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Originally posted by geeza
Hey Moonduck, I was gonna PM you, but I figured this way the rest of the board might get to benefit from the insights. I have copied your questions in below, and answered in CAPS because I can't figure out all this formatting and quoting stuff
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No sweat, Geeza =)
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1) Is this for a big block build or a small block build?
I HAVE NEVER UNDERSTOOD THE DISTINCTION, AND CAN ONLY GUESS THIS IS A MATTER OF DISPLACEMENT. PRESUMABLY THIS IS WHAT, 289 VS 427? IF SO, WE'RE TALKING 427 HERE.
THAT'S BECAUSE I AM GOING FOR A 427 BODY STYLE. NEXT TIME AROUND I WILL DO A 289 COBRA.
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The distinction is, generally, the size difference between the engine blocks themselves. Big block engines are quite literally bigger engines externally. As a result, they can handle higher displacements internally with a greater degree of strength and reliability.
You can build a torque monster with a small block, but for best power, big block is the way to go. The limiter is cash and space in the engine compartment. If you are building a 427 bodied Cobra, size is not really an issue. Money, on the other hand...
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2) How much money are you planning on spending on the engine?
$3000 BUT OBVIOUSLY LESS IF I CAN GET AWAY WITH IT
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Gonna be tough to do a good big block on that kind of scratch. Look around and see what you can afford, remembering that you will have to rebuild whatever you buy and that big block engines are more expensive to rebuild. You could easily build a solid small block with that kind of money, though nothing crazy.
Basically, if you luck out and find a cheap donor engine out of a junker, you are much better off. A crate engine will really set you back, probably more than you want to spend total. Start checking the paper and the net for engines.
Good Ford big blocks would be: 427 (look for 4-bolt mains), 428, 429, and (as a last resort as they weren't that hot) 460. You can go for a 390 big block if you find it, but you would honestly be better served to go for a small block instead of a 390.
Good Chevy big blocks: 389, 427, 454 (Chevy guys, got any others you can suggest?)
Good Ford Small blocks: 289 (I said Hi-Po and will get mor einto that later), 302, 351W, 351C (it has been debated that the 351C is a big block, I disagree, it is however a strong engine no matter how you look at it).
Good Chevy Small blocks: Just about any of them. 283, 327, 350, 383, 402, it doesn't matter really. They're all good properly set up.
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3) How much maintainence are you planning on doing yourself?
I LIKE WORKING ON VEHICLES, AND THIS WHOLE PROJECT IS ABOUT THE SATISFACTION I WILL GET FROM BUILDING AND MAINTAINING SOMETHING MYSELF. OTHERWISE I COULD JUST GO AND BUY A READY BUILT COBRA REPLICA FROM SOUTH AFRICA FOR THE SAME OR LESS MONEY. THERE'S GOING TO BE A LOT OF SATISFACTION IN KNOWING THAT I BUILT THE WHOLE THING WITH MY OWN HANDS.
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Right on! You have the right asttitude, bro. The big reason I am asking is due to things like pushrod engines vs hydraulic lifters, FI vs carbs, etc. If you are willing to get your hands dirty, you will save SO much money.
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4) Computer controled ignition on a modern engine, or are you going for an older style mill?
OLDER STYLE MILL. THEY'RE MORE RAUCOUS, UNRULY, AND IN-KEEPING. AND I HATE ALL THAT DIAGNOSIS BS THAT'S NECESARY WHEN THE EFI/EMS STARTS PLAYING UP.
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Good on ya. This makes choice of base blocks far, far easier. While the computer controlled stuff has gotten a lot hotte rin recent years, it is right expensive.
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Me? I'd look for a 289 Hi-Po for a small-block app, or an older 427 side-oiler for a big block.
BY "289 HI PO" DO YOU MEAN A SMALL DISPLACEMENT ENGINE WITH AN EXTRAORDINARILY HIGH OUT PUT?
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"Hi-Po"was just a Ford designation. It's basically a 289 with 4V heads running a big carb. It is a very high output, high winding engine, beautifully suited to road-racing.
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IS IT RELIABLE? DOES IT NEED TO REV ITS TITS OFF? WHO MAKES THEM? WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND?
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Ford 289's were bulletproof when built even halfway right. They were revvers, but not obscenely so.
Were I the guy with the bucks, my list of engines would go like this:
1) 63 1/2 Ford 427 Side Oiler (an absolutel brute of an engine, banned from NASCAR Competition)
2) Ford 289 (It was good enough for Carrol Shelby for many years in both Cobras and the amazing GT350 Mustangs)
3) Ford 351C (It was good enough for the DeTomasi Pantera, so it's good enough for me)
4) Random Chevy big block from the list above
5) Random Chevy small block from the list above
For pure value, you can't beat a Chevy 350 or a Ford 302. They are the single most commonly available V-8's produced by their respective manufacturer and can be had for a song. About a year ago I found a perfectly good 302 block that had been machined for $50, and that is not all that uncommon if you look. In the long run, a low-buck base engine with a lot of solid mods and machinging may be worth far more to you than a bigger engine that you can't really afford to machine or mod. Check you options and costs before deciding.
And keep us posted! =)