Question

fordracer · #1 (**permalink**) 07-12-2002, 06:43 PM

I just talked to Unique today and he told me something interesting. He does not recommend 460's because of the physical size. It would require a larger hood scoop and raising the ride height. Any thoughts ? I believe ERA feels the same about the 460's.

cobrashoch · #2 (**permalink**) 07-15-2002, 04:45 PM

I hate it when they are right. They also forgot to mention resale value to. But is that the whole picture? Lets see. My 544 weighs 545 lbs, is modern, has a good to excellent parts avaibility, cheaper to replace if I destroy it, can be built in most localitys, produces a bit more horsepower than a FE and no, I can't think of any 544 cubed FE motors off the top of my head. Thats not to say a FE don't run, just ask any impartial Chevy guy. I'd also bet my rent that any 385 equipped ERA/Unique Cobra will put a smile on the face of almost any owner if built that way! As for resale of other makes of Cobras, 385s are rampant in Superformances and I don't see that affecting resale on those cars. As for fitting a 385 into a ERA/Unique trust me, it can be done! And yes it would still look right. It's just those guys build them using a ortodoxy that works for them and thats not a bad thing. Somewhere along the way though you have to make up your own mind after looking all the "stuff" over.
cobrashock

millennium200 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-28-2002, 10:50 PM

Fordracer,
I called Unique and asked the same question you did. They told me if I wanted a 460 buy a Superformance. So I took their advise and did. And after driving my Superformace almost 7000 miles since April I am glad I followed their advise.

427sharpe · #4 (**permalink**) 07-29-2002, 12:18 PM

Fordracer:
I have built a lot of motors, and I would recommend the 460 UNLESS you are concerned with appearance. The 460 weighs more than a 427, but will also produce more power due to its combustion design. As has been stated earlier, the 460 will be much less of a hit in the budget, much easier to replace in case of disaster. All around, the 460 is a much better engine design. Another advantage is that the 460 will produce power (and more importantly torque) much lower in the rpm range, which will greatly assist in survivability. The 460 is very easy to stroke, as the 514 CID combination shows. If you go to a custom engine builder, you can go crazy--all the way to 600 CID if your wallet will stand it. Bang for the buck, I say buy FoMoCo's 514 and go driving--you wont be disappointed. On the other note, I am surprised that Unique takes such a stance...they have the rep of being an easy to deal with company. This being the case, Superformance makes a heck of a car, as does Everett-Morrison (if they return) and they both can adapt the 460. I know that F5 makes a 460 chassis too, although I have not seen one in person. Judging from their small block car, I think that they make a good product, but that it may require a little more effort to make it to a high standard. This can be balanced by the budget, as nobody gets close to them in base kit price. I guess it all boils down to how much work you want to do, and what kind of car you want when finished.

fordracer · #5 (**permalink**) 07-29-2002, 06:36 PM

Don't get me wrong the guy at Unique was very helpful and did not in anyway try to steer me away from his product. Since my talk with Unique I have talked to ERA and things are clearer now about engine size and what will fit. Superformance does make an excellent car. I have seen many and had a chance to ride in one and it was great. I just want to give it a shot a building one for myself, the way I want it.