FE Engine sources

[DanEC]

When I re-ignited my Cobra replica fever a couple years ago I was thinking one of the stroked Windsor 427 motors, like Smelding has been selling, would be the ticket. But, it seems like there are more and more FE builders showing up so now I'm thinking about that - probably a 428. But most of the crate motor Cobra packages are built around a lot of horsepower, and I'm planning a Street Cobra. I'm looking for something more in the Police Interceptor range or a little more - very streetable - with not much more cam than the old Cobra-Jet unit. Southern Automotive has a 428 package rated at 460 HP that may be close to what I'm looking for but their website doesn't provide much info of the cam duration or rpm range.

Has anyone else had any good experiences with other FE builders with a 428 crate motor built around the Police Inteceptor or Cobra Jet model or not too much more?

As always - thanks in advance for your response.

Dan

[convincor]

here's four more to choose from-

http://www.keithcraft.com/ourengines4.html

http://www.survivalmotorsports.com/index.html

http://www.popsperformancecenter.com/index.html

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FORD-...Q5fAccessories
same seller
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FORD-...Q5fAccessories

[undy]

I can speak to Keith Craft and Barry @ Survival Motorsports. Both are top notch builders that I would not hesitate to give may business to. (FWIW.. I've made major purchases with both) Keith is a board sponsor and Barry has had a lot of the top FE motors at the "Engine Masters" competition. This is not to say that these are the ONLY good ones, just the one's I've experience with.

I'd be careful of these Epay "hogged out" 390 blocks. Who's to say that the sonic test you received was legit and actually done on YOUR block, the one you're buying?? It's really easy to keep a good sonic test on file and ship a copy of it out with every engine sold. There's been a lot of horror stories, rings won't seal and the engine constantly overheats cause cylinder walls are paper thin. You just can't look at it and tell.

Best advice I can give... Choose your builder wisely and listen to all the board members' experiences..

Dave

[slithering]

George Anderson at Guessford Machine.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by DanEC

But most of the crate motor Cobra packages are built around a lot of horsepower, and I'm planning a Street Cobra.

Barry & Keith are safe choices, and there are other FE builders that you can read about on this forum, some good, some not-so-good. Since you are building a street Cobra, tell them that you want an engine that will go a good 50,000+ miles, that has specs that they have built before, and that provides high 400's in horsepower with the sidepipes or mufflers attached. That is an easy build for them and they will be able to give you a very accurate cost estimate. Of course, you will have to make the final call on solid v. hydraulic cam, aluminum flywheel, etc. -- but that's the fun part.

[blykins]

....flat tappet or roller.....

[patrickt]

I'm told Lykins builds a pretty fair engine as well....

[blykins]

I've been known to turn a torque wrench, but I don't build for customers....just for myself and some close friends, and the occasional local drag racer. Wait, I guess that's a customer, isn't it?

[Bill Bess]

Dan, I purchased a 428 FE from Southern Automotive two years ago. Bill Parham and I discussed the exact package that would be a good fit for me, things like power (HP), cam and my driving habits.
I currently have about 7000 miles on the engine and it's running strong and happy. The cam sounds great at idle and no oil leaks so far. Bill & Susan Parham are great people and stand behind their products in everyway.
Anyway, I'm very happy and would certainly buy another motor from these folks.

Bill

[DanEC]

Originally Posted by Bill Bess

Dan, I purchased a 428 FE from Southern Automotive two years ago. Bill Parham and I discussed the exact package that would be a good fit for me, things like power (HP), cam and my driving habits.
I currently have about 7000 miles on the engine and it's running strong and happy. The cam sounds great at idle and no oil leaks so far. Bill & Susan Parham are great people and stand behind their products in everyway.
Anyway, I'm very happy and would certainly buy another motor from these folks.

Bill

Thats good to know. Just browsing websites their advertised engines seems closest to what I'm looking for.

Dan

[elmariachi]

Originally Posted by blykins

I've been known to turn a torque wrench, but I don't build for customers....

Well you make up for it by giving good clutch.

[blykins]

LOL, thanks for the free advertising guys......

[trularin]

I'll sell you a FE 360 if you are interested. $100.00 and it is yours.

It is almost complete. You can have it punched, stroked and massaged to what fits you.

Let me know. It is taking up room in the barn.

)

[Archrms]

I have a 427 from Southern Automotive and am very happy with it. While they have a few "standard" motors advertised on their web site, Bill can build a motor to whatever specs you want (mild to wild). I would suggest calling them and tell Bill what you are looking for.

[RodKnock]

Tom Lucas at FE Specialties (Sacramento, CA) is CC forum sponsor and so far after 800 miles, everything is good. He can build you a 428 too. KC and Barry R. are great too.

Good luck.

[danc30]

Another vote for Keith

[franklin]

I had mine built by Keith and so far I am not disapointed.

[DanEC]

I was wondering about Keith Craft since they are just a few miles down the road from me.

[RICK LAKE]

DanEC Dan you have private mail

[Broadkill1]

Dan-
There is someone else in your neighborhood that built my 460 and never seems to be mentioned on Cobra websites and that is Kuntz and Company. Talk to Jim Kuntz. He did a fantastic job for me.