Repurpose a nice 428CJ/Toploader pair?

[decooney]

FE Talk;

Before starting off, I just want to say this inquiry may seem pretty stupid to some people, but here goes...something I've been wanting to ask others to compare thoughts. Thought I'd try here before Network54 or making any changes without studying this a bit more first.

I'm interested in solid feedback from people here on ClubCobra who truly buy/collect/sell/restore original Ford FE big block powered muscle cars. Anotherwords people who put forth effort to put original cars back together.

For the past few years, I can't seem to stop wondering about why I am keeping this nice year matching 1969 428CJ engine and Nascar Toploader transmission in my "replica" ERA Cobra. I love the motor, just amazing, and it was very well built by Tom Lucas at FE and Trans by David Kee, but just seems a shame to keep it in a replica. Mabye it's just me... I don't know. It's possible I believe this from formerly restoring cars and drooling over great original parts, putting things back together - so to speak. My buddy has a nice original R-Code 427 Galaxy, and it's just so cool to see that original motor in there. I would love to see my CJ in some cool 428 Cobra Jet Mustang or Shelby or something thumping away through the exhaust!

Here's why:
Now days, with so many nice new aftermarket FE block options, and even aftermarket Toploader/TKO parts and stuff, I can't help but wonder about just pulling my shortblock and transmission next year and putting them for sale on eBay to go back into someones Shelby 500Mustang or Drag Pack restore situation where the car is missing a late 68 or 69 FE CJ motor and trans, etc.

Yeah, it's gonna cost me over again just to have what I have now to replace it, but knowing it's probably worth something to someone keeps me thinking. Also, really nice 428CJ blocks are getting up there with 427s and then some, and mine could be a bolt in for someone with a quick look/refresh of bearings or whatever is needed upon removal.

Go easy on me now... Doh!

Am I just being stupid, over analytical, or what?

[Sharroll Celby]

Duane, that would seem to be a GREAT opportunity for someone missing the right year motor/trans combo for their '69 Ford...keep the info out there, on as many "feelers" as possible, and with patience, you might make someone's dream come true.

[mrmustang]

If you really want to try and get the big bucks for your engine, have you looked for a partial VIN stamping on it? If so, then advertising that with the engine might (I said might) garner you a big ticket buyer looking for the original driveline for his/her car.......


Bill S.

[Fordzilla]

Duane, You could advertise it while you are using it. If/when someone sees it & wants it, then sell it. Also would be a plus for someone to hear & see it run before they bought it. I would advertise it with all the numbers you can get off it. Someone somewhere will want it!

Just my .02 cents.

Regards,

[Archrms]

Duane, the car that the engine and trans came out of is most likely long gone, so any other car you put it in would still not be "original". If it is going to cost you money to sell it and build yourself a new engine it doesn't seem worth it. If you were going to put the engine/trans in another car of yours, then it might be worth it, but only if the other car were yours. If you are happy with the engine/trans combo, enjoy them and don't let the "restorers" out there guilt you into selling it.

[decooney]

The engine / trans are from different cars, but from the same date period.

I don't expect to find the original car.


However, back in Dec 2004, I did once find an original, somewhat rare/weird hood modification GT500KR car minus engine and trans that was a late '68 which in some cases used the '69 428CJ (or as I thought) and I was either trying to buy the car from the guy or sell him my engine and trans. I would have pulled it from my Cobra and let my Cobra sit just to put it in this other car. The owner of the car did not want my engine and would not sell me the car, and I offered a good price for it. Sure seems like it would have been the perfect scenario. Another person came along with a '67 Shelby in the same manner hearing about my motor, but he had to wait to find the right year.

I have no issue with keeping it, but would like to see if there is anyone out there who could really use this eng/trans setup. To me, it adds absolutely NO additional value to my replica Cobra vs. a later model aftermarket FE block and trans. I would sell my shortblock and trans for market value as reconditioned, per what Tom at FE Specialties told me, and just let someone else take advantage of it. Doing the R&R on a new motor and trans is just something else I can do to keep myself busy anyhow.

It's good to hear back from all of you. Keep it coming. Thanks!

[olddog]

If you find a car that needs your engine and buy it, then what you are talking about would make sense, because you would be putting together a parts matching original car. However if you sell it, the buyer may well stick it in another replica. So why cost yourself money, for no personal gain, that may not accomplish what you want?

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Fordzilla

Duane, You could advertise it while you are using it. If/when someone sees it & wants it, then sell it. Also would be a plus for someone to hear & see it run before they bought it. I would advertise it with all the numbers you can get off it. Someone somewhere will want it!

Just my .02 cents.

Regards,

I agree. Give it a shot. Otherwise, "if it aint broke, then don't fix it."

[decooney]

Agreed. I sort of thought someone with a replica might also possibly come along and ask to buy it, in that case, I'd have to decide. And, to your point, I could see someone with a replica Cobra wanting to buy it since it could be a good deal for someone, and at that point the only other motivation for me to actually sell it at that point, would be if I was looking to do something different with a powerplant, but I'm not sure what that would be.

It's always good to talk the brain through these things.

Also, on a related note, if I sold it, I've been pondering either a new Pond or Aluminum Shelby 427, just for grins, and that might just motivate me enough to sell it regardless.

I guess if the right buyer came along, I would sell it. And if not, just keep it and find another project. I guess maybe I just like tinkering with my Cobra, whether it needs anything or not - that's the (my) problem.

[decooney]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

I agree. Give it a shot. Otherwise, "if it aint broke, then don't fix it."

Good approach. I'd prefer to sell it to someone I know vs. the whole eBay thing. I might try to list it this winter, just to get some ideas.

Thanks!

[RodKnock]

Duane, I've always been an "upgrader" myself. Bigger, better, faster. I have a simlar decison as yours, but at a much smaller scale. I'm weighing the possible purchase of a Dynatek setup for my 482. I only have 500 miles on my Kirkham and the single carb with turkey pan looks and runs great, but those 8 stacks and the FI sure would fine underneath hood too. Tom at FE built my engine too. Tough call for me, as I'm sure your engine decision is for you. If the difference in money isn't the issue, then upgrading might be the thing to do, especially if you do any freeway driving. Having a 5-speed is awesome.

[RICK LAKE]

Duane If the motor and trans are not the same month or within a month or 2, some one may only want the trans or motor. See if you can find a project car with most of the work done, swap in your parts and sell the thing. For putting a new motor in the cobra you are looking at about $15-17K depending on what you want in power. I like the aluminium motor in my ERA. 495 pound of motor verses over 640 pounds, is IMO a no brainer. You have me worried, are you going through a change of life? Unless you are going to build the car to a single purpose car stay with the nice setup you have. I do like a 5 spd with overdrive would be the only change. Rick L.