Difference between 390 and 427

krkucin · #1 (**permalink**) 02-22-2012, 07:12 PM

I am looking to purchase a Superformance Cobra. I have been looking for one with a 427 FE but found one with a 390. Other than the obvious, what is the difference between the two? Thanks!

DanEC · #2 (**permalink**) 02-22-2012, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krkucin

I am looking to purchase a Superformance Cobra. I have been looking for one with a 427 FE but found one with a 390. Other than the obvious, what is the difference between the two? Thanks!

About 100 HP in stock form - but that is obvious. The car doesn't know what FE is going into it - shouldn't be any other significant differences in the car. A 390 can be warmed over to move a 2700 lb car pretty well.

ERA Chas · #3 (**permalink**) 02-22-2012, 07:34 PM

A huge difference in price. A 390 is a little closer to a 428 or 427 center-oiler. Vast difference to Side-oiler. Don't overpay.

Dwight · #4 (**permalink**) 02-22-2012, 08:59 PM

A huge different in price.

The 390 has a 4.05" bore and a 3.78" stroke. good low end torque motor.

The 427 has a 4.23" bore and a 3.78" stroke. Great high rpm motor.

The first 427 had 390 truck motor crankshaft but they broke very quickly. Ford made better crank and it broke, then a much better crank till 1965 they had a crank that would last 24 hours at 7500 rpm.

The blocks were improved every year till they could last 24 hours.

The 390 is a great motor for a street Cobra. But the 427 is the holy grail of Cobra motors.

The big different's is the price.
A 390 block may cost $100 but the 427 would be closer to $2000.
And the crank and pistons cost a lot more in the 427.

Remember most 427s had the hell beat out of them and a lot have sleeves or other repairs.
Make sure you get what you pay for.

Dwight