Going rate for a nice aluminium FE?

[CobraBoy]

What is the current price for a nice, aluminium block-based FE motor? I would like about 550 bhp and a good, strong bottom end that likes to rev. What combination would you recommend?

Paul

[Stentor]

Since you posted in the Keith Craft forum...per his website anywhere from $17 to $19k for a 482 ci aluminum FE (depending upon whether you go with the Pond or Shelby block).

http://www.keithcraft.com/engines/48...te_Engine.html

http://www.keithcraft.com/engines/48...te_Engine.html

Good luck.

[CobraBoy]

I have obviously seen the KCR website and the Pond and Shelby options on offer there. I also know that Keith Craft builds engines that are tailored to each customer's wishes. What I was wondering was what particular combination would he recommend, bearing in mind my stated criteria and ROUGHLY how much would it come in at, crated and ready to ship.

That is all. I am at the curious stage right now.



Paul

[Stentor]

Originally Posted by CobraBoy

I have obviously seen the KCR website and the Pond and Shelby options on offer there. I also know that Keith Craft builds engines that are tailored to each customer's wishes. What I was wondering was what particular combination would he recommend, bearing in mind my stated criteria and ROUGHLY how much would it come in at, crated and ready to ship.

That is all. I am at the curious stage right now.



Paul

Well, obviously you need to call Keith to get this type of specific information (as your criteria are quite vague).

Good luck.

[csx wnab]

what ever you do, stick with the pond block. true side oiler with upgrades and you're not spending an extra 2 grand for carrolls name

[CobraBoy]

Thank you, Stentor. You are right, my criteria are quite vague at present. I have not spoken to Keith because my plans are at a very early stage at present. Plus that is one of the purposes of this forum, right?

Originally Posted by csx wnab

what ever you do, stick with the pond block. true side oiler with upgrades and you're not spending an extra 2 grand for carrolls name

I agree completely! From what I have read and seen (in photos ) of the two blocks, I'd opt for the Pond every time. I know that there are several options and I would discuss it with my chosen supplier (almost certainly KCR) when the time comes to order the engine.

Thanks, guys.

Paul

[undy]

If you're looking for a FE that "likes to rev" than you need to stay with the stock stroke. My KC 482" Pond (4.25" stroke) is done by 6000 rpm. But... at that point I'm already at 600+ hp. 550 hp is very doable with a stock stroke, matching cam and a set of his stage II CNC'd heads.

Talk to Keith, even if you're just in the planning stage. He's very helpful, no commitment required.

Dave

[CobraBoy]

Originally Posted by undy

Talk to Keith, even if you're just in the planning stage. He's very helpful, no commitment required.

That's good to know! He does have that reputation.

I was thinking about a stock or steel Ford Le Mans FE crankshaft. Or perhaps an aftermarket crank but in stock stroke. I rather doubt that torque would be an issue for a 427 Ford in a 2200-lb car...

Of course I could be persuaded to opt for a 482 at more than 600 bhp before 6000 rpm. Why not...?

Paul

[undy]

Originally Posted by CobraBoy

That's good to know!
Of course I could be persuaded to opt for a 482 at more than 600 bhp before 6000 rpm. Why not...?

Paul

That was my thoughts exactly

[csx wnab]

i plan on building a true 427 pond engine. tunnelport. i know i can ring at least 600hp out a stock stroke 427. cam, heads and induction. are the restriction. gessford is also another shop to look into.

[CobraBoy]

I always used to want a Tunnel Port but wonder about how streetable they are. Plus they are not exactly a low-cost option, from what I've read! A decent pair of CNC-ported MR Edelbrocks would probably suit me just fine.

I have wondered about a TP with stack EFI though... $$$s!

Paul

[Keithc8]

We keep about anything you would want for a FE engine. We have the Genesis and Pond castr iron blocks, the Shelby and Pond aluminum blocks and stock original blocks.
I have a complete original 1967 427 sideoiler going together right now that will be all original from the intake to the oil pan with the original damper and pointer. This will have the look of an orignal engine and does have the factory steel crank and LeMans rods with the MR heads.
There is no problem getting the 482 to turn 8000 if that is what you want just have to run solid roller lifters. I had a 527 FE that was in one of my Kirkham cars that I turned 7500 rpms and could cruise at 2200 rpms no problem.
As said before we custom build the engines for each customers wants and needs. Feel free to call me at 870-246-7460. I do not believe anybody can give you the quality and performance for the price that we can. We try to under promise and over deliver and that is hard to find these days.
I have had several Cobras myself and I am a car guys as well so I know how important it is to get a nice engine for your car. This is a big purchase and we treat it that way.

Thanks, Keith Craft

[RodKnock]

There is NOT a $2,000 difference in the price of a Shelby block versus a Pond block. Just about a year ago, the price difference was about $500 ($4,600 vs. $5,100). For the $500, you get a stronger block (probably not needed for most applications) and the Shelby block has a big bore option (e.g., 527ci).

[car4jim]

Cobra Boy. I recently bought a Pond 482 from Keith Craft. I had a lot of the same questions you are asking when I started looking for an engine for my Kirkham. I was worried about too much HP, other considerations as I want an original looking installation. At the end of the day, I bought Keith's standard Pond 482 crate engine. It dyno'ed at 605 HP as much torque. I haven't put that many miles on my car yet, but the horse power is wild, but not as significant as I thought it would be!. You get used to anything, so might as well get used to 600 HP, but I can not imagine having more. I have a medium rise intake...I don't recommend high rise as I have hood clearance issues as it is. Keith's crate engine gives you as good price since he make a lot every month (supply is high). You customize more and the price will likely go up. Go for the crate Pond Alum, you will not be disappointed!

[CobraBoy]

Thanks, guys! It is good to get advice from people that have "been there and done that."

Paul

[legenmetals]

Just picked up an aluminum block from Robert Pond last week for my SOHC build,also purchaced a Scat billet crank and matching rods as the rod journals are BBC dimensions. Pond blocks are true side oilers where Shelby uses their own design. Both blocks are designed with deep threads for head studs. Pond blocks have original Ford casting dates cast into blocks. My block has the rear oil drain holes drilled for the cammer application as well as none drilled lifter valley (no lifters). My engine builder (Art Chrisman) said the parts looked "*****in". I think both blocks are good but went with the Pond because of originality looks.

[Dwight]

You can not go wrong with a Keith Craft motor


A couple of years ago Mike Lane bought a 428 stroked to 461 for his Hurricane Cobra. Last year he build a Coupe and bought a KC 408 motor. Mike loves the motors and the service he gets from Keith.
Last May, Mike Lainhart had me to pull his 427 s.o. so he could have Keith rebuilt it. It came back a 487 with something like 618 hp 638 tq. Because I was working 7 - 10's for the last four months I was a little slow installing the motor into Lainhart's Cobra. But today I took it for a test drive. Alsome, great power, smooth, idles at 850-900, cruise in 5th gear at 1800 with no trailer hitch jerk, at one point I was in 5th at 1300 rpms with a "little" jerking, cranks easy, no leaks, just fantastic.
I going for another test run tomorrow. I've got to put a "LOT" of miles on it before Lainhart picks it up. I'm a small block guy but this motor has impressed me.
Just call Keith and tell him what you want your motor to do and he will build you a great motor.


Way to go Keith, great engine

See ya'll on the road.

Dwight

[CobraBoy]

I like small blocks a lot too. Some of the stroker motors that are around are kicking out serious horsepower too.

But since I want a 427 replica, it has to be an FE. THAT is my dream. So that is what I aspire to. And I have to say, even before this thread, I was a fan of KCR engines - particularly the Pond aluminium block.

Paul

[undy]

Originally Posted by CobraBoy

I like small blocks a lot too. Some of the stroker motors that are around are kicking out serious horsepower too.

But since I want a 427 replica, it has to be an FE. THAT is my dream. So that is what I aspire to. And I have to say, even before this thread, I was a fan of KCR engines - particularly the Pond aluminium block.

Paul

I've built many a small block but the Robert Pond FE S/O block's attention to detail held me in total awe, not to mention Keith's detailed workmanship. What really caught my eye was the thick walled bronze lined lifter bores that were honed showing a "text book" cross hatching on the bores. It seemed like a shame to button it up hiding the detail and workmanship from others to see. With the casting numbers and the block painted it would be hard to tell the difference from an original "Shelby Cobra" 65 block..