Big Block in a Superformance

[MCOULTER]

I am looking to place a 427 ci big block in a Superformance cobra kit. I have been told that the installation of the big block is "difficult" and is not frequently done. Can someone explain "difficult"?

[Buzzmobile]

bull huckie! I just put one in my SPF after a rebuild. Granted it was in the car previous and I did the "reintsall". I have worked on a lot "tighter" cars. There is basically nothing that with very little effort I cannot get to. EXCEPT THE DANG CLUTCH MASTER...and no one can get to it, no matter what engine you have (smiles). I think it is a non issue personally

[millennium200]

I have a 514 in my SPF and while tight to work on it's worth the effort for the pure power and to hear all the sb SPF owners cry and whine about the hp they could have had or would have had, if they only had a BB or if they could only bore their SBs just a little larger. And for the second most important reason is when everytime you stop and someone asks you if it's a SB or a BB you can say YES it's a BB. LOL I will now duck and cover for all of the incoming from all of the BB want to be's.

[BlueRooster]

My 520 fits nicely. Drivers side plugs are rough, but not impossible. Everything else is a breeze. Just dont punch it or the car will explode.

[chrispy]

Blue,

Very interesting intake. Almost like a mini tunnel ram. Care to share which intake it is? How is the hood clearance with the scoop?

Thanks,
Chris

[BlueRooster]

Its a Blue Thunder. Its gives me about 1 to 2 inches clearance.

[jwoodard]

sitting in a SPF.

[BlueRooster]

That's sweet Jim. They make 'em right down in Texas, no doubt.

Dane

[chrispy]

Blue,
Thanks for the info. Very nice indeed.

Tried searching for info on Blue Thunder. Their website leaves a lot to bedesired.

For the picture I am asuming it is a single plan??? How is the low rpm drivability and idle?

Thanks again for the info. Apperance wise it sure looks great. Just wish Blue Thunder would share more info on it.

Chris

[Anthony]

Originally posted by chrispy

For the picture I am asuming it is a single plan??? How is the low rpm drivability and idle?

Both pictures are dual plane intakes. IMHO, drivability is more a function of the cam, although the dual pl,ane helps more than a single plane.

[BlueRooster]

I'll see if I can work up more info on it and them. The engine was built by Dean Woodruff at House of Cobras in SoCal. They are defunct currently, but it doesnt take away from the great work the Dean and Rizzo did. Since I didnt build the motor, there are still things that are "grey" motorwise. The idle is lumpy and steady. When I first start the motor up, it is at its lumpiest. I can hear every cylinder fire in order. It is a very cool sound. Once it warms up it sounds like music.

When puttering around town, the engine likes at least 1500 to 1800 rpm. You can feel and hear the engine breathe better once over 2000 rpm, and thats when all the planets align and it sounds like a race car all the way to 6500 rpm. (you know the sound) All in all, a great powerplant. It has over 14,000 miles on it now, and Im confident that it will see over 50k.

Dane

[BlueRooster]

http://www.ford-y-block.com/b-t.html

This is my manifold(unpolished)

[chrispy]

Blue / Anthony,

Ok definatley a dual plan. I guess all the nice polish threw me off.

Working on putting my build sheet together, and definately will be thinking about this manifold. Althought the FE version looks like it has the slanted carbs mounting. Guess I will have to keep my eye out for one with the FE version, before I pull the trigger.

Sure would look nice with injectedN20 plumbing on those runners as well.

Thanks again for the info.

Chris

[decooney]

MCOULTER,

The reason you might have been told its "not frequently done" in an SPF with a 427 BB is because its mostly true. Its more like 1 out of 20 or 1 out of 30 run FEs (390s, 428s), and then 1 out of say 50 run 427 FEs, if even that. This is probabaly more due to FE availability on demand than anything else, but that is starting to change with new aftermarket FE blocks coming out over the last few years. Most SPFs I've seen run the 351/Windsor or 385 series 460+ platform engines because they are regularly available crate engines and more mass produced, and they work well. This combination makes it easier for the dealers to sell the cars when customers are looking for an end-to-end solution, and want a proven solution, quickly.

However, FEs (390, 427, 428) and the new versions of the aluminum Shelby FE or Genesis or Pond blocks will work too. My friend has a Shelby aluminum 427 in his SPF. It fits well and works great with big block power and small block weight. Any of these will work and its been done over and over, successfully by many. Good Luck.

[DuckRyder]

Here is the Blue Thunder for the FE from the linked "Y-Block" page.

[Cobrabill]

The most difficult part about putting a BB in a Superformance is remembering to lay the headers in BEFORE you drop the motor in.

[Buzzmobile]

yeah.....that was a problem. We were so damned proud that it mated right up to the transmission...and then I looked over and saw the headers on the garage floor in the corner....

but oohhh welll, second time it went in just as well

Buzz

[GEORGE ANDERSON]

This FE is being installed in a SPF in Seattle....





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[Tex Allen]

MCOULTER,


I put a 427 cast Genesis fe sideoiler in my superformance. It is a little tight in some areas, but aside from that it is not a problem.. Cobrabill is correct. Be sure you put the headers in fender wells before you attempt the install. Otherwise, well you get the picture..

Good Luck,

Allen

[dwdshelby]

I am in the process of putting a '71 iron block 427 SO in SPF 2068. Like every install I suspect it has its challenges...

I think the biggest issue between a 427 and a 351 or 460 install is the quality and completeness of the SPF runner kit versus the other builds. I suspect this has a lot to do with an earlier post suggesting lower 427 installs. That being said the guys at Dynamic in Ohio are great and helped a ton through this process.

In particular, I found the SPF 427 engine mounting system very low quality design. I ended up purchasing a poly kit from an small fabricator who modified the SPF 460 mounts. Much better solid connection.

I also found the rubber radiator hose system inadequate and difficult to navigate the difficult logistics from the engine to rad. Ultimately, went with a cool flex brass line with rubber adaptors which could be massaged into appropriate shape with proper reducers/adaptors and won't crush under load.

I also chose to go with AN12 oil cooler lines with Mocal thermostat. The front brake splitter is head on the oil plate making this a difficult logistic without moving the splitter.

I liked the flange system on the headers to sidepipes versus the clips/ fit system I have seen on other cars.

However, overall I am very impressed with the quality and craftmanship of the SPF.

SPF 2068