Vote 428 or aluminum 427FE??

[RestoCreations]

Before you vote, please read.

-I already have a 428 standard bore motor and a brand new 462 all forged stroker kit. However, the pistons will need to be replaced because Blank sent me +29cc custom pistons. I want around a 10:1 compression ratio and these pistons will provide around 9:1 without decking a lot of material off the block deck.
-I have an offer for 800.00 on the 428fe block.

So, i could technically sell the 428 and purchase a machined shelby aluminum 427 block and be out an extra 5600-Plus the cost of new pistons of course, but that is kind of wash since i will need to replace them for the 428 as well if i use it.

So, is it worth the extra 5600 for the 427FE aluminum block in the long run? The 427 will be a 482 with the stroker kit. Do you think that i will get that extra 5-6gs out of the car if i sell it in the future, or would i be better off with building the 428 as a 462 stroker?

[kgs365]

stick with the 428FE...save your money...if its built correctly, and looks period correct...i dont think its worth spending the extra $4 to 5K...other people will happy spend your money...performance wise it will be the same...if you have the cash go ahead...

[Stentor]

It's not an insignificant investment, but the aluminum 427 FE is my vote.

You're completing the Ironman Kirkham Cobra--not sure you want to skimp on the engine.

Additionally, I believe most of the Kirkham 427 cars have aluminum FE or vintage 427 FE SO engines installed (so the 428-based engine could detract from your car if you ever go to sell it).

[ng8264723]

You are beeter off to call BARRY and get a iron Genesis block. You will only have to pay $3,000 after you sell the 428. You don't need the alum Shelby block. Call Barry and discuss

[FWB]

ditto on the genesis block from barry.......

[dcdoug]

427 over 428, whether iron or aluminum. But personally I'd go with aluminum on a new block.

[RodKnock]

Here's my very humble opinion. And I've said this before on this forum.

You would be settling with the 428. First, an aluminum FE can be made to look period correct. Just paint it, though I wouldn't. Also, the car will feel differently when driving (read BETTER) and faster with 100-125 lbs removed from the front end. The CSX and Pond aluminum blocks are beautiful pieces.

The Kirkham is one of the lightest Cobras on the market. It's aluminum and the engines should be too.

I can't remember if you mentioned this previously or not, but if you're opting to get the optional original-type suspension from Kirkham, then maybe the weight benefit of an aluminum FE would be a little less important.

People spend anywhere from $4,000-$10,000 on Webers to EFI, but for $5,000-$5,500, you can remove 100-125 lbs from your car and get a similar benefit.

[FUNFER2]

It depends, if money doesn't matter, you'll have bragging rights with the Shelby. If not, I'm building a Genseis Iron 527 side oiler so I'm happy with a side oiler being in my Cobra, I'm sure you will too.

I do have a Shelby timming chain cover and water pump I got a great deal on. I guess that's my,......bragging rights.

[1ntCobra]

Originally Posted by FUNFER2

It depends, if money doesn't matter, you'll have bragging rights with the Shelby. If not, I'm building a Genseis Iron 527 side oiler so I'm happy with a side oiler being in my Cobra, I'm sure you will too.

I do have a Shelby timming chain cover and water pump I got a great deal on. I guess that's my,......bragging rights.

What would "Iron Man" think of putting an "Aluminum" motor in his car? I suspect that even though there is something sentimental about the "Iron" block, I think Tony Stark likes his toys and would have the bucks to go for the lighter "Aluminum" one.

[xlr8or]

Go with the 427 Genesis or aluminum.

[FUNFER2]

It depends, if money is not a problem, have George Anderson & team build you a Shelby engine. I think they build the majority of these engines. He's also a Shelby continuation series dealer.

If not, build a Genesis 427. I'm building 527 iron block from them. I did get a great deal with a Shelby timing cover and water pump, I guess them and the side oiler, are my,.....bragging rights.

[FUNFER2]

Originally Posted by 1ntCobra

What would "Iron Man" think of putting an "Aluminum" motor in his car? I suspect that even though there is something sentimental about the "Iron" block, I think Tony Stark likes his toys and would have the bucks to go for the lighter "Aluminum" one.

lol, I agree.

One thought.

When ever Carroll passes away (truly a sad day)
If you have any brand of cobra, (other than a original) would having a Shelby aluminum engine, sell faster and for more money ?

Shelby continuation series (metal) $$$$$$
Shelby continuation (glass) $$$$
Kirkham-$$
My Lone Star (-) $ (just kidding Brian)

[Jamo]

As Stentor noted, you are building the Ironman Kirkham. Arruminum.

It will run cooler, be able to run at a slightly higher compression on available gas, provides better handling...and you will get your money back if you sell it.

Just do it.

BTW...good on ya for asking these types of questions ahead of time.

[Ronbo]

Another option would be the Pond aluminum block. Keep in mind the Shelby block also requires special studs which add an extra $400~500.

It's not an "original" 60's car, so why anyone would want to fool around with 40+ year old blocks with God knows what wrong with them...

[Excaliber]

Ronbo, that's easy, because an older block has soul. Hog wash an older block is any more risky than a new block. Either new or old, if it aint checked out and finished properly it will bite you. I've seen the pictures of a Shelby block with a rod sticking out the side. New anything offers no gaurantee it will always be perfect, there is risk, no matter how you cut it.

If I couldn't find a decent side oiler block, I'd go Genesis, keep's the cost down and either way is an excellent choice from a ROI point of view. Shelby block? Eh, nice call, but I don't think it will return enough in re-sale to warrant the additional expense. Now if your buying it because YOU want to have one, thats cool.

428 is not an option unless your really strapped for cash, then what the heck, consider a 390!

[Fordzilla]

If you just want (& can afford) aluminum, get an aluminum block. If it were me I would run the block & pistons you already have. Deck the block & on with the build. Have the block drilled for cross bolt mains & you are all set for a monster Iron block stroker.
I think Ironman would say aluminum is for whimps........

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Excaliber

If I couldn't find a decent side oiler block, I'd go Genesis, keep's the cost down and either way is an excellent choice from a ROI point of view. Shelby block? Eh, nice call, but I don't think it will return enough in re-sale to warrant the additional expense. Now if your buying it because YOU want to have one, thats cool.

IF you can find a decent side-oiler block....That's a BIG IF. Let's say you find one. You're talking about $5G's, maybe more. KC has a few lying around the shop, but it will cost you.

Personally, I would rather have modern machining and (aluminum) metals.

In terms of ME being a future buyer, a Cobra with cast iron block would need to be properly discounted for the fact that I would need to tear it out of there to replace it with aluminum.

[RestoCreations]

I think you that voted for aluminum are right. Why build a 427 cobra with a 428, regardless of how many actually came with a 427.

Anyway, if i am going aluminum, im going with a Shelby block. I know it will end up costing another 1500 in the end, but I want the CS on the front of the block. I already have the CS aluminum waterpump and timing cover.

Thanks for talking some sense into me. I hope the offer still stands on the 428fe. I thought it was worth a little bit more than 800 since it is a standard bore block, but times have changed.

[rustyBob]

Waite a second here....why is the 9.5 compression such a bad thing???
9.5 in a 428 sounds like a motor that will live a long time and put out
great HP....enough to propel that Kirkham into....the twilight zone...

[elmariachi]

Maybe its just me, but the Ironman Cobra needs a true-to-life iron block of the 427 variety. Like this one.