Project

pthomas · #1 (**permalink**) 05-22-2004, 09:41 AM

Hi,
I'm living in the UK and I am purchasing a Kit Cobra from a company called Crendon. (very authentic!!!).
I have been in touch with Southern Automotive and have discussed buying a 390 FE bored out to 406 coupled to a 4 speed toploader.
I would appreciate any comments on this combination along with any other ideas. I would like to keep as original as my budget will allow which means I cannot buy a 427.

Are Southern Automotive a good company to deal with.
Thanks in advance for your replies, a brilliant Web Site,
Regards,
Peter.

BB427 · #2 (**permalink**) 05-22-2004, 11:17 AM

SA is a great company. Great reputation. Great product.

I built my own .060 over 390 (402ci.) and I am very happy with it. It is more bang for the buck than any FE combination. I run a 390 crank, C7AE-B rods, and a flat top piston. I have an aluminum flywheel,close ratio toploader, and Webers and the throttle response leaves the 427 guys scratching their heads. At the recent Unique Homecoming I pulled away form a 454 FE stroker in three gears. A steel flywheel, steel crank,forged piston 427, has an incredibly heavier rotating assy and will not rev or recover as well. Don't get me wrong, there are some BAD 427's out there that put out ALOT more power than I do, but, all that matters is what it does in the car. Dynos are for bench racing.

Brent

Excaliber · #3 (**permalink**) 05-22-2004, 11:20 AM

I would think with the price of gas over there I would consider a small block.

But my hats off to you for wanting to stay with an FE. You da man!

Bumpster · #4 (**permalink**) 05-22-2004, 06:55 PM

I don't believe that any engine builder has a better reputation than Southern Automotive. They built two engines for me and they will always be my engine builder. An advantage to me is that they are only a short day's ride from here so if I have any problem, they are close enough to help. You might take that into consideration, being in the UK. They have great service after the sale in case you have any problem, but being over there might make that difficult.

Bumpster

pthomas · #5 (**permalink**) 05-23-2004, 12:26 AM

Thanks for your replies. I was confident that I was dealing with good people and you have confirmed that for me.
The price of petrol (gas) is another issue but you know what they say "There's no pockets in a shroud".
I am sure as my build progresses I will post more questions, you guys will have a wealth of knowledge.
Thanks,
Peter.

Excaliber · #6 (**permalink**) 05-23-2004, 10:05 AM

Theres no pockets in a shroud?

,,,,,,,I'll get that English bloke Wilfy to translate that for me.

Ford of France · #7 (**permalink**) 06-03-2004, 09:52 AM

I would buy your Toploader from David Kee as opposed to SA. For close to the same price, Kee's components are brand new and he does not construct them with used parts.