[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!!