Different engines?

Dry dog · #1 (**permalink**) 03-07-2015, 08:42 PM

what are your thoughts of a 427 Chevy, or a newer cobra svt in a 65 cobra? Would that take away from resale, or value?

Thor maine · #2 (**permalink**) 03-07-2015, 09:17 PM

Here we go again!

frdfver · #3 (**permalink**) 03-07-2015, 11:34 PM

I believe you should use the engine you want, like , is available, as long as it makes you happy and you plan on keeping the car. If you plan on selling it in the future an off stock engine will limit the buyer base. Not that there aren't a lot of people that have the same likes as you just not as many. I have a 351 Cleveland in mine because that's the engine I like and I plan on keeping the car for along time....

Paul

Dimis · #4 (**permalink**) 03-08-2015, 01:51 AM

If it's in a 65 cobra then I think it's a bad idea...
If it's in a car pretending to be a 65 cobra, I think chose what make you horny.

Ron61 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-08-2015, 03:26 AM

If you are referring to a 1965 replica, then a non Ford engine may hurt your resale value, but most of the time you won't get back what you have invested anyway. I see Cobras with almost every type of engine and I think you should use whichever one you like and not worry about the resale. If you are referring to an original 1965 Cobra, it would be foolish to change to any other engine.

Ron

Dry dog · #6 (**permalink**) 03-08-2015, 04:36 AM

Thanks for the response

DanEC · #7 (**permalink**) 03-08-2015, 11:38 AM

There are different markets of "cobra"-type kit cars. Generally the ones most faithful in details to the originals will have the highest perceived value. Those that are least faithful to originals in details will have correspondingly lower values. There will always be a few exceptions.

joyridin' · #8 (**permalink**) 03-08-2015, 11:41 AM

To be honest, I would not put a BBC in a Cobra. Go with a LS3 or something similar. Same price, a lot more dependable, weigh less, and you can get serious horsepower.

Bernica · #9 (**permalink**) 03-08-2015, 03:43 PM

I would stick with a BBF or a Ford Coyote motor. But, as stated above if it's an original 65, that's a whole different story.
Good luck!

Mr Jody · #10 (**permalink**) 03-08-2015, 08:26 PM

Here’s another way to look at it……

If you were an admirer of Chevrolet Corvettes, maybe had even considered purchasing one, and saw a nice ’67 model with “427” badging on it at a car show, walked over to take a closer look, and saw a Ford engine under the hood, what would be your thoughts?

deano59 · #11 (**permalink**) 03-08-2015, 08:38 PM

Here in oz we have to use engines that meet our current emission laws it,s just so much easier to get A car on road with a ls engine than our range of ford engines . It can be done but a lot more costly im afraid at the end of the road when your driving down the street the advarage admirer woulnd know whats under the hood . Just enjoy your car for what it is a replica.
we change what diffs and gearboxes we use cant rember a real cobra using a jag diff and we dont think nothing of it why should the engine be any different....
cheers dean

Dry dog · #12 (**permalink**) 03-08-2015, 09:52 PM

Thanks again to all for the great insight, I guess I was just a little worried too that if I chose to join a club, or go on a rally I would not fit in. Your feedback has made me very comfortable.

spf645 · #13 (**permalink**) 03-08-2015, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Jody

Here’s another way to look at it……

If you were an admirer of Chevrolet Corvettes, maybe had even considered purchasing one, and saw a nice ’67 model with “427” badging on it at a car show, walked over to take a closer look, and saw a Ford engine under the hood, what would be your thoughts?

Jody, well said....
Though, I do wish mine had the BB FE. For no other reason than the look alone.

mdross1 · #14 (**permalink**) 03-09-2015, 05:31 AM

In all my years no matter what resides between the frame rails someone will have something to say it is the way of the world. Once you get to a point in life where these comments mean nothing you will begin to totally enjoy the freedom to have it any way you want.
When the day comes to sell off any project it is all about not needing money right away to have the time to get the word out. There are buyers out there.

joyridin' · #15 (**permalink**) 03-10-2015, 04:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Jody

Here’s another way to look at it……

If you were an admirer of Chevrolet Corvettes, maybe had even considered purchasing one, and saw a nice ’67 model with “427” badging on it at a car show, walked over to take a closer look, and saw a Ford engine under the hood, what would be your thoughts?

I would be horrified also if I saw an original early 60's Cobra with a Chevy engine same as I would an original Corvette with a Ford, but I doubt that is really what we are talking about.

Young1 · #16 (**permalink**) 03-10-2015, 05:29 PM

Distributor in the front.

Thor maine · #17 (**permalink**) 03-11-2015, 12:04 PM

You all know I would have to take a lash at this one. If you have an Original, Genuine AC-Ford-Shelby Cobra from the 60's DON"T EVEN THINK ABOUT putting anything else but a year and code correct Ford Engine in it. If you are building a Cobra replica and you are a Ford guy, put a Ford motor in it. If you feel that you must build a replica exactly like the original in hopes that you will fool somebody (maybe yourself) by all means put a Ford in it. But don't forget it is a kit with a frame probably made in Nebraska and a body made by someone who builds boat hulls. Now if you are a Chevy guy, a HotRod guy, a guy who wants the highest performance, Highest durability, highest parts availability, and by far a better price, then A CHEVY is the only way to go!!! But if you are a MOPAR guy go MOPAR. And now I know from my own experience with the sale of my Chevy powered HotRod shaped like a Cobra, that a Chevy under the hood can be a bonus and increase its resale value. These type of buyers are a smaller portion of the Cobra crowd but they are there and love a Chevy under the hood. So sit back press the go pedal down(Carefully) and enjoy the ride.

Detroit Bill · #18 (**permalink**) 03-11-2015, 01:17 PM

It is your car, you can do whatever you want with it. When I decided I wanted a Cobra I did quite a bit of research. I looked at used because that is a good way to go if it works for you. There are lots of low mileage cars out there.

In my youth I had a BB Chevy. My friends had Chevy's I guess that makes me a Chevy guy. I understand them, I have worked on them, I know there are lots of parts out there.

If there was an ad with the word Chevy in it I wouldn't read it. I was not digging small block Fords either. It had to be an FE. I was looking for a 427 SC Cobra. The engine defines the car. This is not to say I am going nuts trying to keep it original in every detail but the Engine is the foundation.

A 427 Corvette better have a 427 Chevy in it for me.
A SS 350 Camaro better have a 350 in it.
A 427 SC Cobra should have a 427.

You can certainly do what you want. This argument has been made over and over again to boredom. But for me in this case the engine defines the car.

Thor maine · #19 (**permalink**) 03-11-2015, 01:36 PM

How about a 32 Ford or T Bucket street rods most having Chevy motors in them?

Detroit Bill · #20 (**permalink**) 03-11-2015, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thor maine

How about a 32 Ford or T Bucket street rods most having Chevy motors in them?

I would not want a 1932 engine is a 1932 Ford if it is a hot rod. A T bucket is highly modified by definition. I have no problem with an off brand engine in those.