small block vs. big block in a cobra

[boyd henderson]

trying to decide small block or big block? any advice ? pros and cons .any happy big blocks drivers.i am building a classic roadster cobra.

[Tony Radford]

You HAD to ask!

[Silverback51]

I'm a very happy big block owner.

I have always preferred a big block due to the reason that it's relatively cheap and easy to get more hp out of one. Regardless of what you do to a small block, it will always be subjected to higher stresses at the same hp levels as a big block. That's just a plain and simple fact.

The real question you have to ask yourself is what do you plan on doing with the car. Determine that, and then pick an engine that fits your use.

[Ron61]

What Silverback said. I have had both and they each had advantages and disadvantages. I still liked the small block stroker for road courses and it would lap as fast as the big blocks. The big block gives you the power and torque normally at a lower RPM range and is great for cruising plus the sound is just deeper. And if you are going to just go in a straight line, I think they call it drag racing, the Big Block is the way to go.
You could also do some searching on this topic as there must be at least 3,000 posts arguing the pros and cons of each.


Ron

[elgecko]

Just pop the hood of any BIG BLOCK Cobra and your question will be answered. It belongs there.
It's funny that this question has not been addressed before.

[JCoop]

Oh believe me, this has been addressed many times...with no real valid conclusions either way

I've owned both, I prefer BB for fore/aft G-forces, SB for L/R G-forces.
BB - love the rumble, hate the steering.
SB - loved the nimble handling, hated trying to make it look big.

Shall I make popcorn now?

[oleyellar]

I always thought, how could I own a Cobra without a big block ? .... there is nothing like it. If you want gas mileage get a small block. If you want to rock the ground, get a big block. I am happy with my big block. Almost built a small block to put in it, just to see what the fuss was all about, collected most of the parts, couldn't bring my self to do it. You will love a big block at the end of the long front straight, and then be questioning your decsion half way through the tight turns on the back stretch, But, then you come out sideways, put it back to the mat, and realize how awesome it is to have the big inch motor.
If you are concerned about the weight, go on a diet. Twice the bennefits. My front to rear is 47% front 53% rear, with a Ford big block.

[diegokid]

Just like SilverBack said. It doesn't matter how you do it, when you start with more you can always end up with more.

[Archrms]

If you go small block, you will always wonder "what if". If you go big block, there will never be any regrets.

[madmaxx]

Unless you are buying an original you are getting a replica which takes advantage of many of the automotive advances through the years. Why not take advantage on engine technology and get a stroked 351 to 4??. Now you have big block performance plus the advantages of a lighter engine.

I have been in and heard both. Unless they are parked next to each other it is hard to dicern the big block. I also did not like the low ground clearance as a result of the big block bell housing. Just my thoughts.

[Nedsel]

You might want to simply ask yourself if you would prefer a sports car or a hot rod. No disrespect to either.

[Russ Dickey]

No way! I am in on page 1

[Slick61]

I've got a 427 Windsor stroker. Has the Dart aluminum block, so is very stout AND light weight. I think I get the best of both worlds... big block power (612 hp/615 tq) with small block weight (car weighs 2240 lbs). Am surprised no one has mentioned a few other advantages of the small block... has more room to "breathe" in the engine compartment & you have better accessability during maintenance/service.

[imagine2frolic]

Big block in a big block car, and small block in a small block car......SIMPLE. Which body do you want? That will answer your question.......

[PatBuckley]

Do a search.

You may then want to ask if the 4000 series cars are real.

[Juggernaut]

Originally Posted by boyd henderson

trying to decide small block or big block? any advice ? pros and cons .any happy big blocks drivers.i am building a classic roadster cobra.

I went with a small block, I figured that I wouldn't be able to use everything a 600 hp big block has to offer on the streets. But thats just me.

I'm sure a small block Cobra's power to weight ratio will be more than adequate for the street.

Most importantly, it's your car, build it for you, no one else.

Randy

[CBattaglia]

Huh, I didnt know there was an option. Cobras get a big block!! Nuff said.

[Scufty]

never heard anyone say " damm I wish I went with the small block" yet
427 S/O is there any other

[Tony Aprile]

I have a 460 in mine and have street driven quite a few small blocks with the most powerful being Roush 427R's.
The big block will give you plenty of low end torque, to the point where you could drive in high gear down to below 2000 rpms in traffic, the stroker small blocks definately make the power up top but do not like slow cruising in high gear. Not really a big deal..just an observation.
The sound of a big block will be a bit deeper in sound...depending on the engine..... Todays small blocks can run with the big blocks, there's no suprise there. Im sure a new SB Roush 427 can hold it's own aginst a mild 427FE or 460, but when you open the hood and see the Big Block ...there is no comparison.

Tony

[madmaxx]

Big blocks making 600 plus hp, bottom line if I do not see a dyno report, it has about 350 hp at the rear wheels. I get so tired of hearing "my mechanic said it about 575hp" then when the dyno it is about 325hp. I had a 502 in my old caddilac eldo, or 8.2liter and it was the biggest dog on the planet. I have seen 302's that put out as much as a mismatched 460 and you save 200 lbs of weight. As long as you have 427 cubic inches I do not care big block or small block, it is a SC427 so it should have a 427.