Engine Choice for a new BDR?

[RET_COP]

Dwight!! turn that idle up a bit, it's a stick lol sounds nice

[Phx Mike]

Originally Posted by MKS427

Simple economics, you get more power for about 6K less than an FE.

Really - more power from a Windsor than an FE?

[ERA 626]

Originally Posted by twobjshelbys

Putting a 30K engine in a 30K car is absurd. It's like building the most expensive house in the neighborhood. Unless you're doing it for your own personal enjoyment you'll just lose money.

exactly, is this person doing this to resell the car? if your considering resale go with the FE all day long, who says you need to spend $30k on an FE? you can get into a good FE for $20k but yes a great FE will be north of $30k

Shelby engine Co. is selling a brand new aluminum Shelby FE for $27k full warranty.

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by ERA 626

why is every one suggesting a small block in a 427 car? SMH...

In post #15 OP indicated Windsor with TKO 600.

There's a lid for every pot.

[MKS427]

Originally Posted by Phx Mike

Really - more power from a Windsor than an FE?

From Craft Performance, all torque numbers are most likely low, as they start the dyno after torque peaks.
408" Iron Windsor 550/550 $10,600
427" Dart w Performer 572/582 $12,000
427" Iron FE w Performer 550/550 $14,900
482" Pond FE w Performer 600/615 $19,700
460" Dart w Victor jr. 600/600 $12,600
527" Shelby FE w Shelby intake 625/625 $26,000
FE heads cannot be modified to flow as well as Windsor heads.

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by Phx Mike

Really - more power from a Windsor than an FE?

On a HP/$$ basis the Windsor wins, hands down. OTOH, as the saying goes "there's no replacement for displacement" and you can build a bigger FE than a Windsor.

Having said that, there's always 385 series engines, where 800 HP (and more) on a stock block is achievable on pump gas.

[Phx Mike]

Originally Posted by cycleguy55

On a HP/$$ basis the Windsor wins, hands down. OTOH, as the saying goes "there's no replacement for displacement" and you can build a bigger FE than a Windsor.

Having said that, there's always 385 series engines, where 800 HP (and more) on a stock block is achievable on pump gas.

Yep agree. No question the hp/dollar is better on the Windsor. I was surprised to see those big power numbers on the Windsor’s and the higher power per cubic inch. I always thought the HP/cubic inch was similar and since the FE could be but to a larger displacement it would have more total HP.

[bubela]

I have a Smeding dart 351w punched out to 427 and makes 540/540. It's a great cruiser engine. It pushes you back in your seat, but doesn't blow your mind. I use to have a 79 bronco with a slightly worked 460. The tq from that engine and gearing was just silly.

I searched forever to find a Cobra with a 429/460 block that was in my price range. Finally settled on the Backdraft car. I'm happy with it, but I sure wouldn't mind the big block.

[nathanmargolis]

In my personal opinion, you would be more than happy with any reputable high performance engine unless you are really racing the thing. The fun of these cars is the appearance and sound. The more compression and horsepower mean less reliability and possible overheating during the summer.

The Cobra shop in Houston is extremely satisfied with Craft engines. Met the owner one day over at the Houston shop and impressed with him. You could not go wrong with him.

Sure your local builder would be good, too.

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by bubela

I have a Smeding dart 351w punched out to 427 and makes 540/540. It's a great cruiser engine. It pushes you back in your seat, but doesn't blow your mind. I use to have a 79 bronco with a slightly worked 460. The tq from that engine and gearing was just silly.

I searched forever to find a Cobra with a 429/460 block that was in my price range. Finally settled on the Backdraft car. I'm happy with it, but I sure wouldn't mind the big block.

Old photo. MSD box has since been moved behind firewall and fuel filter has been replaced with anodized aluminum inline unit. Intake has also been painted bright silver.

On the project list is to replace the Edelbrock Performer intake with either a Performer RPM or a Weiand Stealth. A new, taller (and probably wider), hood scoop will be required for either - likely a custom-fabbed unit.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/mRu6PBGA5jfucASe8

[jhv48]

Guys, he’s got a $15,000 budget for engine, trans, clutch, flywheel, starter, installation and tune.
After buying the trans, clutch, flywheel and starter, he’s got about $12,000 left. Installation and tune probably adds another $1,000 at least. So he’s got an $11,000 budget for a complete engine. Kinda rules out an FE. Might have to go to one of the lesser known crate engine companies for a 408/427 small block. But it’s going to be tight.

[samyt]

@ jhv48..thank you for your input.
What do you think is an ideal budget for a backdraft? Thinking about the Coyote but I am not 100% sold..Spoke to Mike who has a complete package for $15K without install....thank you

[olddog]

The Coyote will be very driveable, reliable, and strong, but I'm pretty sure it will not hit the original Hp Torque numbers, short of forced induction. Idle will be much calmer, not quite family car, but far from a 60's era cam. They can lock the variable cam timing to give it a better idle sound, but at the cost of emissions and MPG.

This is a lower torque higher rpm engine. It is also physically large. I will not poo poo the idea. It has a lot more to do with what do you want. It will give you a very modern EFI system. It will also give you more modern sound and performance.

If you are willing to lower your expectations on HP Torque out of a Windsor build down to the Coyote numbers, your budget could be met much easier with more options.

[jhv48]

Before you decide on a coyote engine, do a search here and read about all the pros and cons. I believe installation and setup is going to shoot your budget.
If you still want old school looks and sound, a regular 351/408 will be more than enough power and shouldn’t break your budget.
Check out blueprint engines online.

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by jhv48

Before you decide on a coyote engine, do a search here and read about all the pros and cons. I believe installation and setup is going to shoot your budget.

Heed this, not as advice but as a warning! Before you go down the Coyote path be aware that your engine compartment will likely NOT be compatible without modifications to the internal structure and footbox changes. Unless you are an experienced fabricator your cost to make the changes will cost you money, and in the end, you won't recover your costs in resale. If you want a Coyote buy a Mustang.

[Cashburn]

Originally Posted by twobjshelbys

Heed this, not as advice but as a warning! Before you go down the Coyote path be aware that your engine compartment will likely NOT be compatible without modifications to the internal structure and footbox changes. Unless you are an experienced fabricator your cost to make the changes will cost you money, and in the end, you won't recover your costs in resale. If you want a Coyote buy a Mustang.

Backdrafts since the Coyote was first released have been engineered to fit the Coyote without any structural modifications.

[fastd]

351w, aluminum heads and fuel injection will be the best bet for you. Also, what 100-150 lbs lighter than big block FE...?