Who Builds The Best FE?

[warhawk]

My cousins and I just recently purchased a cobra kit car, and were getting ready to order the motor for it. We want to get a 427 side oiler with the aluminum shelby block. We are looking for both performance and originality out of the motor and were wondering if there was any suggestions as to which engine builder out there would be worth looking at, and who might have the most experience with what we are looking for. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Lew Ledyard]

I am very very happy with the motor that Keith Craft built for me. Shelby aluminum block bored and stroked to 482 ci. 630+ hp and torque. Docile to putt around in but firebreathing dragon when you open it up. Power, from mild to wild, is very easy to modulate. It runs cool 85-90 degrees centigrade in traffic and it runs very smoothly w/o wierd vibrations (other than the monster pounding). I have a single carb and I think only stage one porting and a reasonable compression ratio. I wanted it to be trouble free, easy to just get in and drive, no tinkering and be able to run on 93 octane gas.

I would highly recommend Keith. I would buy another on of his motors in a heart beat.

[Allan A]

I like George,

Gessford Machine.

[Excaliber]

There is a motion on the floor for Gessford Machine, I second the motion, the YEAHS have it, George it is.

Kind of scratching my head a little over 'originality' and an alloy Shelby block though...

[ENTDOC]

Gessford machine is the best

[thudmaster]

Not to worry Ernie they can paint the block...............

[ENTDOC]

go with a Pond alloy block with a C5 date code and paint it black, best of both worlds. A Shelby alloy block will have no resemblance to original

[Naumoff]

Southern Automotives in Georgia.

Isn't this like asking someone what is the best kit to buy.

[lineslinger]

Originally Posted by Naumoff

Southern Automotives in Georgia.

Isn't this like asking someone what is the best kit to buy.

It certainly is Tony.

There are a lot of really good builders out there, homework is required. Consider as a first move finding someone with a good reputation close to home, it makes things a lot easier as far as transport, trouble shooting and updating or modifying.
You don't have to go across country to get a solid engine built.

[BOURRET]

Originally Posted by Lew Ledyard

I am very very happy with the motor that Keith Craft built for me. Shelby aluminum block bored and stroked to 482 ci. 630+ hp and torque. Docile to putt around in but firebreathing dragon when you open it up. Power, from mild to wild, is very easy to modulate. It runs cool 85-90 degrees centigrade in traffic and it runs very smoothly w/o wierd vibrations (other than the monster pounding). I have a single carb and I think only stage one porting and a reasonable compression ratio. I wanted it to be trouble free, easy to just get in and drive, no tinkering and be able to run on 93 octane gas.

I would highly recommend Keith. I would buy another on of his motors in a heart beat.

I would also. Made 18 000 miles with it since it has been installed (May 2005) in my Cobra.

[cobra]

George "Gessford" for President !
Great engines and also a great services. This is especially import because I'm from Switzerland.
Thank you very much George!
Walter

[427SnakeSC]

If you are going for "correct" appearance, you should use a Pond or Genesis block. I had Keith Craft build a 427 SO for me. I used a cast Pond block. I am extremely happy with Keith's build and their professionalism, while dealing with them. I give Keith and his operation a big 10 out of 10!

[undy]

Originally Posted by 427SnakeSC

If you are going for "correct" appearance, you should use a Pond or Genesis block. I had Keith Craft build a 427 SO for me. I used a cast Pond block. I am extremely happy with Keith's build and their professionalism, while dealing with them. I give Keith and his operation a big 10 out of 10!

Uh huh.. Keith's da man!

[sideoiler10]

I also would use George at Gessford. I think you would benefit because he is located in Nebraska, which last time I looked, was considerably closer to Wyoming than Arkansas.

Both Keith and George build great motors, but I lean toward George due to his outstanding service. Whether or not you are a customer buying an engine or just a car guy needing help sorting out a problem, he takes the time to help you get things right.

I agree with Ernie, though, about the originality issue. Aluminum blocks don't have the same really deep growl that you get from the original iron blocks. In addition, I have observed many, many times, how other people seem to "perk up" when you answer their question about what engine is it, and you tell them that it is an "orginal and correct 1966 date code 427 sideoiler engine. the same 427 used in the original Cobras"

I drive mine and take it to shows. Several times my correct 427 has received the overall Best Engine awards, Ford Top Gun award, etc. solely because it is a correct date coded engine for a Shelby Cobra, even though it is in a replica Cobra.

Good luck and enjoy! Bob

[RACER X #99]

Holman Moody

[Cracker]

I know saying this is like beating a drum but...if you want to be able to say "it's a side-oiler" and be truthful about it, then the Shelby block is not for you. It's design is based on an FE but the oiling system is closer to that of a center oiler - not looking for a debate here, talk to the man who designed it - plenty in the archives. Go with an original, Pond or Genesis block for your build.

Any of the builders mentioned will be able to provide an engine that will last for years - the only exception being that Holman Moody referral. In the years here, I can't recall a single owner who has spoke about using them - seriously.

[RICK LAKE]

warhawk You have a PM sent. Rick L.

[RACER X #99]

Originally Posted by Cracker

I know saying this is like beating a drum but...if you want to be able to say "it's a side-oiler" and be truthful about it, then the Shelby block is not for you. It's design is based on an FE but the oiling system is closer to that of a center oiler - not looking for a debate here, talk to the man who designed it - plenty in the archives. Go with an original, Pond or Genesis block for your build.

Any of the builders mentioned will be able to provide an engine that will last for years - the only exception being that Holman Moody referral. In the years here, I can't recall a single owner who has spoke about using them - seriously.

I only mentioned H/M becuse they were the original SO race engine builders back in the day. If you call Lee Holman he can build you a 427SO actually using some of the same old guys who built them in the 60's. H/M can also grind you the same cam that was in the winning Lemans GT40's.
RD

[sgianino]

Keith Craft has my vote!! Its been 3 years with my motor and all is great, Keith's a great guy and wife Shelly who most likely will be the one who answers the phone is always there to help.Calls always get returned and customer service is on a personal level.My only complaint is that he lives half way across the U.S from me and makes visiting his shop difficult

[Naumoff]

Originally Posted by RACER X #99

I only mentioned H/M becuse they were the original SO race engine builders back in the day. If you call Lee Holman he can build you a 427SO actually using some of the same old guys who built them in the 60's. H/M can also grind you the same cam that was in the winning Lemans GT40's.
RD

I second that.

(note my avatar)