small block vs. big block

[rdorman]

I'll take betty and mary ann.

Roscoe, what do you have on 8 track?

Rick

[Jack21]

OK, I'll weigh in on this one. Here's why.

First. "Size does matter, ask any woman." Well, if you believe that and start asking around, you'll likely get as many opinions on the topic as there are here on this topic. But just for the record, "The guy that knows how to 1) kiss well, 2) use his tongue in the right place downtown, and 3) knows what, and where my G spot is; gets to put his shoes under my bed tonight!" seemed to be the consensus the last time I took an opinion poll.

Big block vs small block is largely GM terminology (particularly with Chevy) being applied to Ford engines where the distinction, today, is not that clear cut. My opinion for a mostly street Cobra is a mid size (350 - 400 ci Windsor based motor, an option which Shelby did NOT have in '65 & '66). Also admit that my opinion, like my a$$hole, is but one of many, and and is equally malodorous.

Which brings us back to the small block vs big block debate. There are a lot more factors here to consider, and second, we here 35 years later have a whole lot more choices available than simply big block (427/428FE) or small block (289HP).

Lastly. Todays builder, or buyer, here, on this forum, can 1) review and evaluate the plethora of options (and opinions) available from owners and builders; not manufacturers, dealerships, or salesmen. And, 2) find out where local Cobra gatherings are to see examples of all the in-service options and discuss all of them with owners (again, not manufacturers, dealerships, or salesmen) of each. The owners cars in question are typically not for sale.

There is no place on earth where a builder or purchaser of a specialty car that is not available off any showroom floor or local car lot, can go to obtain this kind of unbiased (or extremely biased), need-to-know information on which to base a credible purchasing decision on.

[Edley Rondinone]

Wilma vs Betty?......................Betty!
Ginger vs Mary Ann?...............Mary Ann!
Janet vs Chrissy?....................Janet!
Farrah vs Kate vs Jaclyn?........Kate!
Morticia vs Lily?.......................Morticia!
Betty vs Veronica?..................Betty!

[Turk]

This subject has been of limits for sometime now. It makes people crazy and angry at one another for no good reason.

We are trying to keep the forum friendly and accommodating, also free from all controversy.

So please, if you don't have a Big Block, don't bother posting in here

TURK
CLUB COBRA MODERATOR

[PSB]

Originally posted by btsai


Well, being in the advertising business for -- closing in on 20 years now, I might have a thing or two to add to the fire.

FYI, the beta TV stations use is not the same as the home beta format was. Beta home format was 1/2" tape. BetaSP (professional use) is 3/4" wide. We also use 1" wide tape on occaision, although the high end stuff now is DigiBeta. Obviouly Sony has driven the market.

So what you're saying is Big Beta is better than Small Beta!

[NeedAntiVenom]

Todd,

Welcome to the forum! I have a small block 302, 320 HP in an ERA FIA.

I chose a SB for a few reasons, first I liked the FIA body and a SB is appropriate for it. Second, drivability was important - the SB is more forgiving, IMHO, than a big block because it really doesn't begin to build a large amounts of power till around 3000 RPM. The clutch tends to be lighter as well so the combination makes it a very easy driver. Third, experience was a factor in that this is my first Cobra and 400-500+ HP was just too much for me.

Good luck with your Cobra.

[Roscoe]

Geez....an actual on topic response.

Roscoe

[DonC]

Todd:
Welcome to CC. See what you started. Don't dispair, there really is some good information in here but no one ever said finding it would be easy.
Jim: Try not to spoil a perfectly good intellectual discussion with a well though out and on topic response.
DonC

[Chaplin]

Don't listen to Anti V's "pc" response that he got a small block because it is more forgiving, it's his first cobra, blah, blah, blah ... He went with a small block because he bought a 289 FIA.
Jim- Stop trying to start controversy

[NeedAntiVenom]

Don't pick on the French.
Don't pick on Peter.
Don't pick big blocks.

Pick, Pick Pick, you know, if I wanted more wives I'd get ones much nicer looking than you ugly sods AND she'd have a small block.

Chapin - How soon till she's on the road?

Jim (Titled, plated, inspected and a 150 miles down the road )

[Chaplin]

My safety inspection is next week. If all goes according to plan and it passes with no problems, I am told that it will take another 2 to 3 weeks for the state to issue me the title. Once I get the title, then I can go down to my local DMV office and get my plates. Not bad, sent the paper work in around the 4th of July and I should be on the road by Halloween And they wonder why people use title services . . .

[NeedAntiVenom]

Chaplin,

Hang in there - this part of the wait really seems the longest.

Hope you're on the road real soon.

Jim