Roush Engine Newbie Help

Duckdog · #1 (**permalink**) 07-03-2012, 05:09 PM

This is my first post. I've been reading the site for over a year and it's been a wealth of knowledge. I finally decided to purchase a Superformance Cobra. I've made my engine choice to be a Roush 427 SR-TW with the TKO 600 transmission. What I'm trying to figure out if anyone out there has switched from the Roush carburetor to a Prosystems carburetor and if there were any benefits/gains to be seen (street-ability, performance etc). If you did use the Prosystems carb, which one did you use?

I've read several threads regarding Superformance headers and sidepipes and their restrictions and them not being the greatest quality. Looks like they've made some improvements, but I'm not sure how much? Should I look into a better/less restrictive header and side pipe? I was looking at Firefly Performance. Any thoughts?

I'd like to get it right from the start...

Mark IV · #2 (**permalink**) 07-03-2012, 05:44 PM

Firefly is very good, Ron will get you what you expect and deliver very good quality.

If you are set on the Roush very good, but if not don't limit your choices to a "big name" as there are numerous good engine builders who can do exactly what you want at a competitive price.

Varmit · #3 (**permalink**) 07-03-2012, 06:17 PM

I have the same engine that you are considering, and recently switched to a Profuel 850 double pumper. Love it, much smoother, more power, and actually went from 14 mpg on the highway to almost 16mpg. Turned out to be a good choice for me.

I will be sending my sidepipes to Sparks, Nv, to have them opened up a bit and release come of the backpressure. The one's I've heard sound outstanding!!!

madmaxx · #4 (**permalink**) 07-03-2012, 08:14 PM

Why in the world would you pay Roush to build and tune your engine and then disassemble. Just throw your money in the trash. If you dont like the way their engine runs dont buy it

GLS-BDR226 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-03-2012, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Varmit

I have the same engine that you are consideering, and recently switched to a porfuel 850 double pumper. Love it, much smoother, more power, and actually went from 14 mpg on the highway to almost 16mpg. Turned out to be a good choice for me.

I will be sending my sidepipes to Sparks, Nv, to have them opened up a bit and release come of the backpressure. The one's I've heard sound outstanding!!!

What is the name of the company in Sparks that modifies side pipes? Thanks.

SPF1061 · #6 (**permalink**) 07-03-2012, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madmaxx

Why in the world would you pay Roush to build and tune your engine and then disassemble. Just throw your money in the trash. If you dont like the way their engine runs dont buy it

Really? You consider a carb swap as disassembling the engine?

209 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-03-2012, 09:54 PM

Full Throttle Performance 995 Greg St. Sparks, Nv 89431 775-852-0800 info@fullthrottlereno.com Stephen

Varmit · #8 (**permalink**) 07-03-2012, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 209

Full Throttle Performance 995 Greg St. Sparks, Nv 89431 775-852-0800 info@fullthrottlereno.com Stephen

These are the guys!!

Jeff Frigo · #9 (**permalink**) 07-04-2012, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madmaxx

Why in the world would you pay Roush to build and tune your engine and then disassemble. Just throw your money in the trash. If you dont like the way their engine runs dont buy it

Bingo. You are paying for big bucks for the name.

jhv48 · #10 (**permalink**) 07-04-2012, 09:33 AM

To answer your question, and not get involved in the engine pissing contest, I have the same motor you are getting and did swap out the carb and sidepipes to a ProSystems 850 and Full Throttle 3" sidepipes (you send him your pipes and he will swap you for a pair that have been modified). The stock pipes are extremely restricting and the Street Avenger carb is fine if you are puting the engine in a Mustang. Our light cars appreciate the mechanical secondary carbs. Don't worry about not having a choke, a few minutes feathering the throttle and you can drive away.

Your car will drive and perform much better with the improved breathing.

Roush #1 · #11 (**permalink**) 07-04-2012, 10:20 AM

I have the same engine (#444) with a T-56 transmission and have tried a Pro Systems carb that was built for my application. It was good for just a bit more than a tenth of a second and a couple of mph in the quarter mile, all of it coming from half track on. Eighth mile times are nearly identical. Best times are listed on my profile sheet.
I find the original vacuum secondary carburetor a little more drivable on the street, but there is a difference on the drag strip. I use the original (green dot) carburetor on a daily basis and get a little better fuel mileage with it.
I also have three inch exhaust with two inch primary tubes. Be careful with the large exhaust as it is easy to oversize this combination. Mine likes a little back pressure and runs best with Car Chemistry muffler inserts.
I have over 25,000 miles on my engine and have had no problems.
Hope this helps.

fordracing65 · #12 (**permalink**) 07-04-2012, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madmaxx

Why in the world would you pay Roush to build and tune your engine and then disassemble. Just throw your money in the trash. If you dont like the way their engine runs dont buy it

Ditto, call Blykins have him build you a real engine, or Craft, or Barry, or kinetics, and save cash with better quality.

Varmit · #13 (**permalink**) 07-04-2012, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roush #1

I have the same engine (#444) with a T-56 transmission and have tried a Pro Systems carb that was built for my application. It was good for just a bit more than a tenth of a second and a couple of mph in the quarter mile, all of it coming from half track on. Eighth mile times are nearly identical. Best times are listed on my profile sheet.
I find the original vacuum secondary carburetor a little more drivable on the street, but there is a difference on the drag strip. I use the original (green dot) carburetor on a daily basis and get a little better fuel mileage with it.
I also have three inch exhaust with two inch primary tubes. Be careful with the large exhaust as it is easy to oversize this combination. Mine likes a little back pressure and runs best with Car Chemistry muffler inserts.
I have over 25,000 miles on my engine and have had no problems.
Hope this helps.

Since I have not had mine on the strip, just wondered as to what kind of et's and mph you are getting in the quarter??

Roush #1 · #14 (**permalink**) 07-04-2012, 11:33 AM

My best time in the quarter mile with the Pro Systems double pumper has been 10.56 @ 129.73 mph.

Click on Roush #1, select view public profile where a breakdown of the time is listed.

We ran 10.90's last year at the Mid America Shelby Meet in Tulsa with the original green dot vacuum secondary carb in 104 degree heat.

Jody

WardL · #15 (**permalink**) 07-04-2012, 12:31 PM

I bought SPF 2608 with the Roush SR-TW #460 & the original owner changed out the carb and intake manifold to a Bigs 750 CFM Stage 5 Holley Double-pumper and an Edelbrock RPM Air Gap manifold. Since he said he tossed the old carb and manifold in the trash I didn't ask too many more questions about it. This carb is designed without a choke. It bucks a little so it needs some tuning. Original owner got 512 HP on his dyno. I assume that is with the new set up. I'm glad I have a Roush engine and think it is more power than I can handle. I can get 15 MPG on the freeway but don't drive it that way much. 13.5 MPG is more common.

GLS-BDR226 · #16 (**permalink**) 07-04-2012, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 209

Full Throttle Performance 995 Greg St. Sparks, Nv 89431 775-852-0800 info@fullthrottlereno.com Stephen

Thanks. Do you know if they just work on Superperformance pipes? I have a Backdraft pipes I would like opened up. I will give them a call later this week.

Duckdog · #17 (**permalink**) 07-04-2012, 05:01 PM

Thanks for the replies

GBowman · #18 (**permalink**) 07-16-2012, 05:23 PM

Roush #1

What tires do you use at the strip? Rear end gear? Those are impressive #'s with that engine, of course you obviously have logged some time at the tree which is huge but I like the #'s. I'm not too familiar with the LSC cars but I don't think my BDR IRS will get it done...plus my motor is on its way to Ford with 2300 miles on it

It goes nice and straight but the 3:46 BMW Irs seems to not quite get it to the road in a1/4 mi application. I havent tried it yet but have spent a lot of time in more traditional cars so maybe it just that I am not used to it yet. I have (had)

plenty of power with the ford alum block set up with close to 600 BHP tremec 600-I had just switched to the Nitto NT01's which stick pretty nice so Im curious to see how the car does. I've seen guys (not sure how well they drive) posting 12+ times, my car feels much faster than that but again I havent ran it yet so when I saw your #'s I was happy.

thanks Gary