What hasn't been directly discussed, is the difference in money.
$6,400
Is it worth the extra money because it's a aluminum FE ?
Like I mentioned, having a Cobra correct engine is great, not only for the owner's bragging rights but also, most looker's of my cobra actually expect a 427 side oiler.
For instance- I was at a show next to a very nice, Superformance cobra. It had the Roush 347, a great motor but, not for me. I had some pick the (trailered) Superformance for the quality of paint. (I drive mine so I have chips) and mine for not only the looks of my engine but, that it's original to the cobra. I would say from the people I talked to, mine won 7 out of 10 times because of the engine. And yes, it felt great !
As light as our cars are, let's say for argument sake, 500 HP is overkill.
700 HP is crazy, unless it's a dedicated drag car but, some of us just like having that much power. Is it useful on the street, no. Traction for even 450HP can be difficult. But again, "more power" is fun. We race 360 winged sprint cars. 650 to 700 HP is normal, in a 1,500 lb car. The Outlaw class is now 900 to 950 in a 1,200 lb car. We can race all season with no mechanical break downs because of the HP we have. The 410 engines are very,......hard on the equipment. They can actually twist the frame so hard that it bends and can break. Guy's are always breaking rear end gears and pinions, drive shaft/torque tube's, axles, four bars and even wheels and ect,.....Because of this, we don't lease a 410 engine anymore for the "Knoxville Nationals". The power is just too hard on our parts & pockets.
My point- Even with the professional sprint drivers like the Woo, why run a engine 50-70k engine that tear's up parts and frames way more that our 360 class ? Because, more power is more fun if, you can handle it. As far as I'm concerned, the outlaws have a lot more power than needed. Even on a tacky track, they can burn up both rears (especially the left rear) in 10 laps. I can't believe how many tries they use in one race. lol wow.
Do they need that much power,......no, not really. Should they run basically the same motor we do and save on parts, engines, tires and money spent ect,.... hum,...? I guess if you have the $$$, go for it.
Power is addictive !!!
So anyway, when you consider the extra dollars for a cool aluminum FE
verses a non-period correct 514, what would you buy ?
I would love to buy the $17,000 FE, (man would I) but, there's a $6,400 difference.
$6,400 !!!
And, to a lot of us, money does matter. Just imagine what you could do with that money saved for something like, electronic Webber style fuel injection !
Gentlemen please, behave when responding.
