Looks like we got two opposing opinions. Nothing wrong with that, as long as opinion isn't confused for fact.

Using words like "biased bs" isn't all that convincing, and certainly doesn't sway my view.

Fact is, DOHC Marauder, you know as well as I do, that the SBC has been used and continues to be used, in the vast majority of rods and kit cars.

Your talking to a guy who has been an enthusiast for 40+ years. I've also had both small block Fords and small block Chevies, and I think both engines are tremendous bases for high performance engines.

IMO, the Ford small block has made good gains in popularity, in the rodding community, since the Mustang 302, started getting some good power, in the mid 80's. The speed industry has followed suit, since that time and Ford SBs have been edging up in popularity, no doubt.

But the fact remains, is the sbc chevy, has been the # 1 staple for years. Next time your at a venue, that features all makes, of customs, rods, restos, take a stroll and do a count.

You know what you'll find.

Les

 

This is not a pissing contest between Chevy and Ford enthusiasts. The original question was what would be a good mill for a Cobra Replica, Right? That being said, a FORD engine would be the best, no matter what kind of HP #'s brand X will make. I, for one, would be a little embarrassed to pull into any venue with a Chevy powered Cobra, especially since Chevy is about to be relegated to the likes of Yugo!!!!!
I hope the author of this thread was asking the question hoping to get some Blue Oval backing. If not, then just put a Bugatti V-12 in it an be done with this whole debate!!!

 

You'll get no argument from me when talking about rods or most kit cars and the SBC popularity(even though I've swayed on the actual reasons why over the years).....but I will debate "Cobra" kit cars all day long. "I" honestly haven't seen a SBC in an AC Cobra kit car.

Not saying they don't exist but they certainly are not in the "majority" concerning Cobras.

Useless personal experience time, but I live aprox. 15 miles from the Shelby manufacturing plant.......their front lobby has a vast array of roadsters, Mustangs etc.....including the first AC. Have to take a cold shower after a visit or the wife gets abused!!!

 

Do you mean the 1000 HP W-16..............if so, I could live with that motor in a Cobra kit car....

 

There is more cheap chrome bling for SBC which explains much of their popularity. I will always vote for a Ford mill in any Ford hotrod, or kit car, etc.

 

Depends on how you want the car to perform. I've always been into sports cars because I really like scooting through the twisty roads, four wheel drifts. So for my likes, I would probably build a fire breathing, high revving normally aspirated 302. I'd build a 9,000 rpm lower end and get the big port heads and a gnarly camshaft and work out carb(s) to funnel the air through it fast enough. Getrag six speed and you are gonna have nothing but thrills. Build it with giant disc brakes all around.

Remember it's a roadster with crappy aero and a terrible ride.

The 302 Ford is a hundred pounds lighter than a sbc.

 

That used to be one of the reasons I used.........and I think we may have discussed this years ago.........but when people are spending 40k-100K for freakin' custom street rods, I can't imagine a customer or builder worrying about spending a few hundred more for chrome.

Am also perplexed at what I deem to be an industry that prides itself on one off uniquenss(sp?) yet is content to use the belly button SBC.

 

I've seen a great number of Cobra kits, and the vast majority of Chevy engines have been big blocks.

 

Thanks for all the responses. My thread in the 385 forum didn't do nearly so well....

I have heard of folks putting a SBC in these, but I have never cracked the hood of one either so I haven't personally seen one.

I am not totally against putting one in, but I want to have it with a blue oval (unless I can get that Bugatti 1001 hp CHEAP!)

The idea of the V10 is interesting, but fitment and aftermarket parts kinda limit that one I think.

I am leaning towards a big cube SB like the stroked windsor. Light weight, long stroke for torque, alum GT-40 style heads, roller cam (E303 style) but built for the blower. Kinda like the lightning setup but better. LOL! I want it to be a well balance V-slayer (Viper and Vette)

A BB ford like a 428 or 429 boss is second on my list, but the weight becomes an issue.

 

I think that would be the best choice also.........but please don't limit your head choice to the GT-40's.

Waaay better heads out there; AFR, TFS, Edelbrock come to mind instantly (there are others)

 

didn't read the whole thread but any of the bottom 6 motors on this page

http://karkraft.com/new_engines.htm

 

I would suggest a 5.0 out of a Ford Explorer say about '96 '97. They are acually cobra moters from '94 i think. Even better, would be to find a wrecked/rolled explorer/mountaineer and take the trans, rear end (it has a mechanical parking brake inside the disc brake hat). Not to mention a miriad of other parts that may be used as in power seats?? Painless wiring or Ron Francis Wiring can rig ya up a wiring harness.
Just my 2 cents worth. Good luck.

 

I suggest a SVO /SVT version of the stroked 351W.

http://www.fordcobraengines.com/power.htm

 

I think you should consider the 300 six. The way them boys talk in the six threads, you would think that motor would pull a top fueler backward with ease.

Since your kit (Factory Five for example) will probably be a longer wheelbase and otherwise different from the original, I think it should come down to what you like and what you can get.

But consider the 300. One feller was talking about how you can build one to turn 7000 rpm...

 

Not that I want to give away my ideas, but I have always had the idea of putting a Lightning engine in a kit Cobra. Fast and will get 20MPG. If I ever get ride of my AMC's, that will be my next project.