 108mph in about an 1/8 mile. This was with a 427 small block FORD in a Superformance car with standard street radial tires.
The same Kirkham that ran the 10.02 also was the second fastest behind a fully road race prepped cobra on the road course and the fastest in the autocross on wet pavement of all Cobras there. All the small block guys thought they were going to kill me on the autocross but that did not happen. Now I do believe that this had some to do with driving and set up of the car.
In the end if you deal with the right person that knows what they are doing you can get either that will do what you want and more. Tis is why we build each engine custom for each customer and not a one fits all like most everybody else does. Remember you get what you pay for and you pay for what you get. Deal with a company that has the technology, machinery, experience and is strong enough to stand behind their product. Some of these company's have jumped on the bang wagon of late but they will not be around in a few years. Seen it before and we are seeing it again. Same address and phone number for 15 years and with three children it looks I will be at it about that much longer at least.
You will find out that everyone knows how to build an engine but are they willing to stand behind it. Sill the best bang for the buck going by design. Thanks, Keith Craft