Who Is Running A Big Block In Their SPF

[blykins]

A lot of the Cobras are running small blocks because they are available from so many manufacturers as crate engines. For example, the majority of Ford Racing's lineup of crate engines are small block based engines....302's, 347's, 427's, etc. Many guys go with the path of least resistance.

As far as some of the other comments...

I build a lot of engines for Cobra customers and I also have never heard any one say that they are ditching their big block for a small block.

There are also many wives' tales passed around....big blocks are more expensive, big blocks are too heavy, big blocks don't make good engines for track cars, etc. All of those are incorrect, but still get passed around as gospel.

If you want a big block, go for it. It's that simple. My personal opinion is that a 427 style car needs one. A 289 style car needs a small block.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by blykins

I build a lot of engines for Cobra customers and I also have never heard any one say that they are ditching their big block for a small block.

Now that I'm getting older, I'm thinking about downsizing. I'm looking for something with less power, less desirability, something ubiquitous. You know, everyone has one, which will give me anonymity at car shows. Yes! A small block would fit the bill.

Just so you guys know, you're both right in my book.

[AC Ventura]

Originally Posted by blykins

.................. a 427 style car needs one. A 289 style car needs a small block.

I agonised for 12 months over this and in the end came down to exactly this point of view.

My small block is coming out and a new all alloy 427 FE being built now, will be going in. It certainly isn't the easy choice because the car is an Autokraft Mk IV with a full inner body, but in the end my mind was made up, for no other reason than the car has the 427 body shape.

[blykins]

Patrick, I must say....

That is probably the funniest post you have made in your Club Cobra career. And you did it with the quickness too.

[Ace23]

Future big block owner chiming in. I like the loud pedal and personally the 427 doesn't get it done for me in regards to pure acceleration. I am by no means an engine guru but based on all the articles and build threads I have seen you can take the exact same engine and by changing cam and cylinder heads completely manipulate the power delivery. I would think with enough cubic inches a big block built to peak at 6000rpm would have plenty of bottom end in our light cars. On a SPF car is it possible to keep the factory hood when you are looking at a 385 series engine? I have heard the intake selection is rather limited......it would be ashame to build something nice and cork it up with a weak intake and airfilter combo. As much as I dislike the thought of having to look at EFI it seems like a multi-port EFI setup would open up your intake options and would allow you to get the proper size air filter on it. If I was buying my car over again I would be looking for a big block.