Wanna drive it. Opinions???

[rub35]

I'm searching for the right car and would like some opinions about what I want vs. what I need.

What I want: SPF(1st choice) or possibly ERA car w/ big block 427SO. Big torque, awesome sound, legendary design, originality, etc.

Why: because I have ridden in one and think the performance/torque and sound of this engine are absolutely the best you could hope for. Ideally a modern aluminum block for the weight savings (big block punch and small block handling)

What I want to do: drive the car, not show it

What I see for sale: Very few big blocks in aluminum within my target price range (...duh). , several (ERA's) cast iron blocks -powerful, but heavier handling. I see many nice cars (mostly SPF's) with Roush "427R" small blocks in them. I know that Roush small blocks aren't exactly cheap to install in a new car, but will I get what I'm looking for out of a Cobra with one of these "crate" engines? Seems like they are the better choice for someone who wants to do a lot of driving as far as practicality. I have never driven in one with a Roush engine and want to know what can be expected as far as the differences. Would I get what I'm looking for with the small block 427?

Experienced opinions are much appreciated!
Thanks.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by rub35

Ideally a modern aluminum block for the weight savings (big block punch and small block handling)

Well, you can toss that notion out the window -- it's a myth. The difference between a Pond aluminum FE block and an old-style original FE iron block is only 75 lbs. You won't be able to tell the difference. And you can check those weights here: 427 Ford Engine Block, Pond Engine Blocks FAQ

[DAVID GAGNARD]

I would suggest you try to ride in and/or drive as many cars as possible,with various engines,then make up your mind what fits your needs/price range best.......

and if your looking for a driver/cruiser car, don't worry about the weight of an iron block up front,it will not make enough difference in the handling for you to worry about.......

David

[REAL 1]

If you are not interested overly in aesthtics the 427R is a good choice. Much less $$$ then doing a reall BB 427.

The 427R provides plenty of punch and near 427 sound.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by REAL 1

The 427R provides plenty of punch and near 427 sound.

Of course, real FEs snicker and point at 427 style cars that have small blocks in them. But you'll likely develop a tolerance to that.

[DanEC]

The FE motor is actually pretty light once you get rid of the cast iron intake - and with aluminum heads it's nearly a featherweight amongst big block engines.

[PLDRIVE]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Of course, real FEs snicker and point at 427 style cars that have small blocks in them. But you'll likely develop a tolerance to that.

Of course, other cobra owners will ridicule and snicker if your FE engine only puts out 400hp, and you'll never develop a tolerance to that!

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by PLDRIVE

Of course, other cobra owners will ridicule and snicker if your FE engine only puts out 400hp, and you'll never develop a tolerance to that!

You've been listening to that rat ERAChas again.

[Danr55]

consider a 428 big block FE. Probably closer to your $$ range and looks and sounds great.

[Grubby]

Rub35,

I am 20 minutes from you in Clayton. Do you want a ride in a really nice ERA? I am usually at the Friday Cruise-in across from Grays.

Contact me offline if you want to get together.

John
grubbs@tds.net

[ERA Chas]

Originally Posted by PLDRIVE

Of course, other cobra owners will ridicule and snicker if your FE engine only puts out 400hp, and you'll never develop a tolerance to that!

I see you pay attention to my postings PL...
You've swallowed a lot of myths in your young search. Forget the 'handling' difference you're concerned about. You cutting laps with this? Get a small block SPF and you'll be happy-just not a Roush.
Any FE will make the noise you're jazzed about-an SO is for serious work not bragging.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Danr55

consider a 428 big block FE. Probably closer to your $$ range and looks and sounds great.

Yep, even Chas will admit that, if you are not predominantly racing, it's the best choice you can make.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Well, you can toss that notion out the window -- it's a myth. The difference between a Pond aluminum FE block and an old-style original FE iron block is only 75 lbs. You won't be able to tell the difference. And you can check those weights here: 427 Ford Engine Block, Pond Engine Blocks FAQ

You must remember that a Kirkham with an aluminum FE block weighs in at less than 2,150 lbs. And Patrick's ERA with a cast iron 428 runs around 2,650-2,750 lbs, IIRC. So it's all relative.

[Got the Bug]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Of course, real FEs snicker and point at 427 style cars that have small blocks in them. But you'll likely develop a tolerance to that.

If you've got a 427 SB with two roll bars you might as well not be seen in public with the car.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

You must remember that a Kirkham with an aluminum FE block weighs in at less than 2,150 lbs. And Patrick's ERA with a cast iron 428 runs around 2,650-2,750 lbs, IIRC. So it's all relative.

No, no... 2550 with a half tank of gas. But, I'll go with the 99% odds and say the OP never gets a Cobra anyway. Any Cobra.

[lippy]

I'm planning an ERA 427 with a Pond aluminum 427 SO. Yes, the weight benefit is "only" 85# or so (the dynamic effect of that weight savings over the front wheels isn't trivial). But there is an additional benefit of using a new, strengthened block instead of an older FE. I know you can still find a good old block, and test it, but I have heard of several folks that have had problems. Also, a good quality old block gets to be very expensive. I just feel a bit better with a new Shelby or Pond.

[RodKnock]

But can we please not talk about the "sound" of a BB versus a SB again. I may have to find a bridge to jump off.

BTW, the OP should do a search here on CC re: Roush engines. You will definitely find some happy customers, but you will also definitely find many unhappy customers.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by lippy

I...a good quality old block gets to be very expensive. I just feel a bit better with a new Shelby or Pond.

That's a fair observation. It won't be long before good quality original blocks are more costly than the new stuff.

[ERA Chas]

Originally Posted by lippy

...(the dynamic effect of that weight savings over the front wheels isn't trivial).

Please stop spreading mythical BS like you know what you're talking about. That's why newbs get dazzled with BS.
The only part of the engine even NEAR the front wheel centerline is the damper and that's behind the plane. There is NOTHING "over the front wheels".
An ERA (any ERA and most 90" wheelbase replicas) with iron block and aluminum everything else is 49 / 51 at worst and 48 / 52 with driver seated.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

That's a fair observation. It won't be long before good quality original blocks are more costly than the new stuff.

Or the contrary. Good quality original blocks become superfluous and worthless.