Converting from a 350 sbc to a Ford sbc

[Viking99]

In '95 I also came accross such a deal - a well put together Contemporary w/ a B&M blown Z28 sbc mated to a Doug Nash 5 sp. It's presently undergoing a switch to a 351W based crate setup. It's a costly undertaking but for me, the satisfaction of having it 'Powered by Ford' will 'make' the snake. Cheers !

[joyridin']

My Arntz has a SBC in it. I priced out converting it a few times, but the headers seem to be the real killer. They basically have to be custom made. It would almost be cheaper for me to buy a cheap TiG welder and do it myself.

On the flip side, I can stick in a 427 CID LSX GM engine and pull 605 hp all day on pump gas. That would cost me about $10k.

The question is...do you plan on driving it or parking it at car shows? If car shows, go Ford. If driving, who cares.

[AL427SBF]

I think it comes down to if you have a type 'A' or type 'B' personality, seriously.


Type A - ambitious, rigidly organized, highly status conscious, can be sensitive.
Type B - lower stress levels, enjoys achievement but doesn't stress over it, likes competition but ok to lose.


If you are type 'A', you will probably feel the need to defend your chevy selection, and it will come up for sure.

If you are type 'B', you could give a rat's ass about what someone thinks of your motor selection.

There is an option if you have a Type 'A' personality and decide to go with sbc. Overbuild your chevy like Hotfingrs so you have a canned answer waiting in the wings

[Bonos]

I did this change out about five years ago and the hard part was connecting side pipes to headers. i made a spool peice with a flange for the ford header on one side and then a flange on the other end for existing side pipes . you must do a mock up to ensure correct pipe length between flanges because the lengths will be different on each pipe.
the right side and left sde will not interchange so each side must be made seperarte.
this will take time so you may want to look at under car exhaust
bonos

[Thor maine]

Unless it was made by Shelby American, It Is Not A Real Cobra ! So if you are a Chevy guy ,go Chevy. If your a Ford guy,go Ford. Mopar, go Mopar , or what ever combo that makes it the HotRod shaped like a Cobra you want. Then enjoy the ride.

[AL427SBF]

agree owner's choice, true aficionados will appreciate whatever powerplant you have.


patrickt, you've been awful quiet, you bite through your lower lip?

[Danr55]

Thor, I think I take exception to that. As someone pointed out previously, it is a cobra, but not a Shelby Cobra.

[Thor maine]

Originally Posted by Danr55

Thor, I think I take exception to that. As someone pointed out previously, it is a cobra, but not a Shelby Cobra.

It's a HotRod that is shaped like a Shelby Cobra.

[jwd]

Originally Posted by Thor maine

Unless it was made by Shelby American, It Is Not A Real Cobra ! So if you are a Chevy guy ,go Chevy. If your a Ford guy,go Ford. Mopar, go Mopar , or what ever combo that makes it the HotRod shaped like a Cobra you want. Then enjoy the ride.

If it wasn't built by Shelby between 1962 and 1968, it's a replica and will NEVER be an original one regardless of who builds it.

[Dimis]

Originally Posted by AL427SBF

There is an option if you have a Type 'A' personality and decide to go with sbc. Overbuild your chevy like Hotfingrs so you have a canned answer waiting in the wings

Haha. That's pretty funny.

Unless you're planing an FE build then I probably wouldn't bother changing it until she lets go.
Being an old Chevy means she'll let go sooner or later.
If she breaks down sooner then your choice is an FE for originality purposes or the best option available. Today, imho, that would probably be an LSx or LS7 or BMW v8.

If it breaks down later. Well you never know what options will be available down the track.

I say: If it ain't broken don't fix it.

[Dimis]

Originally Posted by jwd

If it wasn't built by Shelby between 1962 and 1968, it's a replica and will NEVER be a real one regardless of who builds it.

Wrong!
They're all real. Unless I'm only imagining them.
This is far too philosophical for me... Haha

[jwd]

Originally Posted by jwd

If it wasn't built by Shelby between 1962 and 1968, it's a replica and will NEVER be an original one regardless of who builds it.

I fixed it for you Dimis.

[Viking99]

It's done. The small block Chevy is out. The Ford 427 CI 535 HP crate engine M-6007-Z427FRT is in; along w/ the Tremec 600. it was 'ok' w/ the smc, it's far better w/ the new Ford crate. I don't care if anyone but myself sees what's under the hood. I did it for my personal satisfaction. With the blower smc, it was like having a Ferrari w/ a Corvette engine or vice-versa. I'll put the smc to good use this winter in my next dream machine : a '63 Grand Sport replica.

[Thor maine]

I think I am going to an all aluminum SB Chevy stroked to 427 and a 6 speed. I feel complete personal satisfaction. (and love saving the 300 plus pounds on the front)and it still cost less than building SO BB Ford.

[Hotfingrs]

Originally Posted by Thor maine

I think I am going to an all aluminum SB Chevy stroked to 427 and a 6 speed. I feel complete personal satisfaction. (and love saving the 300 plus pounds on the front)and it still cost less than building SO BB Ford.

Look at building up a tall deck small block. You can get big cubes without worrying about thin walls.

[joyridin']

Originally Posted by Thor maine

I think I am going to an all aluminum SB Chevy stroked to 427 and a 6 speed. I feel complete personal satisfaction. (and love saving the 300 plus pounds on the front)and it still cost less than building SO BB Ford.

That is what I am going to do someday. 625 hp on a carbed motor is a killer deal.