SB to FE conversion?

[SantaFe66]

I built mine up from a roller I got that was done right. I found a cheap 390 and have been happy with that for several years. Buuuttttt.......now I have the need for more power (it's a disease). So, this winter I'm building either a 428 from the 390 or stroking it to 430 with a kit. Since I got the 390 engine for very reasonable money ($1K), I could afford to upgrade to bigger cubes. I looked around until I found a distressed owner that had blown his 428 and bought his Ebrock heads, Roller rockers, valve covers and numerous other slightly used goodies. I got a 428 crank for $200, had my rods rebuilt and now have two options to consider. Either way I go, with a stroked .040 over 390 that will be 430+ with the kit, or a std bore 428 (boring the 390 to 4.13, if the block sonics OK). I will have an FE motor in it with much more power than the 390.

Moral of this story is you have a lot of options with a good FE motor. I think it was my best decision to go with the big block up front. You certainly can do this with a good small block Ford motor too. Be patient and keep looking, the right thing will surface eventually. Be sure you know what you want first though. There is plenty of good info on this website and good people to ask questions of.

By the way, there are many other very good cars out there in addition to the Superformance so keep your options open. Go look at others before you decide. Most owners would likely take you for a ride too, so don't be afraid to ask.

Paul