Motor questions

[Tocoti]

I'm rethinking my motor choice. Is there a good pro / con thread on small block big block? Stroker? A good balance between bore and stroke? I personally like big bore, short stroke for the revs but the 347 stroker seems to be popular.

[2FAST4U]

You can use a 351W Dart block with a 4.125 bore and a standard 3.5 stroke from a 351 and get 374 ci. Big bore/short stroke will rev to 7500 easily. Or stroke it to get 427 ci.

[edwardb]

You may not get too many responses because this subject has been discussed a lot. Small block vs. big block (and add in vs. mod motors) and now add in all the combinations possible, e.g. small block 427's, etc. Go over to the other forum (ffcars.com) and search small block vs. big block and be prepared to read for a while. The How to Build Cobra Kit Cars book by D. Brian Smith also has a good discussion on this topic. Actually I would recommend that book for anyone thinking about building one of these. Lots of good info. In the end, it's a little like debating religion. Everyone has their point of view and convinced they are right, but may not be for another. I personally like a small block because it fits easier, is a bit lighter, and with all the combinations available can be very powerful. I'm doing a 347 in my Mk4 build, and think it's pretty ideal for these. But on the other hand, it doesn't have the sound or image of a big block. No way to duplicate that. Add in all the discussions about bore vs. stroke, rpm, etc. and the discussion just goes on. Don't just think about the engine though. A good running engine, properly tuned with the right transmission, diff gears, tires, suspension setup, etc. all go together to make the entire package. Good luck.

[skullandbones]

I like your style. My first hot rod had a 348 bored to 366 and with 3 deuces and aluminum fly wheels to get those revs a little faster. I was just at a track event and the cobras and coupes were all over the map as far as CID. Some are going big cubes for big horsepower. Others are using 331 and 347s and getting pretty good results. Didn't see any Coyotes or mod motors. Sometimes they will have their car setup very well and you will see them outperform the big hp cars in the curves and the high hp cars would make ground on the straights. It's a very interesting discussion depending on the person you are talking with but it is so diverse most of the time you just have to agree to disagree. I like to see the guys who are actually doing it and backing up their opinions with results or sometimes failures that others can learn from. As mentioned, the gearing can make all the difference in the world. Thanks, WEK.

[Gumball]

347 carb'd here. Light weight, great torque, and sufficient revs to make the car fun without having it be happy only above 3k rpm - which is what I would have had if I built a rev-happy small block.

[Bob Cowan]

This has been discussed a lot. This is my opinion.

Dollar for dollar, the stroker small block will outperform the big block. That's because the big blocks are so much more expensive to build. Start comparing parts like blocks, heads, cranks, pistons, etc. Try and build a 427FE with the same components as a 427W. For the same money, you just can't do it.

But, if you don't really have a budget - just a big pile of money - then you can build a superior big block. You can't beat cubes - there's no replacement for displacement.

I think the biggest reason people still use the FE is emotion. "It's a Cobra, It's gotta have a 427FE." There's nothing logical or technical about it. It's pure emotion. That's what makes them happy. Pretty much the reason we all own these cars - this is what makes us happy.

[Avalanche325]

What are you going to do with the car? If you are going to hang out a shows with your hood open, a big block has the biggest wow factor. If you are going to drive the car a lot, the small block is the way to go. Strokers are a way to get big block power with small block weight and handling. A great combination for these cars.

If you really want revs, stay small and get your wallet out.

[Tocoti]

What are you going to do with the car? If you are going to hang out a shows with your hood open, a big block has the biggest wow factor. If you are going to drive the car a lot, the small block is the way to go. Strokers are a way to get big block power with small block weight and handling. A great combination for these cars.

If you really want revs, stay small and get your wallet out.

I plan just cruising, out to eat, a ride through the State parks. No racing.

[Gordon Levy]

`With todays technology I can build a big small block that will make north of 600hp on pump gas. The performance of these cars is wonderful because of the light weight. My race car had a 347 in it and it was competitive with world challenge Vipers and Vette's at the track. My stage 4 347 will give you 0-60 times of 3.6 seconds. My stage 5 408 is 550hp on pump gas and you can drive it every day. It is big block performance with a lot less weight and can get 16mpg on the highway.
Feel free to give me a call at 520-494-2745 and we can talk at length about your options and how you want to use your car.

[Tocoti]

Thank you all. I have lots to think about and thank you Gordon Levy for the phone number! I'm just learning how to own a business and have some fun building a car. I promise in the future to at least search for an answer before asking.