SBF or BBF?

[Johan Ras]

I have a Superformance Cobra with a period '66 427FE Sideoiler and i enjoy every moment in it.
Johan

[JoshC]

If you want to get a rough idea what these motors sound like, the link below will take you to a builders website who actualy show live run videos of some of his motors. Select the motor catagory and Just click on the motor of your choice and at the bottom there is a video link.

http://www.proformanceunlimited.com/

[bulletbrown]

I wonder why alot of small block cars have 427 badges ? Ask the public at any car show and the 1st question I get ask is , what motor is it ?

[hi-tech cobra]

I've had both: a 427 with a 427SO and a 289 FIA car with a 289. Which was better? The 427 was a brute. I took by brother in law for a ride and asked him if he wanted to go fast. He laughed and boasted he had a 66 Vette. So I nailed it. He turned white as a ghost, asked me to stop and walked back to the house. Even though it was fun, I liked the 289. More street-able, better on the track. Don't worry what other people think, they don't write the checks!

My current project is a 427 car. What's going in it? After a long debate, I decided to use the small block parts I had laying around. Specs are, 331 stroker, all forged internals, Z304 heads, T&D shaft rockers, webers. I know it is a big block car, but my goal is to get it on the road and start enjoying it. I don't care if someone gives me $hit about the small block.

The car will ultimately get an aluminum 427. But I will enjoy the car while squirreling away money for it.

[Tony Radford]

I have a small block and 427 badges.

[Naumoff]

Originally Posted by hi-tech cobra

I've had both: a 427 with a 427SO and a 289 FIA car with a 289. Which was better? The 427 was a brute. I took by brother in law for a ride and asked him if he wanted to go fast. He laughed and boasted he had a 66 Vette. So I nailed it. He turned white as a ghost, asked me to stop and walked back to the house. Even though it was fun, I liked the 289. More street-able, better on the track. Don't worry what other people think, they don't write the checks!

My current project is a 427 car. What's going in it? After a long debate, I decided to use the small block parts I had laying around. Specs are, 331 stroker, all forged internals, Z304 heads, T&D shaft rockers, webers. I know it is a big block car, but my goal is to get it on the road and start enjoying it. I don't care if someone gives me $hit about the small block.

The car will ultimately get an aluminum 427. But I will enjoy the car while squirreling away money for it.

AC MK IV. No problem.

[LT Cobra]

First off I want to thank everyone for all the support they give the millitary, it really does make the job easier and more enjoyable.

I've ran across the proformance unlimited web site, has anyone gotten an engine from them...the prices seem to be reasonable and the parts quality stuff.

[Juggernaut]

Originally Posted by hi-tech cobra

I've had both: a 427 with a 427SO and a 289 FIA car with a 289. Which was better? The 427 was a brute. I took by brother in law for a ride and asked him if he wanted to go fast. He laughed and boasted he had a 66 Vette. So I nailed it. He turned white as a ghost, asked me to stop and walked back to the house. Even though it was fun, I liked the 289. More street-able, better on the track. Don't worry what other people think, they don't write the checks!

My current project is a 427 car. What's going in it? After a long debate, I decided to use the small block parts I had laying around. Specs are, 331 stroker, all forged internals, Z304 heads, T&D shaft rockers, webers. I know it is a big block car, but my goal is to get it on the road and start enjoying it. I don't care if someone gives me $hit about the small block.

The car will ultimately get an aluminum 427. But I will enjoy the car while squirreling away money for it.

I agree.

This is my first Cobra build and all I want is to have a good running, street-able small block. I don't worry about what other people may say or think, I'm building this car to please one person - ME!

If I decide to go with a BBF (which I may in the future), I'll still have a Cobra to drive while saving up money for the big block.

[hi-tech cobra]

Originally Posted by Naumoff

AC MK IV. No problem.

Tony,
What do you mean?
John

[ENTDOC]

we all know ultimatly you do what satisfies yourself on these issues, personally, I could give a crap what anyone else does with their car. You can put a hamster wheel in there if that turns your crank, however, the correct motor for a 427 cobra is a 427, and the issues that seem to always be suggested (weight, over heating, leaking) are non issues these days.

[BDR561]

LT Cobra,

Check your PM

[Naumoff]

Originally Posted by hi-tech cobra

Tony,
What do you mean?
John

AutoKraft AC Mark IV

427 body with a small block. Nice car.




Not a 427 Cobra.

[Dwight]

ENTDOC, I will agree the 427 has no real issues. With today parts and technology there are no issues with the 427 but the cost. Let not forget that 580 Cobras were small block, 60 were 427 Competition Cobras. 348 were 427 or 428 and that includes the 60 S/C Cobras.

My Cobra has a small block and POWER BY FORD badges. It is the 427 S/C body. And when they ask me what motor I have, I ask them what does it sound like? Most say 427 but what the hell do they know. I'll agree the 427 is the most famous of the motors in a Cobra. But Cobras with a 427 did not win all the races that history credit the Cobra with.

Just wish I had the money to put one in my Cobra.

Dwight

[olddog]

I'll give you another perspective as to what you want for an engine. Engines that make a lot of high rpm hp generally do not make good torque at low rpm, and the torque line looks like a drawing of a mountain. Engines that make good low rpm torque generally quit breathing at higher rpm, however they generally have a flat torque line from off idle up to midrange rpms before dropping off like a rock.

fictional engine #1 = low rpm torque monster.
RPM Torque HP
1500 450 129
2000 490 187
2500 500 238
3000 500 286
3500 500 333
4000 500 381
4500 500 428
5000 470 447
5500 430 450
6000 390 446

Fictional engine #2 high rpm hp monster
RPM Torque HP
1500 220 63
2000 250 95
2500 280 133
3000 300 171
3500 310 207
4000 320 244
4500 330 283
5000 340 324
5500 350 367
6000 360 411
6500 370 458
7000 370 493
7500 350 500
8000 320 487

You will note torque monster is all in at 5500 rpm and 450 hp, while hp monster is making 500 hp at 7500 rpm. Even though hp monster is making 50 hp more its peak torque is only 370 ft lb, while torque monster is making 500 ft lb from 2500 to 4500 rpm and doesn't drop off to 370 ft lb until well above its peak hp.

Now if you keep hp monster in the 7000 to 8000 rpm range he will beat the pants off of torque monster every time (assuming proper gearing in both cases). However at 6000 rpm and bellow, torque monster will eat hp monsters lunch. For example at 5000 rpm torque monster is making 447 hp while hp monster is only making 367 hp.

Also torque monster will give you the same torque (throttle responce) at practically any rpm bellow 6000, while hp monster's torque is different at every rpm, making throttle responce so unpredictable it can take the fun out of driving.

So ask yourself, how many rpm do I want to turn and how often will I have it there. Remember, the clutch is mighty close to your legs in these cars!

Paste these two charts into a spread sheet program and graph them. You will be impressed with the results.

[MFE III]

Alright, I'll weigh in herre with what appears to be the minority opinion on this age old debate. I went with a Smeding 427w. Dyno'ed at 550 hp/560 TQ at the flywheel. Will easily keep up with the BBs and saved a few hundred pounds in the process. I'll open my hood proudly and if anyone asks, yes, it's a 427.
just my $.02

[Naumoff]

Originally Posted by MFE III

Alright, I'll weigh in herre with what appears to be the minority opinion on this age old debate. I went with a Smeding 427w. Dyno'ed at 550 hp/560 TQ at the flywheel. Will easily keep up with the BBs and saved a few hundred pounds in the process. I'll open my hood proudly and if anyone asks, yes, it's a 427.
just my $.02

Man, That's a lot. Wow wee I had no Idea.

A big block is much more fun on the street. A 428 or stroke 427 FE has all the torque in at low rpm. Nothing wrong with a small block if you want to run 4.11 gears and keep your engine at 6000+rpm

And to let you guys who have not had a stock stroked 427 FE know.
It has the torque of a big block and revs like a small block.

I couldn't give a hoot what engine someone chooses, just make a decision on what you are going to use the car for. Street cruisin' or track.

But one thing I do ask is make sure you have at least 400+ HP so as not to ruin the reputation of these awesome cars.

Just my opinion.

[trs900]

Big-small-medium or large put one in and you'll be in charge-may be small keep hood down-may be large makes big sound..use right foot puts power down.. don't open the hood when anyone's around..no one will know for sure till you say it's a SB and I likes it that way.