BIG BLOCK vs. small block engine

[Fasttoyz]

Hi Guys,
I have owned 69 454 Sting Ray, 69 Mustang w/ 351, & 383 RoadRunner. How Ever I have never owned a Cobra and can't wait to get mine. Iam thinking am going to get a Unique 427 car.
The cobra will be driven on the street mainly, shows, events movies, dinners etc. However would like to ride it on road track if I wish. Iam looking for an engine thats close to 500+ hp and torque. Also looking to keep look with turkey pan and looking as close to real deal. Not wanting a supercharger or turbo.

I have spoke with the guys @ Southern and with other cobra owners. About Big Blocks vs small blocks.
Now to my questions:
Why get a 351 stroker vs. a 406 or the 428?
Can I get a/c with big block?
how much would weight play in this affair?

Thanks In Advance
Davidlee

[Ikestaa]

I am sure the guys would love to argue this again, but it could get ugly, again. Try the search button, you should find everything you need.

[Clois Harlan]

We are not ignoring you but this issue has been beat to death here with as many different reasons for going one way or another as you can imagine. However, I had a small block in my Cobra first and now I have a 428CJ in my Cobra. They each have their strengths and weaknesses. Bottom line is that it is your decision but keep this in mind an FE Engine cost more now and will continue to cost you more as you find different things you want to do to int.

Do a search on "small block vs big block" there has been plenty of discussion in the past few months.

Clois Harlan

[got snake?]

Clois and Ikestaa are completely correct...Your best bet is to get in touch with owners in you area and ask for a test drive/ride. Look under the hood and see how much room you have to work. With a BB its a little tougher but not much. Depends on the manuf. you go with. Small block strokers seem to be the best of both worlds...Big torque with the right cam and High HP output. But nothing looks a good as an FE under the hood! the 428 will sound mean at idle and the SB can be made to sound mean too so you will still scare the kids in the chevys anyway you go. It's YOUR cobra do as you please. Good luck in you search and remember we are always here to help!

GS

[Fasttoyz]

Hey guys Thanks a bunch... I am new to site and promise to work a little harder on search skills...lol
I didnt mean to start anything stinky...but I seem to be getting mixed signals from people.... stories about 600HP 351's, I just read in Jan. 03 Kitcar mag the B.B vs. s.b. and just felt like it didnt answer any question for me.
Thanks a Bunch Guys for mot tearing me a new one...lol
any addition info will always help... I would hate to drop 6000.00 on a small block and then losing my ass to get small block or vs.
Thanks again.

[Turk]

Why don't we tell this newcomer the truth and put this thread to rest so it will go away peacefully.

Listen up Fasttoyz.

If you wanto a car that will perform like it is supposed without revving up to the point of self destruction just to get a few more HP, go with the Big Block.

If you want a show car get a Small Block.
It is so easy..

Let me go get some popcorn.

TURK

[hound dog]

fasttoyz,
Without going into the "big vs. small" killing field, I think the Unique is a great way to go. I've been nothing but happy with mine since the day the deluxe pallet kit rolled in. You'll have a lot of room around the small block (351) to get the plugs out or work on the headers. An FE is going to crowd the area a bit. It really depends on your taste. Good luck.
h dog

[got snake?]

Fasttoyz,

Turk and a few other members are total Gasholes! They will do anything to stir the pot...If you want to get on Turks bad side ask him how he did on the dyno at DVSF2....
Turk what was you final number on the dyno pull?

BBvsSB...I still enjoy reading the threads! You will learn a lot and get more confused. If you want info on a stroker there are two people you need to email. Great Asp and Hal Copple. Reading their input on the subject help me deside on getting a 396 or 408. Don't worry we won't bite your head off for asking questions. Welcome to the nut house! Our only goal here is the help cobra lovers. BTW: you might as well make clubcobra.com your homepage cause your gonna get sick of typing it in all the time!

GS

[Roscoe]

AAARRRRGGGHH! I can't take it anymore! Not again!

Go with the stroked 351W

Roscoe

[xlr8or]

Forget about how expensive the FE is and will be. It's not the only Big Block out there.

Now for the stirring.......

You can go the cheap easy route and get a BB chevy but that might cause some arguments among the peanut gallery.

Scott

[Turk]

Got Snake,
"My bad side"? That implies that I have a side that would be acceptable to SB folks.

As for the Dyno...It wasn't too bad, for a low riser 9:1 compression poorly mistuned 2 four barrel job. What was it , 390 or something...?

Who cares, that is why I dumped that POS on U-2 to put in his Kirkham. I am moving up in the world to 10:00 to 1 compression, and NOS to keep up with the little ones.

Roscoe,
What are you talking about? It is the firt time this week!

Fasttoyz,
Do not let the levity of the moment leave your question unanswered.
The discussion has been going on for so long it would be impossible to get a sterile quick answer from me or anyone else.
We have not resolved it amongst ourselves after 2017 threads on the subject.
Take your time, read the pros and cons of both. There is plenty of gems in what has been posted before amidst the occasional joking around those engines.

When you finally install your BB make sure to take a picture and post it for all to see.

Good luck.

TURK

[REAL 1]

To save time can someone tell me how I copy and paste everthing I previously said on the last BB v. SB thread to this to this thread????

BB is for men.

SB is for boys.

[bmalone]

Now Evan, why do you have to say something like that? Here we go again. I'm too worn down--its all yours.

[Jackffr1846]

The Cobra will be half the weight of all those cars you listed. You'd be fast with a turbo 4.....so a small block will do you just fine. If you must wow the show crowd, you must have an aluminum big block. If you must win at the track, you must have a supercharged small block.

that is all .

[mr bruce]

Put a Big Block Chevy in there. Million times as much power as a Ford at half the cost. Change over to Ford motor when you want to sell.

[427 S/O]

I'm going over to the concession stand and get me a RC and a moon pie....

[wtcobra]

Ask your questions of someone who has actually built FEs and small blocks. Most of the answers you are going to get here are opinions based on something they have heard somewhere from someone who heard it from someone else. In other words a lot of BS from a lot of BSers. Call George at Gessford, Bill Parham, or Mike SFFiredog. All are knowledgable about building engines, especially FEs.

wt

[JB from Campbel]

Big Block equals hot footboxs (better do air too).
Johnbgood

[Edley Rondinone]

There is a "WOW" factor when you pop the hood, and there nestles a 427/428 FE Ford engine. IMHO, the FEs ARE a little more expensive to acquire and build. These cars are so light that even "stock" small-block motors really make 'em scream! It all depends on what you want to do with the car, AND how much money you want to spend. Good luck, and welcome!!

[Carroll DeWeese]

Read the previous discussions on BB and SB. Decide what you want your engine to do:
1) cruise;
2) race; or
3) show.
Each has a different requirement. You want to impress people that do not know much about engines, then get a BB with lots of hp. Whatever its other advantages, it will impress. I am getting a stroked SB with BB cubes.

Determine your requirements and then find an experienced engine builder that you can trust. You want one that has a history with Cobras. Set the requirements and let the engine builder guide you and let him build to meet the requirements. If you have done a good job on your requirements, you will be happy. If not, unhappy.

Do not plan on putting an engine in that you plan on replacing later. It is cheaper to build right the first time. Keep an eye to resale, even if you plan to keep your Cobra forever. You may someday have to sell. In any case, the higher resale engines are more period correct. I work for GM, but I am putting a Ford engine in the car. A Cobra with a GM engine may be a better buy up front but at the time of resale, you might get more for the car without the engine. With the right Ford engine, you should recoup most or all or your investment.

Determine what you want the engine to do, establish a budget, and find and trust a reliable engine builder with Cobra experience. Then be willing to take flack from everyone else that thinks their engine and transmission combination is better. But you will know that yours is best for your needs, not theirs.