trying to decide on engine

[stuartb]

I think that I want to use a small block f.i. because of where I live. Looking at possibly the chevy Ls7 or a tricked out ford 4.6 with a tremec t56 anyone with any thoughts on this


After thought is anybody using the 427 venom from coast high performance. And if so how do you like it

[xlr8or]

Pick your engine based on what you want to do with the car. When you get tired of it build a big block.

[Fred Z]

BTW where do you live? In any case, get the motor that makes you happy now.....but keep in mind....later on....as this will make sense to you down the road!!
Many owners start one way and end up with another wish list of items they would have done had they known!! Some would have gone smaller motors....others bigger........some IRS others 3 link....and so it goes..........one good thing to keep in mind on engines...........see how you drive, and what you like it to do and sound and perform like......then go and find one that does just that. Also, when selling at some point down the track........the value (usually) increases with size and power.........just the way it is!!
good luck..............fred

[ffindling]

Originally Posted by stuartb

I think that I want to use a small block f.i. because of where I live. Looking at possibly the chevy Ls7 or a tricked out ford 4.6 with a tremec t56 anyone with any thoughts on this

The LS7 is a dry sump engine so you'll have to provide for an oil tank and
associated plumbing. It's also pretty expensive, around $13K in the crate.
If you're interested in using a GEN III engine, you might want to check with
the shops that specialize in building them, they might be able to put a package together for you that offers the similar performance as the crate LS7 for less money.
The 4.6 DOHC mod motor is dimensionally BIG, not all replicas can take it
without modifications especially to the footboxes. It's something to consider
when considering a manufacturer. Supercharging is common on these engines
in high performance applications and some of the mod motor specialist firms
offer 4.6 DOHC package motors with superchargers, but they are a bit pricey.
Of course, if you are restricted to a smoggable engine package,
you will need to make sure that whatever you decide on will pass muster
with the authorities.

....Fred

[Blittleton]

StuartB,
I have a couple cars out your way and they are using a Mass flo efi on there engines. One which you may see in Kit Car Magazine coming in Nov. He had one of my engine builders build him a 408 and we installed the Mass Flo. No problems, he live in Placerville, CO. If you need some help let me know.

Bill

[hssss]

Here is a bit of a visual aid.

[Scott M Jackson]

Thanks, I assume a modular is a 385?
Scott

[sllib]

Scott;
Modular refers to the new 4.6 and 5.4 Ford engines; a 385 is a 429/460.
Bill Stradtner

[dsmith]

The only thing I can tell you, and I can tell you this since I bought my cobra as a "used" car, is that 427-428 motors ad a premium to the vehicle. There were plenty of 289, 302, Rousch.... powered cars that were of the same quality build, but were substantially less money. Search the internet for cobras for sale and you will see what I mean.

In my humble opinion, big block FE is the only way to go.

smith

[any4xx]

I agree (somewhat) with dsmith. That's IF you think you'll ever sell it. FE does add a premium. The Shell Valley I just sold had a 289 and quite frankly, It was faster than any of my other cars. I'm currently building a Hurricane with a 428 FE. I don't expect it to be nearly as fast as the 289 car. These cars benefit from top end power more than they do low end torque. Unless, of course, rear-steerig at sub-freeway speeds is your ultmate goal.

One thing to keep in mind is that whatever size engine you decide on, keep it a FORD if you ever hope to sell it. In my humble opinion, there's nothing superior about Ford engines over others, but Cobra buyers demand them. Figure on selling a car with a Chevrolet engine for the same price as one without an engine at all. Just a sad reality.

By your initial question, it doesn't sound like you care so much about being an FE purist. That being the case, I'd go modular. Smooth power, good fuel mileage, dead nuts reliable, and still a Ford should you ever decide to sell it.

[Snakebit]

It all depends what your after. If you want to try to duplicate an original then go for the 427-428 big block. If you love a high reving small block, then you may want to get the 289 slab side or FIA body style.

When I got hooked on Cobra's and saw one at a car show, if it was a 427 body style, I was disappointed when there was a small block under the hood.

I was all set to order a 427 from ERA and drop in a 427 $$$ big block, until they came out with the 289 FIA body style. I liked the idea of a small block in a Cobra for better handling, so I ordered the FIA. I went to the Carlisle PA Kit car show and one of guys from ERA had a 427 and said if he had it to do all over again he would have gotton the FIA," The handling is like night and day". The small block is a lot less to build and the money I saved I spent on a set of Webers.

ERA has just redesigned the 427 suspension to copy the FIA for better handling.

The bottom line is it's YOUR car so do it YOUR way. What ever makes YOU happy when YOU are driving it!

[mj_duell]

Originally Posted by stuartb

I think that I want to use a small block f.i. because of where I live. Looking at possibly the chevy Ls7 or a tricked out ford 4.6 with a tremec t56 anyone with any thoughts on this


After thought is anybody using the 427 venom from coast high performance. And if so how do you like it

Left you a PM. Forgot to say, our EVO 5 chassis is designed to handle the size of the 4.6 DOHC.

--Mike / Turn Ten Racing, Inc.