Im planning on an FE +toploader engine/trans for my new project (just hoping for $1.70 on the exchange rate
before ordering). I dont have the budget to go for a 427 or even a 428, so its looking like a 390-based block. im not looking for mega-hp - 400+ horses, similar torque will do me fine.
I saw on another recent post a suggestion that a 427 crank could be used in a 390 block to give the sacred '427' displacement, whch is kindof appealing.
as there are only a few cob reps runnning around with FEs in the UK, wondering what the pros and cons of FE390, FE 390 stroked to 406 or even 427. specifically:
are there any issues with using the big crank? special pistons needed??
Does it need a particular cam?
how does this handle compared to say a 390 overbored to, say, 406?
what is the upgrade cost compared to say an FE390/406?
Finally, and I hate to mention it, (but at >$8 a gallon in the UK, it nags at my wallet)
how much might it drop the mpg going from 406 to 427?
- realise this is dependent on the juice pedal, but using say similar driving style, %-age wise.
thanks,
Kevin