[aumoore]

The 427 was the largest of the "FE" series of Ford Big Blocks. The FE family includes the 360, 390, 410, 428, 427 and the 427 camer(427 block). The 385 Lima series includes the 429, 460 and the new 514 strokers. The 385 series is larger and slightly heaver than the FE series. The 385 series has canted valves with seperate rocker arms while the FE series has straight line valves with rocker shafts. The FE series is an older design dating back to about 1960 while the 385 series came out around 1970.

IMHO the FE is great if you have lots of money and want an authentic looking motor. If you want lots of performance for your money and do not mind a non-authentic looking motor and want a big block the 385 series is hard to beat. Normally asperated the FE is good to about 550 to 600 HP but be prepared to open up your retirement account. For less than 1/2 the money you can get over 600 hp with a 385 series and parts are still made for it.

If you want good performance with the right look you can dress up a 390 and put good heads on it and get over 400 hp for not a lot of money.