FE Talk;
Before starting off, I just want to say this inquiry may seem pretty stupid to some people, but here goes...something I've been wanting to ask others to compare thoughts. Thought I'd try here before Network54 or making any changes without studying this a bit more first.
I'm interested in solid feedback from people here on ClubCobra
who truly buy/collect/sell/restore original Ford FE big block powered muscle cars. Anotherwords people who put forth effort to put original cars back together.
For the past few years, I can't seem to stop wondering about why I am keeping this nice year matching 1969 428CJ engine and Nascar Toploader transmission in my "replica" ERA Cobra. I love the motor, just amazing, and it was very well built by Tom Lucas at FE and Trans by David Kee, but just seems a shame to keep it in a replica. Mabye it's just me... I don't know. It's possible I believe this from formerly restoring cars and drooling over great original parts, putting things back together - so to speak. My buddy has a nice original R-Code 427 Galaxy, and it's just so cool to see that original motor in there. I would love to see my CJ in some cool 428 Cobra Jet Mustang or Shelby or something thumping away through the exhaust!
Here's why:
Now days, with so many nice new aftermarket FE block options, and even aftermarket Toploader/TKO parts and stuff, I can't help but wonder about just pulling my shortblock and transmission next year and putting them for sale on eBay to go back into someones Shelby 500Mustang or Drag Pack restore situation where the car is missing a late 68 or 69 FE CJ motor and trans, etc.
Yeah, it's gonna cost me over again just to have what I have now to replace it, but knowing it's probably worth something to someone keeps me thinking. Also, really nice 428CJ blocks are getting up there with 427s and then some, and mine could be a bolt in for someone with a quick look/refresh of bearings or whatever is needed upon removal.
Go easy on me now...
Doh!
Am I just being stupid, over analytical, or what?