Southern Automotive ( 406 )

[Johnnyquest]

Anyone do business with these guys? Looking to upgrade to a 406............anyone use a 406 that looks the part of the 427?

Any help would be appreciated!

Randy

[ToyCollector]

I have done 3 motors with them for 3 different vehicles. Absolutely great folks and service. I may have a bad MSD box in the KMP I am building. Called them up, sent me replacement no questions asked, just asked I ship the bad one back. They supply lots of motors for Unique in Alabama, and the Unique folks doing the Eleanor clones. Several Kirkham, ERA, and SPF guys have their motors in their cars as well.

[FFR428]

The 406 package they sell starts with a 390 block not a real 406 block. It looks like a great engine and they have a great reputation. Have not dealt with them myself but have only heard very good things. If I had the cash I'd buy a sideoiler from them in a heartbeat! G.

[GeorgiaSnake]

SAE

Randy

[RaceDeck]

As soon as Bill and Susan get back from the holidays, I will be ordering up another motor from them. Southern Automotive built me an incredible stroker motor for the Unique, a Monster. I am going to go with another 427 stroker for my Kirkham - maybe an aluminum block?

[Johnnyquest]

Sounds great! With a limited budget the 406 setup has my name on it. Already have received a email from them even though they are on vacation until the 5th.

Another question? What tranny are you using for your engine setup? I am favoring the Tremec TKO, but looking at the Top loader as well.

Thanks, Randy

[RaceDeck]

The Top Loader is pretty much bullet proof, But not as highway freiendly on the highway. Also depends on what type of power you think you are to make? I know that they can make a bunch out of the 406

[casaleenie]

Very, very happy with my 351W from SA.
I've got a price sheet if you're interested.
If anything happened to the engine I'd be on the phone to them in a heartbeat for another one....

[Tony Radford]

Randy, throw me in the SA groupie pile. I traded in my original stock-stroke 351 for a 427 Windsor stroker. Bill, Lewis, John, Jeremy and the whole Southern Automotive team are a great bunch to work with. I had a blast with the stroker project. Everything is meticulously hand worked. The increase in HP and torque is unbelievable!

[rritchey]

Randy,

Let me first say that I am not in any way trying to undermine Southern Automotive - they are a great company and build good motors just as these other members have said. I do however have 2 real Ford 406 blocks, both in real good condition with no sleeves or damage. I can build you an awesome 406 using a true 406 block for the same price as SA can, and I'll even use a 428 crank and pistons so that it is really a 428CI motor in a 406 block. It would be a super tough engine - those 406 blocks are essentially a 427 center oiler with 428 sized bores. Just something to think about.

Have a blessed day and best wishes with whatever you decide to do!

[bdriver]

rritchey, Just sent you and email ref the 406s...thanks

[misfit41]

I have heard nothing but good about southern automotive,and I love 406's,I just dont understand building one,when a 428 is the same block,,and the same cash.good luck either way,,Tim

[Johnnyquest]

The 406 from Southern is based on the 390FE block. The 428 is based on the 428 block? The cost difference is from $2000 to $4000 more expensive on the 428, depending what setup you go with.

My Cobra is a replica, the 406 gives me the look of the original and has actually 5 more horsepower than the original 427 side oiler back in 1965. More 428's were produced than 427 and installed in the original Cobra's due to shortage in production, according to Ford. The 428 made only 335 h.p. back then.

With the setup they propose, turkey pan, main cap cross bolts, etc. it will look authentic and much cheaper than the 428.

[rritchey]

Johnnyquest,

Don't believe everything you read from Ford about HP ratings on the big FE's... lots of politics behind most of them. The 406 was on the scene several years before the 428 - less hype about fuel consumption and safety... by the time the 428 came along (I know it was only a few years later but it still made a difference) they toned down the ratings. You can take any factory 428 and easily get 400 horse out of it using factory top end and a smooth idle.

[Johnnyquest]

Yeah I understand politics! Many manuf. hid the actual hp ratings for insurance purposes. Most I have read for the current 428's are in the upper 400 h.p. range. The information about the latter being the 1965 variant was straight from Ford.

And I always take readings from the forum with a grain of salt also! But you must admit they are helpful, otherwise why would I be here.

Thanks for the input guys, Randy

[Al Bockman]

I have the SA 406. I have 11,500 miles on it. Haven't had any problems. Bill and Susan were great people to deal with.

When I took the Cobra leap I had to cut corners somewhere, so no 427SO. I originally was going to go with the 351 but Bill talked me into the 406. Then it was basically the same price, not including the eye candy.

When I look under the hood of SPFs with 351s and can see all the header bolts I am a little jealous. There just isn't any extra room with the FE, that's for sure! But when people at car shows get under the car, see the cross bolts and come up smiling, I think it was worth it!

Al

[misfit41]

Originally posted by Johnnyquest


The 406 from Southern is based on the 390FE block. The 428 is based on the 428 block? The cost difference is from $2000 to $4000 more expensive on the 428, depending what setup you go with.

My Cobra is a replica, the 406 gives me the look of the original and has actually 5 more horsepower than the original 427 side oiler back in 1965. More 428's were produced than 427 and installed in the original Cobra's due to shortage in production, according to Ford. The 428 made only 335 h.p. back then.

With the setup they propose, turkey pan, main cap cross bolts, etc. it will look authentic and much cheaper than the 428.

Johnny,,
I am with you on saving cost,and maybe my post wasnt clear,the 406 and 428 use the same bore size,so if you can use the 390 block for one,you can for the other as well,a good used 428 crank is about 300,they both look correct,but for about the same money you gain 22 cubes,also remember,the 406's had impressive hp ratings,but these were streched at the time to compete with chevys 409,the 428 ratings were squelched to help with insurance ratings,they have equal bore,same heads and intake,,no way you couldnt make more power with a 428,,and I belive a 428 may be a bit more dependable and long life,,just my humble opnion,,hope it helps,,Tim

[Johnnyquest]

Misfit, read my prior additions to this thread. I never said the 406 would make more power than a 428 DOH! I stated the facts relayed by Ford back in 1965 whereby they used 428's and they were rated below the 427 ( 425 h.p. ). My prior thread states UPPER 400 h.p. rating for CURRENT 428's. It is common knowledge among Shelby followers about he h.p. claims that I mentioned regarding the 428 installed in original Cobras.

Furthermore, I also stated the regard about insurance whoas. Many manuf. tuned down actual h.p. readings versus what was posted in a manuf. book.

I am buying or intend on buying this TURNKEY motor with WARRANTY from SA. I am not looking for a used this or used that that may compare in price. You mentioned $300.....

Misfit, provide me with a 428 w/ warranty, manuf. by a reputable company for the price of the 406 at SA and I will buy it. Most companies want more for a windsor!

[FFR428]

JQ, just a bit of info on the crossbolts. If you read the options list it said : replicated crossbolts. To me this is drilling the block and installing bolts through the block to give the look of real crossbolts or something like that. I could be wrong but that is the feeling I got. To crossbolt the block you would need 427 main caps or the pro-gram eng maincap setup. Perhaps someone here can answer this or ask bill when you talk to him. G.

[misfit41]

Originally posted by Johnnyquest


Misfit, read my prior additions to this thread. I never said the 406 would make more power than a 428 DOH! I stated the facts relayed by Ford back in 1965 whereby they used 428's and they were rated below the 427 ( 425 h.p. ). My prior thread states UPPER 400 h.p. rating for CURRENT 428's. It is common knowledge among Shelby followers about he h.p. claims that I mentioned regarding the 428 installed in original Cobras.

Furthermore, I also stated the regard about insurance whoas. Many manuf. tuned down actual h.p. readings versus what was posted in a manuf. book.

I am buying or intend on buying this TURNKEY motor with WARRANTY from SA. I am not looking for a used this or used that that may compare in price. You mentioned $300.....

Misfit, provide me with a 428 w/ warranty, manuf. by a reputable company for the price of the 406 at SA and I will buy it. Most companies want more for a windsor!

i hope you didnt misunderstand,,i am not giving an argument,or selling anything,,but you were asking for opnions,and i gave mine,,thats all.
I would add that the mfg hp ratings dont mean much now,and any fe engine you decide to go with will do a great job in your car,I still dont understand why your builder couldnt build the 428 on the 390 block,if they can the 406,,may be worth asking,,good luck,,Tim