Southern Automotive engines. Does

[patrija]

Hey guys, "Jason Patrick" checking in ... sorry I'm late to the party! I'll assume that JBBright is happy choosing SA as an engine builder (wise choice in my opinion), and maybe get the thread back to the original question of "experience with their clone 427 engines". I've had two engines from SA and both were 427 clones based on the 390 block. I highly recommend it.

The first engine was their 406 "clone" which is what's posted on their website and what I call the perfect replica engine for your replica cobra. I had this engine for 3 years and it's an outstanding choice, particularly at the price point. If price is a primary decision point (when isn't it), it's very important to make sure you're comparing apples to apples. SA's price includes everything while a lot of others don't appear to. A 406 isn't going to help you bring the resale that a 427 will, but it's also not going to cost you as dearly. You'll get the beautiful FE sound and whenever you open the hood or someone looks underneath, it's spot on for a 427. Just don't lie about it during a sale - that's apparently happened at least once.

I finally convinced my wife that we need more horsepower (not easy to do) and traded in my 406 for an upgrade ... the "Super FE". SA has made at least 2 of these engines and perhaps a few more by now. Simply put ... take a 406 and add the following to get a monster.

- roller rocker arms with end stands
- Edelbrock aluminum cylinder heads with larger valves
- crankshaft windage tray
- aluminum water pump
- billet aluminum water pump and crankshaft pulleys
- Scat 4.250" stroke crankshaft
- Scat H beam competition rods
- custom pistons
- 9.8:1 Compression

My 406 is now up to 452 c.i. and about 520 horsepower. The engine has a much louder and more aggressive exhaust note that seems different from other FE's around the block. I'm very happy and if your considering a 406 would at least talk to Bill about this upgrade.

Final thought is that there are LOTS of good references to SA, do a search and you'll see. Give Bill a call and ask him any questions you have - he will shoot you straight. SA has been in business a long time and done a lot of engines ... there are good service stories and references that you may not find here on the web. Feel free to PM or email me for more info, glad to help!

Jason