I should mention that the other aftermarket aluminum FE alternative is the block that I have in my car. Shelby makes an aluminum FE block, but it isn't a reproduction of the sideoiler. I picked it for reasons that we all can argue about, but I believe they're slightly more beefier. Whether one needs the extra beef is also arguable.
Fair enough, I should have asked this question in the FE TALK except I wasn't sure if I was asking a question that was actually related to an FE engine or some other specific characteristic that is responsible for the "sound" of the engine that I liked. I guess I am guilty as charged but surely there is much worse a guy can do???
PHC-
I'm not the 'Forum Location' police here. You missed the major point I was trying to make which is to SEARCH-for what ever you're curious about.
This place is a goldmine of experience and opinion. Taking advantage of that makes you smarter, faster and usually save you money on your preferences.
Yeah so 6 or 8 guys get on and give you their answers (which you easily could have found yourself) but you're missing reams of pages and over a decade of experienced advice and knowledge.
When you've got the subject matter under your belt, then ask specific questions which will benefit you much more. And if you really want to learn about these cars, find and hang with a group of them. There's nothing like the knowledge gained by forming your own impressions.
OK now??
Cobra Make, Engine: Contemporary Cobra, 427 side oiler
Posts: 1,850
Not Ranked
I have found that the BEST reason to do exhaustive searches is because from about 2001-2008 there were a lot of guys contributing here that are no longer actively involved, and they offered some really good advice on nearly every thing I have encountered. When you post today, you just get us same 4-5 morons that know it all but know nothing.
And YES, you do need a 427 side oiler. It will make your car run fast, your heart race faster, your friends turn green with envy, your bank account smaller and your penis larger.
So my 427 side oiler I have setting in the gararge will cure my erectile disfunction? Thats good to know as it sure beats duct tape and tongue depressers. LOL. I'm saving the motor in pieces for a Kirkham roller, if I ever get one. Agree, for pissing contest, the only motor to run in a Kirkham or ERA is a side oiler.
Ok, any time I "hear" the 427 side oiler in any of the videos, it just sounds exactly like what I would want my own cobra to sound! Love it! Is the "side oiler" unique in some way or is it just my imagination that it sounds like no other? Do I need an FE side oiler or can I get this from another engine build?
I just love that roar and snorting and burble on overrun. example here.
The side oiler block is just the the latest and greatest vaiation of the 427 FE engine family. The unique sound is the product of cubic inches, compression ratio, cam timing and finally the exhaust system. The side oiler also has a higher nickle content in the casting and is a slightly stronger block.
You can get very nearly the same sound from a center oiler 427 or 428 or nearly any well built FE engine.
Great if you have one, not the end of the world if you don't. I'd rather spend an extra 15G's on some other playtoy or parts for same. The 428 FE is fine for me in my ERA. (Now, if there were one in the back of my garage from back when they were affordable, that's another story. It would be in my Cobra). Everything in life is a compromise. A SO in an aluminum Cobra is the pinnacle of Cobra ownership, but could run you the price of a small home.
__________________ "Paint It Black, Black As Night"
PHC-
I'm not the 'Forum Location' police here. You missed the major point I was trying to make which is to SEARCH-for what ever you're curious about.
This place is a goldmine of experience and opinion. Taking advantage of that makes you smarter, faster and usually save you money on your preferences.
Yeah so 6 or 8 guys get on and give you their answers (which you easily could have found yourself) but you're missing reams of pages and over a decade of experienced advice and knowledge.
When you've got the subject matter under your belt, then ask specific questions which will benefit you much more. And if you really want to learn about these cars, find and hang with a group of them. There's nothing like the knowledge gained by forming your own impressions.
OK now??
I'll be sure to check out some of the older posts. I'll even try that alien to me "search" feature. Thanks.
The side oiler block is just the the latest and greatest vaiation of the 427 FE engine family. The unique sound is the product of cubic inches, compression ratio, cam timing and finally the exhaust system. The side oiler also has a higher nickle content in the casting and is a slightly stronger block.
You can get very nearly the same sound from a center oiler 427 or 428 or nearly any well built FE engine.
I believe from other threads that the OP has started that he is considering a Backdraft or Superformance. And while you can certainly install an FE, SBF's are the predominant choice for a powerplant in BDR's and SPF's.
I believe from other threads that the OP has started that he is considering a Backdraft or Superformance. And while you can certainly install an FE, SBF's are the predominant choice for a powerplant in BDR's and SPF's.
Yes, those were and as of right now still my top 2 choices. I don't have time, nor the tools nor the skills to tackle a full kit.. I need a roller and even that will be a turnkey when it comes to me. Unless of course I change my mind and commission someone build me a replica???
What is the main reason for the choice of SBFs for Superformance and Backdraft?
Someone emailed me this lastnight... probably belongs in your other thread about power etc. Don't recommend this activity in the middle of your city or mine, but go right ahead in whatever city he is in.
What is the main reason for the choice of SBFs for Superformance and Backdraft?
I believe SBF's are the overwhelming choice for BDR's and SPF's, because, and I'll probably get hammered here, they're less expensive choices than a CSX, KMP and ERA, plus maybe, folks who choose a BDR and SPF are slightly less concerned about adherence to the original. FE's are heavier, less so with aluminum blocks and heads, and more expensive to build.
I believe SBF's are the overwhelming choice for BDR's and SPF's, because, and I'll probably get hammered here, they're less expensive choices than a CSX, KMP and ERA, plus maybe, folks who choose a BDR and SPF are slightly less concerned about adherence to the original. FE's are heavier, less so with aluminum blocks and heads, and more expensive to build.
Ok, makes sense.. Sorry to have asked you to stick your neck out like that but I figured with your post count you will survive intact!
I believe SBF's are the overwhelming choice for BDR's and SPF's, because, and I'll probably get hammered here, they're less expensive choices than a CSX, KMP and ERA, plus maybe, folks who choose a BDR and SPF are slightly less concerned about adherence to the original. FE's are heavier, less so with aluminum blocks and heads, and more expensive to build.
I never understood why the FEs are less popular in the SPFs. But from the BDR perspective meeting a predefined version of a "Cobra" is not the reason a customer selects BDR, so from there on out it's about optimizing the car to their tastes, use, and budget.
One of my favorite BDRs to drive to date has a Roush 451 in it. I get to drive it every couple years ... great engine and not a drip or drop of oil to this day.
I never understood why the FEs are less popular in the SPFs. But from the BDR perspective meeting a predefined version of a "Cobra" is not the reason a customer selects BDR, so from there on out it's about optimizing the car to their tastes, use, and budget.
Obviously having a business relationship with engine builder such as Roush may contribute to the reason why most SPF's and BDR's have SBF's. For whatever reason, there are alot of Roush SBF's in BDR's and SPF's. The Roush BBF's are about the same price as BDR or SPF roller, so that could be just one reason for the lack of BBF's in BDR's and SPF's.
Last edited by RodKnock; 06-13-2012 at 01:10 PM..
Reason: tense correction
Obviously having a business relationship with engine builder such as Roush may have contribute to the reason why most SPF's and BDR's have SBF's. For whatever reason, there are alot of Roush SBF's in BDR's and SPF's. The Roush BBF's are about the same price as BDR or SPF roller, so that could be just one reason for the lack of BBF's in BDR's and SPF's.
It may have a slight influence but not much anymore. Very few Roush engines going out the door the last 2+ years. Adding to some of the reluctance on the BDR with FE builds is the headers are generally not stocked etc.
There's also a lot of SPFs with Ford Racing 460s ... that would be a tip to the cost factor.
Options... a few years ago you had 2 or 3 choices for small block 427s. Now with the availability of the DART SHP blocks the prices have come down and other builders in the mix. Not to mention Ford Racings 427.
Cobra Make, Engine: Shelby Cobra CSX4206 aluminum body, original 1965 NASCAR 427 SO, Dual quads.
Posts: 3,897
Not Ranked
Todays small blocks will give you tremendous power and damn near that BB roar and rumble for far less $$$ but in MHO just don't look quite right in a 427 engine bay. But thats me.
The FE 427SO is the only "correct" motor for the 427 Cobra except for the 428 Police Interceptor that found it's way into some street cars for a short run in production. These two motors are only indispensible motors for your "Cobra" if you are a die hard in "correctness" and aesthetics like yours truly. These motors are, especially the SO becoming very rare and very expensiive. I think they will definitely increase the value of any build but you will pay for it. A dead nuts NOS 427SO built right today, soup to nuts will be every bit of $35,000.00.
A nice 428 CJ or 390FE will look and sound the part and provide as much if not better torque then the 427SO for much less $$$$.
It sounds like the 428CJ or 390FE are the way to go for you from what I sense from you posts. You can also do a 428 PI for much less then an SO and still be "Cobra correct".
__________________
U.S. Army Rangers. Leading travel agents to Allah.
1Likes
Thanks.
I need a roller and even that will be a turnkey when it comes to me. 
Linear Mode
