small block vs. big block

Todd Spence · #1 (**permalink**) 09-12-2003, 02:12 PM

I'm getting ready to purchase a new cobra and haven't decided on the engine. I have heard pros and cons both ways. Any insight as to which way I should go and which powerplant offers the best total package. Thanks, Todd

Buzz · #2 (**permalink**) 09-12-2003, 02:36 PM

Welcome to the club, Todd. You're new in these parts so you obviously have no idea how hot this topic is. Most folks head for the hills when this debate starts up and with good reason, too. Click on the following link to search results and you'll see why

http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/sear...der=descending

Oh yeah...you may even find your answers as well.

Another hot topic (in case you were wondering): "Who makes the best kit?"

Have fun.

Tony Radford · #3 (**permalink**) 09-12-2003, 02:40 PM

Todd, you can get a similar response by pulling the pin on a grenade and dropping it in a crowded elevator. Since most Americans don't get sufficient exercise, it's probably about time to put on the gloves and go a few rounds. I'll start the party

Most members would agree that small blocks are the best way to go, eh guys?

Buzz · #4 (**permalink**) 09-12-2003, 02:43 PM

Todd, I double checked my link and it did'nt turn up the correct results. Try this one:

http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/show...vs+small+block

Or:

BIG BLOCK vs. small block engine

Enjoy!

Sheppard · #5 (**permalink**) 09-12-2003, 03:43 PM

Size matters...ask any woman....big [blocks] just feel better....

cobra427mnsi · #6 (**permalink**) 09-12-2003, 04:09 PM

Todd

Here goes the fireworks!!

It depends on the style of cobra you buy. The slab side 289 style is great for a small block, but if you opt for the 427 SC style only an FE big block will do.

When I first built my car ( a 427 SC style), I put a 351w in it. At the car shows and cruises, the guys in the know would try to educate me and snidley quip " that isn't a 427" referring to the engine. I decided to take the 351 out and replace it with an FE. I sold the 351 to a kid with a Mustang. My wife just didn't understand why I had to take out a perfectly good engine and replace it with a more expensive one. I told her she wouldn't understand that it was a guy thing !! I could tell she wasn't satisfied with that answer but she has never bugged me about it again. I have a very understanding wife. I count myself blessed.

Paul

Mr.Fixit · #7 (**permalink**) 09-12-2003, 04:19 PM

What do you want out of it? 100% originality when at cruises and shows, if so FE is the only way. Do you want to do some racing, a really hot small block is hard to beat. Do you just the fastest car that you and all your friends have ever rode in? Than an FE, SB or 460 based BB could do it.

I would put an FE in, but I would be forced to start with a shelby or kirkham to stay with the all original theme.

If it were an ERA, SPF, ETC, than a stroked small block making 500hp is where I would go.

mrmustang · #8 (**permalink**) 09-12-2003, 04:31 PM

Dsprint2000 · #9 (**permalink**) 09-12-2003, 04:42 PM

We'll need the 'biggie' size popcorn, some dogs and burgers with fries and at least a keg for this one........

David

Mark Roe · #10 (**permalink**) 09-12-2003, 04:55 PM

Todd--

Stay with the body style--a 427 Cobra SHOULD have a BIG BLOCK--period

rdorman · #11 (**permalink**) 09-17-2003, 09:47 AM

...... the the first big block car was the small block body

Read through the thousands of pages on this subject. Still have a question (and assuming your head has not exploded), stop on back for more!

Rick

coyled · #12 (**permalink**) 09-17-2003, 10:20 AM

Todd, don't listen to anyone on this subject. Get what makes you feel good. Everone's opinion reflects what they allready own. That would include me. Scott

Roscoe · #13 (**permalink**) 09-17-2003, 10:21 AM

First a knocking sound......a door opening......Roscoe sticks his head in and says "Oh Boys!, I'll be right outside the door if this gets ugly."...........sound of a door closing and a bolt going home.........

Roscoe

rdorman · #14 (**permalink**) 09-17-2003, 11:03 AM

Was that 'bolt going home' on the door or a rifle?

Rick

Roscoe · #15 (**permalink**) 09-17-2003, 11:17 AM

Rick,
That was on the door. I only use automatic weapons.
Roscoe

zipzip · #16 (**permalink**) 09-17-2003, 11:24 AM

Coyled said everything that needs to be said... Decide for yourself what is important/affordable/realistic to YOU.

Do you want historical "accuracy" - then BB

My reasoning for the SB is that parts are more available (or put another way - more parts options), I can end up facing the other way just as easy with a SB as a BB, and my intended use doesn't justify the BB.

There's a lot to be said about excess though... Isn't that what these cars were originally? How many times has it been stated about "shoehorning" a 427 into a chassis designed for, what, a 1200 cc engine max?

Good ol' American "engine-uity"...

Venom S · #17 (**permalink**) 09-17-2003, 11:38 AM

I agonized over which engine to put in my replica. In the end, I went with a stroked 460 that now makes 503 cubic inches. The sound of a BB is much deeper than a SB. But the SB's are much better for auro-x.

Decide for youself. A nice 428 looks the same to most people as a 427. And a 428 is a lot cheaper the a 427 sideoiler.

Good luck

Venom_S

PSB · #18 (**permalink**) 09-17-2003, 11:51 AM

Might I suggest the use of the following, as this subject has been beat to death on a weekly basis on this forum

albright42 · #19 (**permalink**) 09-17-2003, 12:04 PM

Why would a BB have a "deeper" sound than a SB? In this age of wonderous stroker kits a SB could easily have more cubes than many a BB. Maybe its the pipe dia coming off the heads. Maybe its because the BB is slower revving?

Bruce

Roscoe · #20 (**permalink**) 09-17-2003, 12:14 PM

Beating a dead horse is an action that has no purpose, because no matter how hard or how long you beat a dead horse, it is not going to get up and run.