Engine Choice Roush 342RE vs 427sr/tw

[TimeForACobra]

I'm considering purchasing a cobra... 2 different manufacturers and 2 different engines. Can I get some of your thoughts about which engine would suite me the best? The 2 engines are the Roush 342RE (fuel injected, 450hp, 420 ft.-lbs.) and the Roush 427 SR w/ TW (carburated, 515hp, 535 ft.-lbs.). I imagine either engine should be plenty in a Cobra. I plan to use the car as a cruiser, just enjoy the car. I also plan on getting back into autocrossing (I will buy an extra set of wheels with sticky tires and a trailer). And lastly, I hope to try an occasional track day, maybe once or twice a year. Any opinions on which engine will suite me best? Both cars have a limited slip rear. The 342 has a 3.72 rear, the 427 has a 3.64 rear. Both have Tremec TKO 600 transmissions. The 342 has the transmission with the 2.87/.64 Road Race Gears. Not sure of the exact transmission gearing of the 427.

Advice? Thoughts? Discussion?

As always, I appreciate everyone's input.

[jhv48]

427 SRTW. You rarely have to shift. Oodles of torque.

[fordracing65]

427 427 427 427 427 427 427, get my point, but would never go Roush many engine builders will build you a cheaper priced engine same parts, so you wont be paying for that Roush name, also more power.

[Got the Bug]

There's also the 402 SR/TW.

[TimeForACobra]

Yeah, if I was putting the engine in new myself I don't think I would go Roush and have an engine built for me. But, these are the 2 engines in the 2 cars I am looking at...

I like the idea of the 427, it just sounds cool. Btw, I forgot to mention the 427 is a windsor, it's Dart block. The 427 has a vacuum secondary. The 342 is fuel injected... Despite the "427" factor, is the 342 a "better" engine for racing?

[mreid]

There's no replacement for displacement!

Plus, 427 is just a magic number.

[vatdevil]

What's the fuel injection brand and model?

[TimeForACobra]

All I could find about the fuel injections system from the Roush website (http://www.roushperformance.com/engines/engines.shtml):

342RE:
Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection utilizin Roush Calibration High Output Fuel Pump w/ 1000cfm throttle body, heated oxygen sensore w/ O2 bung, TPS, IAT, ECT, MST and Bar MAP Sensor and Mallory Hyfire Ignition

427 sr/tw:
Fuel System: Holley 770 CFM carburetor w/ vacuum secondaries and electric choke

[fordracing65]

Roush uses fast efi, its awesome, all of roush parts are top notch obviously, just way overpriced.

[Cashburn]

How old are these cars? The 342RE from a few years ago is not equipped like one today. Pricing is relative...

What make of cars?

[csx4910]

Roush is NOT top notch but yes waaaay overpriced(I was stupid enough to buy into the brand name 3 years ago), call Keith craft and he will build you a motor that will kill a Roush for less money. Ford racing as well has crate motors that compare in numbers to Roush but cost 30% less. But go with the 427. You can never substitute for cubic inches.

[fordracing65]

Originally Posted by csx4910

Roush is NOT top notch but yes waaaay overpriced(I was stupid enough to buy into the brand name 3 years ago), call Keith craft and he will build you a motor that will kill a Roush for less money. Ford racing as well has crate motors that compare in numbers to Roush but cost 30% less. But go with the 427. You can never substitute for cubic inches.

I have been saying the same thing about Roush for years, even had a few Roush guys on here want to throw down, guess there pissed cause they wasted there CASH. Either engine would be bad ass, it's a cobra

[tkb289]

Originally Posted by Cashburn

... What make of cars?

Excellent Question.

Maybe look at it the other way around. Which car do you like? Features, manufacturer, age, milage, color and the like. Motors can be changed, the rest of the car can be more of a challenge.

[WardL]

I bought a Roush 427 SR/TW in SPF 2608 about 1 1/2 years ago. I don't know how I could be happier with it. Buying used you aren't paying the full premium of Roush but you still get a Roush! The Roush oval air cleaner is like $500! So I'm watching a recent sprint car race (in my day they were called stock car). A Ford happen to win this race. And wouldn't you know if a little guy with a big hat comes up and congratulates the driver. Pretty sure that was old Jack Roush. Oh wait, I've got that guys engine in my Cobra! I probably wouldn't buy a new Roush, but I'm fine with what I have and feel like I got a deal buying it used.

I do autocross and don't think either engine will stack up very well against the little cars, but it is a crowd pleaser!

[Rick Parker]

This is a resently released engine that looks like it would also work nicely....very nicely!!!

Following the old Hot Rodding adage that there is no substitute for cubes, Ford Racing takes the popular 302 based stroker to the max with the 500 horsepower Z363 crate engine. By taking the bore out to 4.125-inch�u009d, the displacement of the popular 347 stroker has been increased to 363 cubic inches. Combined with an improved Mahle piston, the Z363 makes 50 more horsepower and 50 lb. ft. of torque than the Z347 that it replaces. Nothing but the best parts are used inside including: forged crankshaft, forged I-beam connecting rods with floating piston pins and a high performance oiling system. Built with the BOSS 302 block and Z304D aluminum heads, Z363 fits many of the vehicles originally built with a 289 or 302 8.2-inch�u009d deck height block. Ford Racing Engineers designed Z363 to work both on the street and the strip with strong torque curve that delivers over 390 lb ft from 3500 to the 6500 rpm redline. With a compression ratio of 10.0:1, Z363 runs on unleaded premium pump gas.

500 hp @ 6500 rpm

450 lb-ft @ 5300 rpm

Engine type: 302 based small block ford
Displacement (cu in): 363
Bore x stroke (in): 4.125" bore x 3.400" stroke
Block: Boss 302 8.2 deck
Crankshaft: SCAT Forged Steel
Connecting rods: SCAT forged steel I-beam connecting rods
Pistons: Forged Mahle
Camshaft type: Hydraulic Roller
Camshaft lift (in): .580"/.602"
Camshaft duration (@.050 in): 232°/240°
Cylinder Heads (p/n M-6049-Z304DA): Ford Racing Aluminum "Z" Cylinder Heads
Valve size (in): 2.02" intake 1.60" exhaust
Compression ratio: 10.1:1 (nominal)
Rocker arms: Roller Rockers
Rocker arm ratio: 1.65:1
Vibration Damper – Ford Racing SFI Approved
Valve covers: Ford Racing cast aluminum black wrinkle finish w/ Boss Script (M-6582-BOSS)
Oil pan: high performance T-sump front or rear 7 quart capacity and windage tray / scraper
Water pump: Edelbrock hi-performance
Distributor: Not included
Recommended fuel: Premium unleaded
Ignition timing: 32° BTDC at 4,000 RPM
Maximum recommended rpm: 6,500
Balanced: Internal
Intake: Not included.
Engine power rating based on long tube headers, Edelbrock intake manifold #2928 Super Victor w/ 750 Holley carb and 1" carb spacer

[TimeForACobra]

So, I was originally trying get some input with regard to the engines...

However,I completely understand the question about the makes of the cars. I though maybe (maybe ) an "objective" engine discussion could tip the scales one way or the other.

So, I'm looking at 2 cars:

Car #1: Local
2009 Backdraft Racing
Roush 427 sr/tw
Tremec TKO 600
3.64 limited slip rear end
17" knock-off wheels
5,500 miles
I would consider this car at $42,000?


Car #2: 2007 Superperformance
Rousch 342RE-059
Treek TKO 600 (2.87/.64 road race gears)
3.72 limited slip rear end
15" knock-off wheels (though I will buy a set of 17" for racing)
5,150 miles
I would consider this car at $46,000?

The Superperformance comes with some nice extras that aren't on the Backdraft including: heater/defrost and soft top. I could always add a soft top to the Backdraft. The only option in the Superperformance that is (I think) hard to add to the Backdraft is the heater/defrost. Both cars seem to be in great shape.

The cost comaprison is including things like budgeting the $$ for a softtop for the Backdraft and shipping on the Superperformance.

I plan to use the car as a cruiser, just enjoy the car. I also plan on getting back into autocrossing (I will buy an extra set of wheels with sticky tires and a trailer). And lastly, I hope to try an occasional track day, maybe once or twice a year.

I'm familiar with the cosmetic differences and the opinions generated based on them.

So, which would perform "better" for autocrossing and track days.

Again, as always, I appreciate the input from the forum. I've been lurking for a long time, learning A LOT from this forum and am getting really close to join the Cobra ranks.

Thanks again.

[madmaxx]

SPF = pick up truck toughness, BDR = car toughness. You have a tough choice, go with the one which is the best looking to you as far as looks.

[TimeForACobra]

The broker for the SPF said the SPF was not built for the track... But is a COBRA. Any validity to that? Shouldn't the SPF handle just fine? He said I should change the springs and shocks if I autox/track day the SPF. The Backdraft with the BMW suspension should handle very well. I'm not trying to be a national champion or anything, but I wouldn't mind the car being competitive, even if I'm not . Ugh... Decisions, decisions...

[madmaxx]

Your broker is an idiot.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by madmaxx

Your broker is an idiot.

A Superformance is a licensed replica, but not a Cobra. Only a Shelby can legally be called a Cobra.

Price, condition, adherence to the original, engine choice, etc. Whatever floats your boat. If you want a 427, but in a Superformance, then there always quite few on the market.