Is This the Best Modern Ford Engine?

[RallySnake]

In my quest to move the distributor of my car to a more favorable location, I've done a little research. Why build up an "old" engine when modern, efficient and even supercharged choices exist. For a guy who puts a LOT of miles on his car, I don't want to be on the "bleeding edge" of reliability. Look at these specs on the Ford Lightning motor:

http://www.fordf150.net/specs/02lightning.htm

This seems like a very good choice for a "modern" Cobra. The only thing I would like to change is the Bore/Stroke ratio. It seems to me that a bigger bore and shorter stroke would rev faster. However, these engine are available and make 450 pounds/feet of torque! Is this the best choice?

Paul

[Mr.Fixit]

I remember hearing a rumor that that motor ahs reliability issues with conrods. I dunno. Oh yeah, you can put a supercharger on anything, but if you need a blower and intercooler to make 450 lb/ft, I am not excited. Still waiting to see turbocharging become more popular with V-8's. I'd rather have a widsor, relatively easy normally aspirated 500 hp and lb/ft with a single 4bbl and pump gas.

[PSB]

Well, it's a cool engine, but in order to fit it under the hood of a Cobra, you'll need a hood scoop that's too tall to fit into most parking garages.

Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords mag put one in a Fox body Mustang. They didn't put a hood on it because they couldn't find cowl hood big enough for the blower.


Pete

[RallySnake]

I knew you guys would come through. Thanks for the advice. There's one for sale on eBay with a cracked block that I thought I might get cheap. Maybe the blower could be relocated down to the front of the engine......... Hmmmmm, this is getting complicated. But then, that's when it gets interesting!

Paul