[Excaliber]

Ron, I would guess it is a service block as it has no meaningful numbers. But I'm not sure what a "service block" is. I would also guess the BAR guys (at least some) would know enough to spot a number like "C4AE" and know that IS the year 1964.

The C4AE by itself doesn't mean much more than the year. It's the numbers AFTER that which specify what kind of part like, head, block, crank, rods, etc. And the last letter (usually a letter) that specifies the type of part, Cobra Jet, 390, etc.

Turk is right, there is no way the BAR guy is going to crawl all over the engine to verify numbers which may or may not even be there! In my case they aren't. If my motor had Edelbrock heads and intake it would be impossible to establish the year.

I think that makes a strong case for "original" parts, especially in Calif! But I prefer to keep it "real" and would not want "after market" parts when original parts are available, no matter where I was living.

Barnett,
There is one other option for a Cobra replica, an EXCALIBUR. They were only "modern" replica built with FULL Federal and State approval. There are in fact a "real car", like any other Ford or Chev or whatever. Only about 150 were made, they are hard to find and sell anywhere from $25 to $35K typically. They are listed in the Kelley Blue Book and as such can be financed and insured just about like any other "real" car. Typical unit has 302, 5 speed, soft top, many have air conditioning and all have twin catalytic converters and smog pump. Not a "fast" replica but very well built and nicely done.