Quote:
Originally Posted by Three Peaks
PS- I'm a Chevy guy and I like the LS line a lot. Much like the earlier GM small blocks, they are easy to upgrade, lots of parts available for hot rodders, lots of them to choose from , etc..... but this is only the second SBF I've built and I really have enjoyed the process and the engine has responded fairly easily to my ham handed wrenching techniques.. not that I'm going to threaten Brent's business any time soon!  |
There are pluses and minuses to every engine family. I have yet to find one family that has everything in check. Everyone may think that I'm pro-Ford all the way and have never touched a Chevy, but I have handled a few and I have even touched a couple of LS engines. I built a 402 for a local guy, that used an aluminum GTO block and a set of AFR heads that put down 500 hp at the tires in a late model Camaro. He picked it up on a Saturday morning, had it in the car and dyno'd by Monday and placed 3rd in a field of 83 cars (one of those races where they do the 1/4 mile, auto-cross, etc., all at once) the following Saturday.
However, I could have done the same thing with a 402 inch Windsor.
What got in my craw was when someone said that the LS engine was superior to anything Ford ever had or has now. Obviously it was a statement born out of emotion, as there are *zero* engines out there that are superior to all others. As mentioned above, each engine family has their own "perks".
If you want to look at modern muscle car performance, then I would have to give the nod to the Modular Ford engine.
If you want to look at compatibility and pricing, then I think a lot of Chevy engines get the nod.
If you want to look at which engines have tried and trued longevity, then there are several that would fit that bill, but I don't think I'd reach for an engine that has only been out since 1996-1997 (both Mod Ford and LS), I'd reach for something that has been beat on since the 60's.
In my mind it's hard to beat a big inch Windsor with Cleveland heads. IMO, that's the best compromise of physical size, horsepower, available displacement, originality, etc. However, also in my opinion, it has no place in a Cobra...