Is it possible to build a 427 fe for 15k?

[Quintum]

Hello Everyone.

First a bit about myself. I've turned my fair share of wrenches in the past (way in the past!) I've since changed jobs and the short version is that I'm a Windows admin for Go Daddy. Over the years (20 give or take. Well more give than take. ) I've been able to wrench to a car from time to time but needless to say. Lets just say that some of that knowledge has slipped my mind.

I'm about 2 years out from starting to build my Cobra. I'll be getting the package from F5. And so over the past few months I've been putting together a price list what what.

What I'm looking for 427 FE that has around 550 to 600ish HP. The compression does not need to be outrageous. It will be driven when the weather is nice. So it wont be just a weekend driver.

I've seen complete motors that are SB's that are OB by x amount to get a 427 CI. But I'm actually kinda looking for a BB. And to have an FE under the hood. Well it would make it that much more special.

Thanks in advance for the input.

Regards,
Dave.

[FWB]

Originally Posted by Quintum

Hello Everyone.

First a bit about myself. I've turned my fair share of wrenches in the past (way in the past!) I've since changed jobs and the short version is that I'm a Windows admin for Go Daddy. Over the years (20 give or take. Well more give than take. ) I've been able to wrench to a car from time to time but needless to say. Lets just say that some of that knowledge has slipped my mind.

I'm about 2 years out from starting to build my Cobra. I'll be getting the package from F5. And so over the past few months I've been putting together a price list what what.

What I'm looking for 427 FE that has around 550 to 600ish HP. The compression does not need to be outrageous. It will be driven when the weather is nice. So it wont be just a weekend driver.

I've seen complete motors that are SB's that are OB by x amount to get a 427 CI. But I'm actually kinda looking for a BB. And to have an FE under the hood. Well it would make it that much more special.

Thanks in advance for the input.

Regards,
Dave.

yes.....and less

[jhv48]

My first cobra was a FFR. One thing to consider in your build. If you intend to be mainly a cruiser in your car, then an fe is going to be just fine. However, if your desire is to race, run autocross or build the ultimate slot car, then you might reconsider the weight factor of an fe. A fast revving revving 341-7 in the FFR chassis is a hoot to drive in the twisties and, since the FFR is already about 250 pounds lighter than an SPF, it will handle like a go cart.

Ultimately, it's your baby. Do it the way you want it the first time. I didn't.

[DanEC]

Originally Posted by Quintum

Hello Everyone.

First a bit about myself. I've turned my fair share of wrenches in the past (way in the past!) I've since changed jobs and the short version is that I'm a Windows admin for Go Daddy. Over the years (20 give or take. Well more give than take. ) I've been able to wrench to a car from time to time but needless to say. Lets just say that some of that knowledge has slipped my mind.

I'm about 2 years out from starting to build my Cobra. I'll be getting the package from F5. And so over the past few months I've been putting together a price list what what.

What I'm looking for 427 FE that has around 550 to 600ish HP. The compression does not need to be outrageous. It will be driven when the weather is nice. So it wont be just a weekend driver.

I've seen complete motors that are SB's that are OB by x amount to get a 427 CI. But I'm actually kinda looking for a BB. And to have an FE under the hood. Well it would make it that much more special.

Thanks in advance for the input.

Regards,
Dave.

My 2 cents are that you could rebuild a mostly stock parts 427 for that if careful and if your a little lucky in finding a nice engine to start with. Stock iron block, stock MR heads, stock MR intake, stock 427 or 428 crank and rods. I think with a stock parts rebuilt, 600 HP might be a stretch. Maybe 525 to 550 HP might be a more reasonable goal for a 427 to 454 motor and that would take a good cam. Agian my 2 cents and that ain't worth much anymore.

[fordracing65]

It's possible, if you consider a Shelby 482 uses basically the best parts a runs about $26,000, if you went with cheaper parts it would almost cut that price in half, for example, Scat H-beam rods, $700, Carrillo H-beam rods, $2700, there is 2g right there, and when you do that with crankshaft and block etc, it adds up or less quick.

[Barry_R]

Yes its possible. A big piece of this will be some good scavenger hunt work on your part. The more "good" used parts you can acquire the better off you'll be on price.

Qualifying an original block can be tough, but that's the highest dollar piece and worth the research and effort. After that you're perfectly fine using swap meet or scavenged valve covers, timing covers, intake manifolds and such. A cast crank and I beam rods are plenty adequate for a street piece and cost less... A Duraspark distributor will work just fine at one third the cost of a MSD billet, etc., etc.,....

[blykins]

It depends on whether or not you *need* a 427 block. You can get to 427 cubes (and higher) with a run-of-the-mill 390 block. With your statement about considering a SBF that has 427 cubes, I get the feeling that maybe an original side oiler block isn't that important to you.

Turn-key 445ci FE's can be had at about $3k under your budget. To hit the 550hp mark, it will take some nice heads, a nice intake, and an appropriately matched camshaft.

If you want to hit closer to the 600hp mark, and be more on the streetable side of things, you will need some more cubes, which will indeed require a 427 block or an aftermarket block.

But to answer your question.....yes.

[Silversmith]

There is or was yesterday a 1966 "Holmon Moody built" (new) 427 side oiler listed in the "private party parts for sale section" located on this site! For $15K!! It might be worth looking at! I love mine & it is a true beast Remember cash talks! & verification of products will keep your plans & dreams on track. Good luck! By the way, if you decide to have some one build a engine for you. You won't go wrong with Blykin's

[Quintum]

Originally Posted by jhv48

My first cobra was a FFR. One thing to consider in your build. If you intend to be mainly a cruiser in your car, then an fe is going to be just fine. However, if your desire is to race, run autocross or build the ultimate slot car, then you might reconsider the weight factor of an fe. A fast revving revving 341-7 in the FFR chassis is a hoot to drive in the twisties and, since the FFR is already about 250 pounds lighter than an SPF, it will handle like a go cart.

Ultimately, it's your baby. Do it the way you want it the first time. I didn't.

Heya Jim,

Thanks for your post and input. I don't think I'll be too much seeing too many tracks with this build. What I'm looking for is something that'll give me that nice Big Block sound. If and when I decide to build another I might go the Track direction.

Regards,
Dave

[RON N BKFLD]

Dave,,,,, I have a rebuilt side oiler for sale. Bore 4.25, short block assembled, heads done. see page 10 in my gallery (removal from my Midstates). $12,000. plus shipping. email me for more info and pics after rebuild.......Ron

[Quintum]

Thanks everyone for your input and the 2 cents. I'll take every penny I can get. At this time it looks like that I wont be going with an original 427 block. It was something that I was really hoping for. But who's not to say that it something that happens down the road.

I will be starting out with a big block. And down the road I'll see if I can finally put that Cobra 427 badge on the side of the car.

Regards,
Dave