[Dangerous Doug]

I was dead-set on a 427 until I really started looking at the cost of building and maintaining a 427 SO or 428 PI. I got turned off by the expense, and started looking at the 289 FIA --- which I had virtually ignored in my 427-obsession. Once I started looking at the ERA 289 FIA lines, I was intrigued. I went to look at one and I was hooked. A little more svelte than the 427, with some intriguing differences that a novice is unlikely to notice. I have one of very few 289 FIA's in Northern California.

Very nice street/strip 351W for about $10k. FE? That will set you back at least $15k up to what, about $25k? I met one guy that had $40k in his stroked 427 SO. Yes, FE's sound like a P-51, but I've heard some pretty impressive small blocks as well.

Check the ERA registry and see if there is anyone near you with a 427 or a 289 FIA, and see if you can check it out. Try and connect with your local Cobra club.