Planning out new build.. Will I upset everyone?

[shrive81]

How's it going guys,


Ok so i have been researching and going over what i want to build and been back and forth between the roadster and the coupe. I have finally come to the decision on the roadster. (mainly the wife was the final say hahaha) My next big item i need to figure out is the motor trans package before i place the order as i want to have a game plan of all items before i spend a dime. My big question is that i have built multiple off road cars from the ground up and have donw autopsort wiring for years but all i have worked with are LS based motors. Have many people put LS motors in these cars? I understand it is not period correct as it was a ford production car but the price difference for good power is way cheaper and have alot more experience with the LS systems and zero with the ford systems. I obviously have a budget and if money was not an issue I would just out an aluminator in but feel like 20K plus for a motor and trans might be to much for me. Any suggestions or thoughts are greatly appreciated..

Also in reference to the build I will be going more towards the modern look with LED headlights and new style wheels to have that resto mod look..

Look forward to hearing our opinions.

Thanks
Kevin

[Papa]

Although not common, it's been done. We won't give you too much grief, but expect some good natured ribbing. GoDadGo will definitely be a cheer leader for you! Most here will tell you, "build what you want".

Dave

[egchewy79]

look up godadgo...I think he has an LS set up in his

[Papa]

look up godadgo...I think he has an LS set up in his

GoDadGo has a 383 SBC (Dart) in his. I've seen builds on YouTube that have used LS engines.

[shrive81]

LOL ya i was looking at the blueprint engine package with the 427 with fuel injection but the price tag is just hard to swallow hahaha

[Papa]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mnu1rkdNPug

[shrive81]

Ya that is hard i am super torn, the 427 sounds so nice and has plenty of power but i could build a LS for a 1/4 of the cost hahahahaha

[Blitzboy54]

I have some regrets about not putting an LS in my build. I am certainly happy with my engine choice but after digging into it after I committed It seems there is just more bang for the buck with Chevy power plants. The engines and associated parts just seem less expensive. I bailed on the idea of period correct right away so it wouldn't have mattered to me at least.

Dan Golub at FFR (he does all the Youtube build videos) is a big LS guy. You can email him too

[edwardb]

Yes, you'll get grief but it will (mostly... :o) be good natured. If you're talking new crate motors (important distinction) there isn't a big price difference. This is routinely cited as a reason but I haven't found it to be the case. Been there done both and I track my builds to the penny. That's for a stock crate Coyote and crate LS with similar specs. If you're talking used/salvage, of course the picture is different and prices all over the place on both engines. Nothing against the Aluminator, but it's pretty expensive and other than bragging rights not going to give you any more in one of these than a stock Coyote. The Gen 3 Coyote's are right at 500HP in stock form and unless you're running really sticky tires, you won't be able to use all of it. Of course, depends on your intended use which you don't talk about. I do agree the LS is more compact and an easier fit. But the Coyote fit is sorted out. Control packs are very similar between the two. Again, I've done both.

No one wants to talk about resale value. But it's true. An LS will have a lower return. Again, know this from real world experience plus talking to professional dealers.

Having said all that, by all means, go with the LS if that's what you want. They're excellent.

[GoDadGo]

Here's Some Good Grief From The Dark Side!
......Welcome Aboard Fellow Dark Sider!

Ford Looking LS-3 Engine
https://paceperformance.com/LS3-533-HP-Pace-Performance-Crate-Engine-Carbureted-with-HEI-As-Cast-Valve-Covers-GMP-19370413-CHX.html

SBC Dart Redbone Roadster
https://www.factoryfive.com/whats-new/customer-steve-l-graduates-his-mk4-roadster/

It Is Time To Cheer Because Soon An LS Will Be Here!

[cv2065]

Agree with Paul. You are limiting your resale base of customers and value by going with an LS. But if you are fine with that going in, then have at it!!

[Avalanche325]

LS is a great engine and it has been done before so there is plenty of support here.

As others have stated, it is a resale killer. Imagine a 69 Corvette with a Coyote. Same thing. Most buyers will read the add and immediately click on something else.

The other thing is that you mention budget. With anything, as soon as you venture off the common path, it costs more. You are in for custom headers to start. Just make sure you get the real total before you make a decision.

[DAVID_T]

I think the only wrong answer is to do it someone else's way.

Meanwhile, it's not uncommon for anyone to convince others to do it their way.

[Papa]

BluePrint Engines LS7 427 (with supercharger): https://blueprintengines.com/products/427-ci-proseries-stroker-crate-engine-gm-ls-dressed-longblock-supercharger-psls4272sct

BluePrint Engines Ford 427 (with trans): https://blueprintengines.com/products/copy-of-blueprint-engines-427ci-proseries-stroker-crate-engine-small-block-ford-style-dressed-longblock-with-carburetor-aluminum-heads-roller-cam

Pretty similar price points...

[Hoooper]

I did a 600 HP LS3 with a complete dry sump system and TR-6060 for less than what blue print wants for a 351w based 427 that would be 500 hp, an extra 100+ lbs, and still wet sump which doesnt work for MY build. If you are going for a modern build and are cost conscious the LS route is pretty tough to beat. You could consider building your own 351 into a good mill but its going to take a lot more work and be a lot more involved than just slapping a cam and valvetrain setup in an LS.

Of course, if you are feeling the need to start off with a new motor I think the cost of all the crate packages end up being relatively close

[shrive81]

Wow thanks for all the great replies. I'm new to the forum and it already shows how great of a community their is here. I am very torn as know i can easily have agood LS motor built for 9K and be right around 500hp. But i really do worry about resale in the long run as I know I will eventually want to build another car. I may need to do mpre research into the ford motors and see what I can come up with. With that said what kind of budget would you guys expect to get into a good fuel injected ford motor that has over 400hp and will be used for street use. Also I was leaning towards the tremec magnum T56 since it will be used for street use and longer highway trips. they look like they are going for around 3200 right now

[GoDadGo]

Kevin,

If you go with the T56, with any engine combination, then strongly consider going with the IRS rear because of the length of the transmission.
I don't know where the LS will sit in the chassis, but Factory Five now supports that engine so I'm 100% sure that it will be pretty easy to make it work.
Since I'm running the older SBC with a ZF 6-Speed in front of a 3-Link, I had to move things forward 6" to make the transmission fit and to clear the distributor.

https://youtu.be/_wnHDNgnNqs

If Factory Five places the LS engine as far forward as I moved the Standard SBC, then you may be able to adapt Schoenfeld IMCA Modified Headers.
Part number #161-33LS1 will likely get you where you need to be if you scoot things forward where the engine is in centerline with the side pipes.
They are similar to what I used for my SBC which was part number #161-33.

Good Luck, God's Speed & Watch Your Pinkies!

Steve

[Papa]

Wow thanks for all the great replies. I'm new to the forum and it already shows how great of a community their is here. I am very torn as know i can easily have agood LS motor built for 9K and be right around 500hp. But i really do worry about resale in the long run as I know I will eventually want to build another car. I may need to do mpre research into the ford motors and see what I can come up with. With that said what kind of budget would you guys expect to get into a good fuel injected ford motor that has over 400hp and will be used for street use. Also I was leaning towards the tremec magnum T56 since it will be used for street use and longer highway trips. they look like they are going for around 3200 right now

As you continue to do your research, you'll see a few combos that are pretty popular in the roadster that won't go too crazy on the budget. Keep in mind that you have a car that will be sitting very low to the ground, so bell housings and oil pans are going to need to be modified or configured to keep them above the frame rails. A well-built Ford small block can make tons of power for a reasonable price and there are multiple supporting vendors on the forum that can assist you with a package that suits your needs. I went with a BluePrint Engines 347 and Tremec TKO-600 for my car. It's a proven combination that makes plenty of power and is quite a bit less expensive than the 427. Here is the dyno sheet for my engine:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=141158&d=1611347766

[SteveHsr]

LS3 with Tremec tko600 a great choice in my opinion!

[Blitzboy54]

Wow thanks for all the great replies. I'm new to the forum and it already shows how great of a community their is here. I am very torn as know i can easily have agood LS motor built for 9K and be right around 500hp. But i really do worry about resale in the long run as I know I will eventually want to build another car. I may need to do mpre research into the ford motors and see what I can come up with. With that said what kind of budget would you guys expect to get into a good fuel injected ford motor that has over 400hp and will be used for street use. Also I was leaning towards the tremec magnum T56 since it will be used for street use and longer highway trips. they look like they are going for around 3200 right now


It really boils down to how much of your own work can you do. You can pick up a decent donor 302 ($500) and rebuild it yourself minus the machine work. You can put together a carbed 347 for $4000 That would get you right about 400 hp. I went the 306 route and have about that into it but I put an EFI in it. I also rebuilt a T5 for about $1000.

If you go partially complete motors you can get it done from 6-7k but if you go full crate motor like others have mentioned the price difference is nominal. Like most things your labor is free.

[CraigS]

Ah come on, you need to learn a new skill, building a small block ford. Personally I'd rather do that than go through all the stuff you will need to for a Chev engine. Dealing w/ headers, mounts etc would be too much for me to be bothered with for no gain. 500 from a sbc will drive the same as 500 from a sbf and, like you say, a sbf will help resale.

[jcrumpley]

How's it going guys,


Ok so i have been researching and going over what i want to build and been back and forth between the roadster and the coupe. I have finally come to the decision on the roadster. (mainly the wife was the final say hahaha) My next big item i need to figure out is the motor trans package before i place the order as i want to have a game plan of all items before i spend a dime. My big question is that i have built multiple off road cars from the ground up and have donw autopsort wiring for years but all i have worked with are LS based motors. Have many people put LS motors in these cars? I understand it is not period correct as it was a ford production car but the price difference for good power is way cheaper and have alot more experience with the LS systems and zero with the ford systems. I obviously have a budget and if money was not an issue I would just out an aluminator in but feel like 20K plus for a motor and trans might be to much for me. Any suggestions or thoughts are greatly appreciated..

Also in reference to the build I will be going more towards the modern look with LED headlights and new style wheels to have that resto mod look..

Look forward to hearing our opinions.

Thanks
Kevin

The only slightly difficult thing about building an LS FFR is the exhaust. Everything else can easily be done with parts that are readily available. An LS is a easy fit. I love my LS1 car.

[Straversi]

Peter Brock put an LS in his Daytona Coupe replica/continuation. If it was good enough for him, it would be good enough for me.
-Steve.

[GoDadGo]

Peter Brock put an LS in his Daytona Coupe replica/continuation. If it was good enough for him, it would be good enough for me.
-Steve.

Now We Know Who Darth Vader Really Is; It Is Peter Brock!

............https://youtu.be/0_iUPKyoTMk

Which Truly Proves The Power Of The Dark Side!

[FFinisher]

Its not a Ford. build it however you want. I know of several with LS's.

Build it how it want and don't worry about what others think.

[jcrumpley]

Here is a photo of the LS in my car. The only things used to install this engine that were not off the shelf parts were the exhaust system from the headers back and the bracket I made because I wanted an external slave cylinder for my clutch rather than one built into the throw out bearing. The headers are 5.3 truck headers pointed forward. I wanted under car exhaust on mine, but you could just as easily make j-pipes work to install side pipes using the shorty truck headers.


145087

[Hoooper]

FYI factory five will make you the kit with LS engine mounts and LS headers to the side pipes so really its not any more work if you go that route

[jcrumpley]

FYI factory five will make you the kit with LS engine mounts and LS headers to the side pipes so really its not any more work if you go that route

Sure enough, I just looked on their configuration site and they now list LS headers and engine mounts. Those are relatively new. I'd love to see photos of what they are using if anyone has them.

[NiceGuyEddie]

Well you can always tell the story that it's the car old man Shel' originally wanted. He originally approached Chevy and they said no.

At least that's what I learned here.

Imagine Shelby Corvettes, Shelby Camaros, Shelby Silverado Trucks, Chevy Nova SS 427 Shelby...

[CobraboyDR]

Agree with Paul. You are limiting your resale base of customers and value by going with an LS. But if you are fine with that going in, then have at it!!One wonders if the devaluation upon sale is more than the price difference between a Bow Tie & Ford mill.

That is the real "opportunity cost."

[Papa]

I'd wager that the only tangible price difference on engine selection is 427 or non-427 in the long run. If it sounds good, looks, good, runs like a scalded cat, it will sell!

[glastron351]

Heard this quote on a car show years back " Anyone can make a Chevy go fast but it takes a REAL man to make a Ford go fast " ...(no Offense G0DadGo, your car is great).

As others have said, build it your way, and with what you want. Many different combos out their including a few electric powered cobras....

[GoDadGo]

Heard this quote on a car show years back " Anyone can make a Chevy go fast but it takes a REAL man to make a Ford go fast " ...(no Offense G0DadGo, your car is great).

As others have said, build it your way, and with what you want. Many different combos out there including a few electric-powered cobras....

NOTE:..We all know that I had to add a 6th gear just to keep up with you guys!

[GTBradley]

I can’t believe I’m the only one that gets it...it’s only about the badges - if you can’t put a POWERED BY FORD badge on it...
All seriousness aside, it’s a kit, make it what you want. Personally, I love my Coyote for it’s street manners, range/fuel mileage, dependability and mostly the cost effective package deal I got from Mike Forte. It was very simple to install and make run too.

[Avalanche325]

Of course, build what you want. But ALWAYS educate yourself first on something that costs a significant amount of money. Which is what you are doing....good job.

Here is the resale $$$ order from what I have seen at the auctions.
1. Big block side-oiler 427.
2. Roush Racing 427
3. Any other Ford V8
4. Other V8s - usually Chevy
5 Other types of engines. Likely not to sell.

[Mike DiGiorgio]

there is nothing wrong with an LS engine. and mating an LS to a tko-600 or TKX creates one the best powertrain packages I've seen. The Largest benefits to an LS are not power ( these cars are light, it doesn't take much to move them) it's weight, and where the weight is. Removing weight over the front end has compounding benefits. One of which is that a lighter front end reduces the need for power steering. Using a pushrod engine leaves a lot more space in the engine bay and having a 90 degree block angle with no cams on top means the engines Center of gravity is lower than other options.

[rtbellah]

I had the same concerns...decided to go with what I know. (LS) My kit should arrive in July and the engine (Blueprint LS 427 w/TKX) will be shortly after. I came to the conclusion that 1) These are not "Shelby Cobras" - they are a reproduction so you can toss period correct out the window. 2) Anyone who questions the choice can rest comfortably knowing that the "abomination" will reside in YOUR garage - not theirs! 3) The originals had a 289 or a 427 BB....so if you don't have one of those then you are no more pure than an LS. 4) You simply cannot beat the reliability and performance per dollar of the LS platform ....and the aftermarket parts are cheaper and easier to find. I read somewhere that Carrol Shelby actually approached GM first but they declined so as not to compete with their Corvettes - so if that is true you are more purist than most! :p I've heard that resale is a concern but I think resale is a function of the build quality...besides - I'm building mine to enjoy it - not sell it!

Enjoy your build - regardless of what choices you make along the way - I know I'm going to!

Rick

[merim123]

I’m in the same boat, I know LS and have spare motors. If I build I will go LS. And on the resale point, you are not spending 15k on a motor/trans combo either.