sb 427

V8Healey · #1 (**permalink**) 01-03-2005, 10:36 AM

I'm begining to research engine choices for an SPF I plan on ordering within the next few months. Right now, I'm looking at a sb 427 with a Dart block built by Keith Craft Racing. They are quoting me a price of about $13K (assembled, dyno'd, etc...) and are quoting hp in the 575 range and tq of 560.

I have real general questions about what this engine would or would not do to re-sale values if I don't keep the car forever. Drivability, durability, so on. I plan on doing little or no racing, but would like to have the ability to try it once or twice if the right opportunity presents itself (just for fun of course).

Also, I have heard nothing but good things about KC engines. Anybody have any experience with them?

Long time reader, first time poster. Thanks for your input.

Goober · #2 (**permalink**) 01-03-2005, 12:25 PM

If you install either a KC or a Roush, it certainly will help re-sale value. Both are good engine builders and as far as power, their both similar. They both start with a Dart block and work their magic. I think KC may be a little cheaper for the purchase. A friend of mine here in Houston just got the Roush 427 and once he got the bugs worked out of it, it runs great. (Dynoed and tuned in Michagan, didn't like Gulf Coast conditions). KC seems to squeeze a little more HP out of his engines. Another option is maybe an all aluminum 427 from RDI?
Ask Doug Reed (DreamMaster)in New Orleans and get his feedback. Also Jim, the Dallas SPF dealer, just had a 427 built by KC.
Just my 2 cents
Mark

V8Healey · #3 (**permalink**) 01-03-2005, 12:37 PM

Thanks for the reply. That's the kind of useful info I was looking for. I guess I need to renew my research. I did not know there was a SPF dealer in the Dallas area. I had planned on purchasing from Doug Reed in New Orleans, but then again I began looking into Cobras about 2 years ago and am just now getting ready to pull the trigger. Guess I'm a little slow. Have you had a good ownership experience with your SPF?

Any other opinions to my original question(s) would be welcome.

Goober · #4 (**permalink**) 01-03-2005, 12:57 PM

Here's Jims contact number. He normally has a demo or 2 in Dallas. He is also a great guy and works with Doug. You need to make the Austin run in March whether or not you have yours by then. That little trip will answer all your questions.
As far as ownership experience, I only wish the big 3 could be as good! Anything you need is only a phone car away. Besides, nothing ever goes wrong with these cars that you can't fix with some Craftsman tools in you garage. Pull the trigger and do it. It will take another two years to wipe the sh$t eating grin off of your face.

Jim Woodard
jim@texasdrivingexperience.com
Superformace of Texas at Texas Motor Speedway
P.O. Box 238
Justin, Texas 76247
817.430.4343
email me if you want any more info specific to SPF so we don't tie up this website. cobraeddie@sbcglobal.net

Mark

RACER X #99 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-03-2005, 02:48 PM

13 K for a Dart 427 sb seems like a fair price. I built mine with the help of a local engine builder two years ago and it cost $9.5K and is only a 408. Mine is not streetable because of my cam and comp. ratio but it is an ass kicker at the track. 615 HP 580 ft lbs torque. I sure surprises the guys with the Cup cars, ZO6's and Porsche turbos.

Keith Kraft has had a reputation for a long time as a top Ford engine builder so I know you would not go wrong with him. If you buy an engine from Roush you will have the reputation of a top Nascar owner behind your build.

Take your pick.

Cranky

powerpagers · #6 (**permalink**) 01-09-2005, 06:18 PM

I compared Ford to Coast, hard decision, went to the Coast, Happy

Dustin Mustangs · #7 (**permalink**) 01-26-2005, 07:12 AM

You're in the same boat we michigander's were last year at this time. We ended up with a dart based 427w and an SPF, both out of Ross, Ohio. We couldn't be more happy with the car and the engine. Here is our engine builder's info if you're interested in another, possibly closer, option:

Eric at Performance Engineering
2681 Morgan Lane
Ross OH, 45013
513 738 5001
pecobra@aol.com

If you do end up contacting Eric, tell him Paul from Grand Haven sent you. Convieniently, the SPF dealer is right next door, but I don't have their contact info handy. Eric could probobly give you the number. Check my homepage for a ton of info on our build if you're interested.

FlakMan · #8 (**permalink**) 01-30-2005, 07:01 AM

I like the weight of a Dart Aluminum block engine as a base for a good build-up for a Cobra. >500 Hp and >500 Ft-lbs on a pump gas motor that weighs less than a 302 iron block engine. Getting 427 displacement is easy with this block.

Check out one offered aluminum block crate engine at this link from RDI that uses the FRPP aluminum block not the Dart block. They claim 535 Hp and 534 ft-lbs of torque with a 470# engine with 9.7:1 compression. Heck that more torque than my 7.4 ltr Ford deisel PSD engine and that engine weighs >1000#.

RDI Engine No. 6 Aluminum Engine Package

One thing though - bring lots of $$$