[Streetwize]

With a big torque 400+ inch stroker small block, there's no reason you shouldn't use a wider ratio trans like a Tremec, close ratio trannies do best behind high-winding (relatively peaky and narrow powerband) smallblocks. A tight ratio behind a big torque motor is IMO, a waste and really dimishes the fun. In a car as light as a Cobra, big torque and moderate gearing is the best recipie for a true '427' experience.

A well set-up 500lb/ft, 500hp 410-427 stroker with 3.50 gears will easily pull a .68 ratio 5th gear (2.38 final) at ~2100rpm at 70mph and your roll-on power in any gear will be nothing short of phenominal, mine twists up (to 6500) from any gear and any speed effortlessly. The trick to setting up the motor for a broad powerband is to put a lot of stroke, ~10:1, very good flowing heads and induction with only a moderately (mid 230's to low 240's @.050) hot cam. Perfect streetability, nice lope with decent 12-13" vaccuum 900rpm idle, and wall-to-wall torque at any rpm.