New Keith Craft Engine

[D-CEL]

That’s easy (for a 385 series) If 600 is the magic #, just tell Keith to get you an aluminum block, P51 heads a hydraulic roller. All the power you want, with the weight of a small block.

FE's do have one and only one advantage over a 385 series.

Original Look.

The 385 is far superior in every respect. As it should be, given it was the replacement for the FE.

As for the poorest choice for a Cobra, that would depend on your intended use.
If your goal is to impress the locals with the “AUTHENTICITY” (LOL, sorry cant help it) of your REPLICA, an FE is certainly the best choice.
I go where the power is, and that road leads to the 385.

Jason

[Excaliber]

Well if 'authenticity' is not a factor in a 'replica' then why not use a Honda front wheel drive system? Or maybe a VW in the trunk? After all, it's only a 'replica'. In fact, following THAT logic, add a nice ricer wing to the back, maybe some neon lights under the side pipes, chrome everything, wooden dash, crushed velvet interior (red would look nice). Now that were on a roll, throw some 18" wheels on that puppy and some modern shifter that sticks straight up. Heck it's only a 'replica' so for safety you might consider a roll cage all around, for paint how about gold metal flake, heavy on the flake.

Now just WHERE do YOU draw the line? Something that becomes little more than a caraciture of a Cobra or something that actually approximates the 'look', 'feel' and 'soul' of a Cobra?

We all draw the line somewhere, and frankly, the typical 'line in the sand' of what constitutes a well done replica has gotten so far out of hand I don't know why some people even bother to build one! Just buy a BMW and be done with it!

...this 'rant' isn't about choosing a 385 or an FE or a small block, it's about THINKING through the process and doing the best you can within your budget. Running a 385? OK, can we at least get some decent looking close to period correct wheels on it?

[RodKnock]

I think Barry R would disagree. From his footer:

#1 FE in the Jeg's Engine Masters Challenge 2005 - 752 horsepower, 505 cubes, 91 octane
#1 FE in the Jeg's Engine Masters Challenge 2006 - 678 horsepower, 434 cubes, 91 octane
#1 FE in the Jeg's Engine Masters Challenge 2007 - 661 horsepower, 427 cubes, 91 octane

[jjtarnow]

I have a 514 and while I can't compare (not enough seat time in your other option) I can say that my ride is incredible. I've driven small blocks and all alum BB's and to be honest the weight issue is only relevant based on the type of driving you do. Tracking the car? My view is that anything in the BB cat is a waste on the track. If you are like many of us and you just want to go out and have a blast and break your wheels loose in 1st, 2nd, 3rd (you get my point) than get the biggest nastiest mother you can fit under the hood and hold on! From a resale standpoint these are replicas and I never understand what guys are saying when they talk about resale. Most cobra's seem to hold value within the category they reside. Buy a $25k car and it stays on that curve...buy a $65k+ car and it should stay in that line too. I love just going out and kicking it up...no concern for keeping it too pretty...have fun!

[Excaliber]

Thats a good point jjtarnow, your car should remain within a reasonable value spread based on it's cost. This assumes you have a reasonably outfitted car within your chosen price range.

Theres been an interesting discussion about the high end Kirkham values lately. My take on it is: If you opt for the all 'bells and whistles' your going to loose more on the value come resale time. Stainless steel frame? May not increase the value much beyond what the standard frame car would bring. Billet 'everything'? Again, don't expect a big return here.

Like a house, there are certain things that return more value than other 'upgrades'. Bath and kitchen remodel? 80% return, generally speaking. Enclose the garage and to make the living room bigger? You'll take a beating on resale compared to your investment dollars for the remodel.

Replica Cobras? An auto trans will dramatically drop the value. A GM engine? Even worse. HOWEVER, what if the auto trans and GM engine were dirt cheap to begin with? Eh, maybe not so bad when you crunch the numbers. After all it's real difficult to figure out the dollars value of the 'snickers', 'yuck remarks' and 'weird vibes' that surely WILL accompany such a car. But trust me, you WILL get tired dealing with the remarks (what we have here is a 'story car'). You could make the same case for a 385 series engine, in some respects it makes your replica a 'story car'. "Hey, is that a real 427 under the hood?" Uh, well, that is, mmm,,,

Some things matter more than others (bath upgrade vs garage upgrade). My ERA has a square frame, not a round tube frame. Some folks have pointed that out (I'm so depressed) then I have to go into 'story mode'. But by FAR more people ask about the ENGINE than the frame, no stories there! Maybe an FFR with a round tube frame and a 302 with 427 emblems on the side is better? Man, it gets complicated!

[Greg Curtis]

Well I have a Ford crate 460/485 with only 6500 miles so it may be cheaper to just change the cam and a set of stage3 heads from craft. Need to find someone who can open up the SPF exhaust which I understand is very restrictive in stock form. Whats your ideas on this way to go.

[fkemmerer]

Greg,

Both motors will make way more poweor and torque than you'll be able to hook up in a Cobra. The FE is more authentic and will likely improve the value of your car I think. Also, the aluminum motor will be lighter and improve the balance and handling of the car which is a plus. Someone else in the thread also suggested that you apply any $$ you might save on the 482 FE toward Fuel Injection. I would encourage you to consider that route. Beyond the appearance, you'll gain improvements in drivability and overall performance fromyour motor with EFI. You can also look at things like Electronnic Traction Control which are available with some of the recent EFI computers. Keith built the motor for my Cobra - its a 482 FE based upon a Shelby aluminum block and TWM Fuel Injection. Attached are some pictures and performance information.





Whatever you choose, I think you'll be happy with Keith's work. Best of luck with you project.

- Fred

[bret a ewing]

Fred,

My sheet looks almost identical, I'm making 1 more horsey.

[Chaplin]

Originally Posted by bret a ewing

Fred,

My sheet looks almost identical, I'm making 1 more horsey.

Fred, I'd send yours back for a rebuild.

[lovehamr]

What I find interesting in that sheet are the VE #s over 1 across the board. I kinda wish they'd started lower in the RPM band just to see where it crossed the 1 mark. Bravo!

Steve
PS. It's so pretty I think all your aluminum just gave me wood!

[fkemmerer]

Bret,

Looks like you are in the Lehigh Valley. I was wondering where you were. I grew up south of Allentown, PA and though we might have some common roots.

- Fred

[fkemmerer]

Chaplin,

Hi. Just wondered where you were in Northern NJ. We spent 25+ years living near Hacketstown NJ. Just wonder if we might have some common acquaintenances.

- Fred

[bret a ewing]

Hi Fred,

Went to Raub and then Allen, finally finished at Parkland, '78. Now living about 5 miles north of Allentown. Lived in LV since '69.

Bret.