Roush vs 427FE vs Keith Craft

[jhv48]

Originally Posted by Varmit

My Roush 427 SR was using quite a bit of oil at 8k. 11k pulled the heads and sent them out. Builder called me, and showed me the valve stems. The bronze valve guides actually wore depressions in the valve stems, allowing oil to flow into the combustion chambers. It was his opinion that the valves were cheap Chinese valves with a substandard manufacturing process. Replaced the valves the engine ran fine. Have a couple of friends, one on here, who had the same engine. It turned into a disaster for him. If he so desires, he can comment on his problems. Decided to get rid of the engine before it became a boat anchor, sold it and bout the KC 482. Great decision as far as I'm concerned.
Some seem to have engines that have done quite well. I can only speak from my personal experience.

Not sure if I've already responded here as I'm not going to read all the posts to see if I did.

I have a Roush 427 SRTW powered SPF. At 12,000 miles, it was using a quart of oil every 250 miles. Did a leak down test. Readings all over the place, from 10-35%. Pulled the heads. Scratches in a couple of bores. No cross hatch showing in the cylinders. Blow-by was coming out the breathers and dipstick. Sent the heads out. Guides worn, valves had ridges in the stems, seals were shot. Tore down the block. Cracked piston ring land. Rings shot. Damaged lifters. Cam going flat. Broken inner valve spring. Rods and crank were fine, whew! Replaced the anemic street avenger with a ProSystems dp and the sidepipes to 3" a long time ago so the thing could inhale and exhale better.

Remember, this is a street only engine. No race time and few runs to 6000 rpm.

Now, after a complete rebuild and dyno tune it scares the living crap out of me. Get into the throttle a little too hard in third gear and it will step out right now! And that's with sticky nitto 315's.

So, now I'm letting brent build me a slightly detuned engine as a backup in case I decide to part with mine.

Personally, I don't think a Roush engine was worth the money.