[Bill Wells]

my preference would be to get a Ford CRATE 460 ( or 514 ) vs a custom build . Many spfs have 460/514s in them . If going custom, find a shop NEAR YOU vs several states away. If /when a problem develops it is easier to get back to a local engine guy vs long distance ..and a ford crate allows you easier access also to ford performance dealers . the further you are from your engine builder/ installer the further away from timely driving of your car , ie less down time the closer you are as car is not in transit several hundred miles -and easier for you to see what is transpiring during the install . The closer (engine , builder installer ) the better for after the sale needs .

re backdraft and spf ... I am not that familiar with backdraft ownership experience, but suspect if you add the optional cost of options to a backdraft that come standard on a spf, that the dollar differences are not that great when finally tally'd up . mebbe i am wrong , but worth a comparison . if you dont want a top, side curtains et al, then the backdraft ( or similar ) would have a price advantage . My top is used often ,extends the driving season- and yes, i drive mine in the rain too .

either way , both are good products, as are other brands ..but my old spf built in 1996 keeps on taking a licking and keeps on ticking .

good luck with your choice . Bill