[REAL 1]

Allan: I don't think you could be more wrong. No insult intended.

The CSX's today are Cobras just as the CSX in the 60's were Cobras. Today Cobras leave SAI as a shell in roller form, no details except paint. If you want a component car built its shiped chasis and unfinished glass body with all parts to be assembled by the dealer. Today SAI does not and can not finish or build the car. The dealers do. Thats one difference in the manufacturing process when compared to the 60's aside from the supplier of the chasis and body.

The original Cobra's were fitted with FE's by Shelby. In the 60's they left SAI as completed cars with specific hardware and details depending on the model. My bet is that the closer to original spec the new Cobra is built, ie. the closer it leaves the dealer to the way it left the the Ford dealers in the 60's my bet is that the more desirable it will be. Especially since good 427SO blocks are very rare now a days.

If you want a "Cobra" there is a very clear receipe to follow. Some variants in ingrediants depending on model but the list is clear.

Today SAI doesn't fit the car with anything or finish it. They can't due to EPA and DOT regulations.

Show me one car that left SAI with an a Shelby aluminum engine installed and running and shipped to the dealer with details different than in the 60's. Please. I'd love to know.

In the end I think their will not be much difference in value between an aluminum block CSX and a CSX with original iron. It will depend on what the buyers are looking for at that time. Its all speculation.

I didn't buy my car for investment or resale. I bought it to enjoy it. I'm confident that it will hold its value well if not increase in value in the years to come though.

I wouldn't change my original 427SO built to original specs for an aluminum block 427. No way. I wanted the original REAL power plant that powered these beasts back in their hay day powering my baby.