390 FE or Roush 427?

[Traveller]

Ditto Tom. I'm a big FE fan.

[SantaFe66]

I bought a 390 FE ($1000) from a fellow swapping out for a 600hp plus 427 SO. I was happy with it until it started blowing smoke out one side. I now have a 428 FE in it and will be starting it up pretty soon. The guy with the 600hp 427 is still horsing around with his 2 years later. Since I got the 390 so cheap, the swap to the 428 wasn't so painful. By taking my time on the 428, I was able to find used Edelbrock heads, HS roller rockers, and many other bits at much lower prices.

I bought a lot of the critical parts from Keith Craft and got excellent help in choosing the right parts to buy. Great integrity and knowledge of the FE (or any other engine) from Keith Craft. I also have driven a few small block Cobra's and there is a definite difference in the sound between the SB and FE. Horsepower/Torque is about the same but where the motor makes it's power is different between the FE and Small Block. Resale/value wise, the FE has the edge.

Call Keith up and talk to him, he'll do you right.

[SCOBRAC]

I love the FE and have owned several. Honestly, go with the Roush unless you are a purist or slightly masochistic.

[Chuckster]

Originally Posted by Keithc8

I can do you an Genesis block 482FE for about the same money as the Roush 427 and do you a 427 small block for about 2000.00 less than them with the same warranty. We are pretty close to you as well here in Arkansas. I also know one of my customers that sells the Backdraft and we can get you a good deal on the car and all of the parts you need to put it together. I would say that you could do the 482 FE engine with most all the parts you need to do the install and be in at about 53,000.00 or so. We can do an all aluminum FE for about 1000.00 more. I know which would hold its value the best, the FE 427 engine would. Good luck, Keith Craft

Keith,

Thanks for the reply. I just sent you a PM.

[Blittleton]

Chuckster,

I recently finished up on a Roush 511IRFE. This engine is fantastic. I think Keith Craft offers a great deal for an FE. There is a difference in sound and feel. Get what you want and you'll enjoy your cobra more. Here is a picture of 511IRFE installed in a Backdraft.

[Chuckster]

Bill,

What a thing of beauty. The angled stacks on the FE always catch my attention.

Also just sent you a PM.

[convincor]

390, edelbrock heads, blue thunder intake, h-beam rods, speed-pro forged.
Don't think I spent over $5000. More than enough for a 2400lb car IMO.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by convincor

390, edelbrock heads, blue thunder intake, h-beam rods, speed-pro forged. Don't think I spent over $5000. More than enough for a 2400lb car IMO.

And it looks surprisingly similar to my stroked 428, for which I paid a wee-bit more.

[Chuckster]

Originally Posted by patrickt

And it looks surprisingly similar to my stroked 428, for which I paid a wee-bit more.

Any overheating issues with the 428 or 390?

[Tony Ripepi]

Hello Chuckster,

I have had four Cobra roadsters, one Daytona coupe and one GT40 each time the one I ended up loving was the one that had the "Old School" look as close to the original cars that I could get.

#1 Build what you want the first time.

#2 From the top the 390, 428, 427 CO and the 427 SO look exactly the same. If you want the old school look it does not matter, if you want to be truthful to the question is it a "427" like the badge on the side says , you need to have a 427 Roush, 427CO or 427SO ---- you choose.

#3 You have the ability in your right foot to get as much "Punch" as you want, with a light car like the Cobra any of the engine choices will give you great cruising and a lot of push into the back of the seat when you punch the loud pedal.

#4 Resale ---- There is always a buyer for any ride, build what you want now and let the future take care of itself.

One man's opinion but, based on having made the mistake of economy over desire.

BTW --- I have CSX4264 with a 427 SO in the garage parked beside my GT40 with an "Old School" look engine sitting behind me. Lots of pics in my gallery.



Tony R.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Chuckster

Any overheating issues with the 428 or 390?

Not for me. Large radiator fan, coupled with dual pusher fans up front, shielding for the primaries, and extra venting keep the engine comfortably cool at 85-90 degrees Celsius. Even on the occasional 100 degree humid day that I take her out in to sweat.

[TerrysSPF]

Chuckster- As others have mentioned, build what you want NOW. Many here talk about doing it on the cheap the first go around thinking they will build another one down the road............................and that day never comes.
If you want a SB then get a SB. But if you really want an FE, then I would do it from the start (even if it means saving a little longer).

BTW, I sent you a PM. Let me know what you think.

[bulletbrown]

Isn't there a song,< I did it my way> . I agree build it right the 1st time, it cost more to do it over and over. Don't ask how I know, it still hurts to talk about it. I found that an FE is the the way to go . I see alot of owners hop up a small block to know end only to find it is hard to drive in traffic and they have to be in lower gears in town and they buss like a top. That gets old fast.
Besides , at the car shows; WOW factor is an FE and the engine doesn't look lost in a Cobra engine compartment. And as for the sound factor , you can beat a FE sound. Remember they didn;t make a 427 small block in the 60,s.

[greg schroeder]

I really think either engine will adjust the later date sale price accordingly. The 390 big block being less expensive would probably sell easier.

I'd get the Roush 427R and do it up just like the last one I had. Unless you're looking for better fuel economy I'd step away from the 427SR and 427SRTW.

[Chuckster]

Thanks for your feedback....heavily leaning now to the 390FE with stack EFI....In my opinion, that is the ultimate look and worth the extra $$.

Thoughts??

[Power Surge]

Originally Posted by Chuckster

Thanks for your feedback....heavily leaning now to the 390FE with stack EFI....In my opinion, that is the ultimate look and worth the extra $$.

Thoughts??

Still love my 390. Can't beat the look, and the low end grunt. EFI would make it all that better. Just keep in mind you'll need some good heads and cam to take full advantage of the stack EFI's power range capability.

[decooney]

Originally Posted by Chuckster

Thanks for your feedback....heavily leaning now to the 390FE with stack EFI....In my opinion, that is the ultimate look and worth the extra $$.

Thoughts??

Chuckster,
My buddy Gary at GTAuto just redid a car for one of the guys in the club who had a few different motor options and setups over the years that he has collected between his cars. The NAF Cobra car formerly had a 427, then later a 428. Somehow along the line, they decided to keep those valuable parts on the shelf and just go with a Merc 390 block, a 1U 428 crank, making it a 410ci setup. The car has been done since the Bash, and the owner is super happy with the results. It can overwhelm the tires easily enough in the lower gears. All said and done, he seems to be vary pleased going this route vs. fixing and reusing his valuable 427/428 parts that he's keeping. That's four locals that I'm aware of who have all done 390s in their Cobras, and as others have said, matched to a "good set of flowing heads" and a good carb setup, maybe even some porting, you'll be very pleased. Budget build 101 with max value for sure. Good luck. Duane

[madmaxx]

FWIW,

I have lived with my Roush 427sr/tw in my SPF now for about 6 months, have really been driving alot lately, stop and go, park it for a couple hours take another drive and in my opinion could not run better. Fires up on first crank, on cold morning chokes works perfect, staying out of the throttle ( a challenge) I get about 13 mpg. If I were not so anal about my paint, etc, it could easily be a dailey driver. I like driving it so much I am trying to figure out how to install a radio for the longer drives. There has not been a drop of oil on my garage floor in over 2 months. The front seal would drip once in a while, I am talking 1 drop over a week, but I guess the seal wore in and now bone dry.

Go reliable, go Roush.

[Cashburn]

Originally Posted by Chuckster

Gotcha!!! Makes sense to me. Looks like I can strike that question from my list. Its good to have folks that have been there before. In that case, I will lean towards the 427SR/TW, do the install myself (with some helping hands), and landing right around $52k.

Jeez... you should have grabbed one of our specials and not broken a sweat. Maybe we need to offer another one?

[ClassicMustang]

Why not install an aluminum block SHELBY FE? It is readily available off the shelf, delivers more HP and torque than the Roush FE, has the same warranty, and it's a real Shelby product, not a wannabe. We sell both, and I MUCH prefer the Shelby at close to the same price.