Latest Car Craft quote....

[jdean]

Current issue they did a piece called "Top Ten Ford Engines". This does not mean the ranking of best designs, just a ranking of significance for Ford.

Regarding the FE they said something like "the 385 series is a more efficient design, and if built equally will outrun the FE". I don't want to offend the large base of FE loyalists, but this statement is a fact.

They did give the FE credit for more mystique etc., and there is no question it is more "correct" for a lot of cars in the history of Ford performance.

[decooney]

Better engineered with improvements, yes. More efficient, maybe, depending on what efficiency factors you are looking at.

Unless of course weight and handling is a bit of a consideration in a Cobra. A 385 series block/engine is heavy in comparison. Try to lift a 460 block by yourself and then go pick up an iron FE block. Ugh. The iron FE block platform is lighter than some people think, especailly when you bolt on aluminum heads, intake, w-pump, and accessories. Next, start comparing to the newer FE aluminum blocks, and engineered changes. Less than iron small block engine weight and big-block volume = Big Horsepower/Torque, Better Handling, and a really fun car to drive! Sound, unmatched.

Quirky as the FE may be, its interesting how FEs are making a comeback now. Must be a good reason or everyone would just build stroker 351 Windsors instead. Just my .02 cents.

[Big-Foot]

It's all in the heads....

[CowtownCobra]

Originally posted by decooney


Must be a good reason or everyone would just build stroker 351 Windsors instead.

Hmmmm....oh never mind

[devbravo]

I've owned and drag raced both FE(390) and 385(429) series engines... albeit a few years ago.
They're really different designs so it's like comparing apples & oranges, yes they're both fruits and yes their both sweet , but that's as far as it goes..yes these are both Ford Big Block engines, yes they're both Torque producers.

The differences are: 1) the FE series overall suffers from oiling
problems, which if you're serious about racing you have to address, the 385 series addresses these short comings.

The FE blocks have a very strong bottom due to the "skirt".

The FE blocks can be "wound" tighter (e.g. can handle higher rpms) than the 429/460, BUT the 429 and early 460 heads flow
much better that the FE heads save for the NASCAR 427 heads
(which the 429/460 are "detuned" street versions of)

If you're on a budget ...go with a 460 with 429 heads.

If you have the bucks to spare and/or spending your children's inheiritance, then by all means go with an aluminum 427 or 428
with a set of modern design high flowing heads. and kill those
rats!

[TerrysSPF]

The past is the past. Old history.
The future is NOW and it looks bright for the FE.
I'll take a Shelby block and a set of KC heads anyday over a 385 series. I'll also be able to change my plugs!

[BANDIT 1]

The 385 series is a better engine, fact. The weight of the block is not a big deal, ever hear of a aluminum 385 series block? The 427 engine belongs in an original Ford product that came with one in it and in a museum.

[TerrysSPF]

Bandit: Sure, I've heard of the alum 385 series blocks. The weight wasn't my point. I mentioned the Shelby block due to it's design changes over the orig. SO block, not because it's alum. THAT'S what makes it better TODAY. Sure, the ORIGINAL 385 series was a better design than the ORIGINAL sideoiler blocks. Obviously Ford learned something along the way. But what were the SO's main weakness'. Wall thickness and oil issues. The Shelby blocks fix that and THEN some.
The 427 doesn't belong in a museum......it belongs in a COBRA! ........Replica OR REAL.

[ENTDOC]

The 385 series motor would be my least desirable ford motor for a cobra. It makes little sense actually.Why would you want a motor that is incorrect and has the weight issues as well as being so wide it makes working on it difficult in the small engine bay. Performance issues aside,give me a correct 427so or a bullit proof 392 stroker small block as the best choices for our cars. chuck

[jdean]

Chuck,

The 385 might only be an option for those, like me, who want a larger big block that can make lots of reliable power for a fraction of the cost of a similar size and equipped FE.

On the weight issue, on other threads it has already been discussed that an aluminum headed 385 has a weight similar to an iron headed FE. The stock iron manifold (like the FE) is REAL heavy, and the iron heads weight about half again what the FEs weigh. So going with aluminum stuff helps a lot.

It is wide though, making plug changes a pain, and you don't really want to deal with the headers at all once it is in, unless you are a contortionist.

The strange thing is that, big as the 385 is on external dimensions, it is smaller than a 4.6 mod motor. Look for the 4.6 to show up in an increasing number of Cobras and hot rods.

On the other hand it is an impressive sight to have an engine bay completely filled with a huge engine!!

[ENTDOC]

can't argue with that. chuck

[HighPlainsDrifter]

Well let's be objective and compare my 'driver' 460 to a new Shelby 427.

mine.... Shelby
460 .... 427
8.8:1.... 11:1 compression
regular gas.... premium gas
fibberglass.... aluminum body
2,760 lbs.... 2,400 lbs
11.92 ET.... 11.9 ET
home built .... built with lots of engineers
100% fun .... 50% fun , 50% snob
cost $ xx.... cost $ xx + 80k

So my iron smogger '77 Lincoln 460 that weighs 400 lbs more than a new csx 4000 and has 100 HP less than the FE is just as fast..........Hmmmm , maybe the old 385 series engine is better in the REAL world.
Perry.

[jdean]

Hey Perry,

I agree. Just got my car registered. Sure is fun chirping the tires in 3rd gear with an automatic tranny, and this is without really trying too hard.

John

[427sharpe]

Think it's hard to change plugs in a standard 429-460 in a Cobra?
Come change MINE sometime?!
As far as weight, I don't really notice it when I am driving or racing....i'll take my detuned NASCAR Boss any day!

[jdean]

Robert,

That engine looks to be about the size of the mod motors.

Looks awesome. How long before it gets the shoehorn to fit it into the Cobra?

John

[lovehamr]

I think I just got a stiffie!?

[TerrysSPF]

Originally posted by lovehamr


I think I just got a stiffie!?

I guess they don't call you "lovehammer" for nothing.

[427sharpe]

jdean;
It has been in...and out...and in again so many times I think I can do it with my eyes closed in a completely dark shop with nothing but a screwdriver and a pack of gum. I have not had a bunch of time to get the car together, and now the weather has taken a turn for the worse. It's cold as witches left tit here today and my shop has no heat. I am doing some other winter projects (as usual) and I hope to have her together again....for the last time...
in the spring when the weather turns.

[Excaliber]

427 FE Side Oiler, original high rise iron heads, original 2X4 Ford alloy intake. Flat tappet cam just like "back in the day". Hooked up to a top loader.

Yeah,,,,, it's "real" and I like it that way!