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Old 06-13-2008, 08:38 PM
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DonC DonC is offline
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Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: West Linn, OR
Cobra Make, Engine: ERA #684, 428 FE, TKO600
Posts: 1,378
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Had my engine built by Joe Lapine at Danbury Competition Engines, one of ERA's recommended engine builders. I knew I wanted a 428 since it was a good choice for the cost vs bragging rights controversies. A 427 s/o would have been "swell" but, in my case, I got the car so I could drive it and the 428 struck me a a solid middle of the road engine.
Met with Joe on my first trip back to visit the folks at ERA and asked for his opinion on what it would take to build a 428 with 500 hp at the flywheel that would last for 100,000 miles. He told me it could be done but would be pretty expensive. On the other hand he said 450 and 100,000 could be accomplished with no exotic efforts. That was enough for me.
22,000 miles and 4 years later it's still running strong and has never failed me. Are there stronger cars out there? Sure, but I'm content with a great handling road car without having to worry about replacing parts that can only be found in the aero-space industry.
I look forward to many more happy (still grin when I drive it) miles before I have to start worrying about rebuilds.
DonC
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