[FUNFER2]

I prefer big blocks. The sound, feel & all out grunt. The FE will cost more money, dollar for dollar vs a small blk. If I had enough money, it would be a new alum. FE. As far as being street able, people that say a big blk is not for the street.........bull ! As long as you keep the compression & sometimes the size of cam down, on both big & small engines, you'll be fine. You can have a fairly radical small blk. putting out say, 500 hp. vs a fairly stock, FE and the same HP. Both depends on what the build consists of. A lot of us here could write a encyclopedia on the pro's & con's of a big or small block, parts, machining, how will it be driven, ect....... Reliability comes down to the parts selected and the builder. On either motor, don't go cheap. The old saying....."you get what you pay for" is not a myth. Build it right the first time even if it takes more time to save the money. Also remember.....higher HP & torque means up grading the tranny, clutch & rear end to handle the increase. You can build a moderate engine of 350-450 HP using stock parts on a small budget. Over that HP range, is where it can get expensive, needing performance parts. You cam e-mail me if you curious about my engine. FE- 560 hp, very nice street manors, decent gas mileage, sounds awesome and crowds appear everywhere I go.
The power to weight ratio is high and can get you in trouble but, that's with any car. Just be smart & choose places to have fun with a Cobra.
I have no problem with using small blocks. What I like to see is a small blk. in a FIA Cobra and a FE or side oiler in the 427 bodied car. I will never accept any other engine in a Cobra than a Ford. Keep that to a Hot Rod.
Congratulations in buying a Cobra and have fun !
Everyone here will help you, were all family.

Thank,