|
Small Block Question
I am thinking about building a 289 slabside as close to the original specs as I can. I currently run a SPF and have always liked the smaller version. I lived in the UK for almost 20 years and really liked the HAWK version, but did not like the MGB components.
I am looking for information on engine size. Should I run a 302 based engine (stroked or not) or move up to the 351 W (stroked or not) I want to run a TKO 600 behind what ever I choose. Now to the question. A buddy of mine says FASTCO makes good motors and bang for the buck is pretty good. I know I can go with Ford Racing, Roush, RDI, KC and countless others. What are your feeling on FASTCO engines? Any experience? Any help will be appreciated Goober |
If you want it as close to original specs as possible, the 351W is out.
I would use a 331 or 347. It will look the same as the original 289, but have more displacement and more power. More power is more better. ;) |
If you don't like the MBG front suspension, take a look at ERA's 289 FIA. Still has the svelte body of the 289 slabside, but with the wide rear hips of the 427.
DD |
agree with Doug..,
Goober,
I have an ERA 289 FIA. The slab side has always appealed to me, and back in 1997 the ERA FIA car was about as close as I could get with a good chassis...no regrets! The engine is a 6-bolt 1965' 289" block that is stoked out to 347" so running a 351" would only make sense to me if you stroke it out over 390'+...otherwise save the weight and go with a small block, 289 or 302. I am not sure that a 351" would be noticeable to anyone other than a Cobra fan...it is about +/- 0.8" taller, more or less, and I wanted to run a high-rise manifold with out a hood scoop...actually, there is lots of room to spare with the Weiand Stealth manifold, so I could have run a stoked 351"...but had another 70-90 lbs or so...I am assuming aluminum heads and iron block... The car now has 13500 miles, no problems, on the road since 2003... some track time, about 10 events, and has never had a car related problem...if it wasn't for Holley, no problems...and those aren't that bad. A well sorted out machine with endless support?..the only "slab-side" I am aware that is a car I would want is the Kirkham 289"...out of my price range, but I am happy were I am. Have fun. |
If your only issue with the Hawk was the MGB suspension, you might want to check them out again. They have a new independent suspension set up that is supposedly not based on the MGB componenets anymore.
I also have the ERA 289FIA with a 1965 289 only stroked to 331. It has all the power and performance I need. I originally intended to use the 351 but switched to save the weight and for more originality. It also helped in the title and registration process that the engine was 40 years old. BTW -- The "hips" on the FIA are not as wide as the 427 and are blended at the front (by the doors) better than the 427. |
If you need to find a replacement for the MGB front suspension....check out www.fastcarsinc.com. They replaced my MGB with the fastcars unit and it drives beautifully. I have some pics posted in my gallery.
|
Thanks for all the replies. Good suspension upgrades.
How about the original question about FASTCO engines? Any takers? Mark |
Quote:
http://www.cobraclub.com/forum/snake...tml#post286600 |
Thanks Mate, boy was that some reading. Not really sure who's right or wrong. Probalby several sides to this story. Guess for the main part I'll stay away from Fastco.
Thanks for all the replies Mark |
Quote:
i am the person (among many others)on the above site who have been well and truely ripped off!! there are NO 2 sides to this story.. the evidence is in black and white!! if you need any questions answered, i will be happy to help! good luck tony:cool: |
More here http://snaketorque.co.uk/index.php?topic=3075.0 :eek: The guy can't remember if he supplied an Internal or External balanced crank :rolleyes:
|
So, "numbers". Mine is a Roush 427IR which started life as a 351 Dart block. Is this a small block or "mid block"? I always thought the small blocks were the 289s (<300. I thought the big blocks started with the 390s). Old memories from the 70's. Don't ask.
I don't care. It rocks. |
Goober
The Hawk is available with a Jaguar rear end 2.88-3.77 ratios and a custom front end with custom brakes and suspension. Talk to Gerry Hawkridge he a very nice guy and can advise you well. |
Shelby also offers a Slabside as CSX8000
|
Quote:
-Mark |
| All times are GMT -7. The time now is 10:34 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.0
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Friendly URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0
The representations expressed are the representations and opinions of the clubcobra.com forum members and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and viewpoints of the site owners, moderators, Shelby American, any other replica manufacturer, Ford Motor Company. This website has been planned and developed by clubcobra.com and its forum members and should not be construed as being endorsed by Ford Motor Company, or Shelby American or any other manufacturer unless expressly noted by that entity. "Cobra" and the Cobra logo are registered trademarks for Ford Motor Co., Inc. clubcobra.com forum members agree not to post any copyrighted material unless the copyrighted material is owned by you. Although we do not and cannot review the messages posted and are not responsible for the content of any of these messages, we reserve the right to delete any message for any reason whatsoever. You remain solely responsible for the content of your messages, and you agree to indemnify and hold us harmless with respect to any claim based upon transmission of your message(s). Thank you for visiting clubcobra.com. For full policy documentation refer to the following link: