Engine choices

[lippy]

I've ordered my ERA 427 and have begun to narrow down engine builders (another topic) and choices. I'm probably going to do a 428 but may do a 427. My goal is to have an engine that goes like stink (500hp/500 lb-ft, +/-), sounds cool with a bit of a lumpy idle, but is streetable, and not crazy expensive.

The following is a preliminary list of key choices that I need to make when I have the engine built:
- Cam lift/duration/general aggressiveness
- Intake (Blue Thunder, Edelbrock, etc.)
- Pulleys (stock/black vs. something like March)
- Geometry (e.g., stroker vs more square)
- Pistons (forged, hypereutectic, etc.)
- Carb

I'd really appreciate input on: (1) if I'm leaving anything out, and (2) what choices for each of these people do and don't like, based on their experience.

[DanEC]

Originally Posted by lippy

I've ordered my ERA 427 and have begun to narrow down engine builders (another topic) and choices. I'm probably going to do a 428 but may do a 427. My goal is to have an engine that goes like stink (500hp/500 lb-ft, +/-), sounds cool with a bit of a lumpy idle, but is streetable, and not crazy expensive.

The following is a preliminary list of key choices that I need to make when I have the engine built:
- Cam lift/duration/general aggressiveness
- Intake (Blue Thunder, Edelbrock, etc.)
- Pulleys (stock/black vs. something like March)
- Geometry (e.g., stroker vs more square)
- Pistons (forged, hypereutectic, etc.)
- Carb

I'd really appreciate input on: (1) if I'm leaving anything out, and (2) what choices for each of these people do and don't like, based on their experience.

You will probably get a lot of input but ultimately it's your decison based on how much you want to spend. If money is no object (or a lesser object) an aluminum aftermarket 427 is the only choice. Anything less is somewhat of a compromise depending on your objectives for performance, appearance and bragging rights. Some folks (probably us older generation) might factor in a little nostalgia in wanting to bring an old race or hi-po motor back to life.

[Dwight]

We have five of Keith Crafts motor in our group.

Coach Lane bought a 428 stroker (461 ci 601 hp 619 tq) from Keith four or five years ago. He drove it over 8,000 miles before he sold it last Feb. No problems, very fast, very streetable and easy to drive.
Mike Lanihart had Keith to stroke his 427 s.o. to 487 with 620 hp and 650 tq. Very streetable motor. Fast!!!! Spin to 7000 like a chain saw.

Mike had Classic side pipes installed and his sounds deeper and robust. There is a differents in the sound of the muffler on Cobra sidepipes.

Both motors were 9 to 9.5 compression. The more cubics you have the less compression and cam you need to make the same hp.

Keith builds a great street motor for a Cobra.
I'll call him.

Dwight

P.S. My little small block with KC heads and cam is making 400 hp at the rear wheels. I have Classic sidepipes also. It sounds like a Cobra should sound.

[Bill Bess]

Check out Southern Automotive. Bill Parham built me a great 428 FE, I got the entire set up Tremic 5 Spd. too. 17000 miles on it, goes very fast, sounds good, and looks great. I couldn't be happier and their prices are competitive and their work is garrantied.
Grea people to work with.
Bill

[patrickt]

Lippy, don't tell your engine builder how to build the engine; don't tell your surgeon how to perform your surgery; don't tell your lawyer how to try your case; don't tell your plumber how to sweat your pipe.... Tell your engine builder the basic use that your engine will be seeing, and be honest about your desired goals. On the street, you're not going to notice a difference between 425 and 575 horsepower -- because you can't really use either and both will break your street tires loose in a heartbeat, scare you, and literally petrify your passenger. Any of the FE builders that you read about on this forum can build you a 500HP 428FE in their sleep -- and the engine will last longer than you will. It's easy for them. What they want to hear is whether or not you expect to hear the clackety-clack of solid lifters, do you want a lumpety-lump idle that sounds like a couple of Harleys, do you like to adjust your carb every so often, are you going to do any real work on this engine or do you want it to be like your wife's Camry? Don't tell them what pulleys to put on, but instead tell them that, since you'll be on the street mostly, overheating is something you really want to avoid. Don't tell them you want, say, a Blue Thunder intake, but say you'd like to see different intakes because you'd like one that, to your eye, is kind of like what they looked like "back in the day." You could read Jay's comparison of intakes over on the FE forum, but in the end, make your decision on what looks nice to you -- because all of them will blow your socks off. If you want a Turkey Pan, tell them that. If you take someone like Blykins, for instance, he's going to say "getting you the horsepower and torque is the easiest part, making you happy about the intangibles is the hardest part... now let's talk."

[mdross1]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Lippy, don't tell your engine builder how to build the engine; don't tell your surgeon how to perform your surgery; don't tell your lawyer how to try your case; don't tell your plumber how to sweat your pipe.... Tell your engine builder the basic use that your engine will be seeing, and be honest about your desired goals. On the street, you're not going to notice a difference between 425 and 575 horsepower -- because you can't really use either and both will break your street tires loose in a heartbeat, scare you, and literally petrify your passenger. Any of the FE builders that you read about on this forum can build you a 500HP 428FE in their sleep -- and the engine will last longer than you will. It's easy for them. What they want to hear is whether or not you expect to hear the clackety-clack of solid lifters, do you want a lumpety-lump idle that sounds like a couple of Harleys, do you like to adjust your carb every so often, are you going to do any real work on this engine or do you want it to be like your wife's Camry? Don't tell them what pulleys to put on, but instead tell them that, since you'll be on the street mostly, overheating is something you really want to avoid. Don't tell them you want, say, a Blue Thunder intake, but say you'd like to see different intakes because you'd like one that, to your eye, is kind of like what they looked like "back in the day." You could read Jay's comparison of intakes over on the FE forum, but in the end, make your decision on what looks nice to you -- because all of them will blow your socks off. If you want a Turkey Pan, tell them that. If you take someone like Blykins, for instance, he's going to say "getting you the horsepower and torque is the easiest part, making you happy about the intangibles is the hardest part... now let's talk."

Truer words were never spoken,especially if your having your engine built and are after a specific hp & tq.When talking ci you can have a 427 or there abouts in all different block configuations small block,big block,for that matter blocks other than Ford.You have to decide what you expect to see when you lift the hood.The more different versions of these wonderful cars you see will help you decide.Have fun

[undy]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Lippy, don't tell your engine builder how to build the engine; don't tell your surgeon how to perform your surgery; don't tell your lawyer how to try your case; don't tell your plumber how to sweat your pipe.... Tell your engine builder the basic use that your engine will be seeing, and be honest about your desired goals. On the street, you're not going to notice a difference between 425 and 575 horsepower -- because you can't really use either and both will break your street tires loose in a heartbeat, scare you, and literally petrify your passenger. Any of the FE builders that you read about on this forum can build you a 500HP 428FE in their sleep -- and the engine will last longer than you will. It's easy for them. What they want to hear is whether or not you expect to hear the clackety-clack of solid lifters, do you want a lumpety-lump idle that sounds like a couple of Harleys, do you like to adjust your carb every so often, are you going to do any real work on this engine or do you want it to be like your wife's Camry? Don't tell them what pulleys to put on, but instead tell them that, since you'll be on the street mostly, overheating is something you really want to avoid. Don't tell them you want, say, a Blue Thunder intake, but say you'd like to see different intakes because you'd like one that, to your eye, is kind of like what they looked like "back in the day." You could read Jay's comparison of intakes over on the FE forum, but in the end, make your decision on what looks nice to you -- because all of them will blow your socks off. If you want a Turkey Pan, tell them that. If you take someone like Blykins, for instance, he's going to say "getting you the horsepower and torque is the easiest part, making you happy about the intangibles is the hardest part... now let's talk."

Get him Rick...

I told my lawyer in my last traffic court case EXACTLY how to defend me. He listened to me... and... we won. He then proceeded to brag on himself about the case to the clerk of the court. He needed to hone his socio-psychopathic skills a bit.

You're right though... If I were you I'd let the builder decide. Me, I tell them.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by undy

Get him Rick...

He will, too. I'm steering clear of him. Lippy, also tell them what sort of gas you can buy (93 octane, only 87 octane, etc.) and stuff like whether you live at the top of a mountain with an elevation of 6,000 feet.... Little things like that.

[Slick61]

Originally Posted by Dwight

We have five of Keith Crafts motor in our group.

Coach Lane bought a 428 stroker (461 ci 601 hp 619 tq) from Keith four or five years ago. He drove it over 8,000 miles before he sold it last Feb. No problems, very fast, very streetable and easy to drive.
Mike Lanihart had Keith to stroke his 427 s.o. to 487 with 620 hp and 650 tq. Very streetable motor. Fast!!!! Spin to 7000 like a chain saw.

Mike had Classic side pipes installed and his sounds deeper and robust. There is a differents in the sound of the muffler on Cobra sidepipes.

Both motors were 9 to 9.5 compression. The more cubics you have the less compression and cam you need to make the same hp.

Keith builds a great street motor for a Cobra.
I'll call him.

Dwight

P.S. My little small block with KC heads and cam is making 400 hp at the rear wheels. I have Classic sidepipes also. It sounds like a Cobra should sound.

... another vote for Keith Craft. My aluminum (DART)-blocked 427 Windsor stroker is a monster. I refer to it as "Mighty Mouse"... BIG power (612 hp/615 tq) but still plenty of room in the engine bay for cooling & maintenance. It has a fairly snotty cam, but is still streetable... holds idle at 800 rpm. Have had numerous comments of "nice big block!" when I pull in somewhere... it sounds MEAN... and it IS! The lighter weight also gives me near perfect 50/50 weight distribution. Is way overkill for my needs. Find a builder you like/trust... like the others, I'd tell him what you want out of the car & let him do the rest. But go with your gut instinct... it's YOUR CAR! enjoy!

[rpatton3]

I have a Roush 427SR Windsor with a TKO five speed.

515 HP and 520? Torque is more than adequate for most street use.

I really do love the FE engines, though.

[REAL 1]

I agree with Patrick. As to block choice I would stay with a bb and preferably a 427 SO and all other trimmings as close to original as possible for many reasons $ permitting.