Spicy Engine Options - Which one would you choose?

[cv2065]

My kit will be ready at the end of September, and I'm throwing around a few options for engine selection, and wanted to ask you all your thoughts, pros and cons, etc. In my last build, I had a BP 427 and loved it. This time around, I want to go with something a little 'different', so here are the options:

1. 427 w/Borla Stacked Injection - Not necessarily completely out of the norm, but unusual and very cool. I'd color match the throttle bodies to the car as well as the valve covers, coming in around the 550-600HP mark. Unfortunately, BP won't add in stacked injection.

2. 7.3 Godzilla w/Stage 1 Cam Swap - Lots of options from Holley and Indy Products, among others, to convert this into a Cobra beast. Mike Forte and Georgie from Gas n Pipes are also looking into mounts and headers to accommodate the FFR bodies. Backdraft and Superformance are already going down this road. Very cool and unique indeed! The stump pulling torque doesn't hurt either. HP around 625.

3. 5.2L Predator - FFR had a Predator engine put into their Challenge car. 760HP and 625 TQ is completely insane, and many say this is too much and too 'dangerous', but wow, what an engine. Shelby Cobra on top doesn't hurt. I'm not sure what additional accommodations, if any, would need to be made in the car since it's a Coyote based engine. It looks like it fits from a height perspective.

These aren't cheap options and that has to be a factor as well. Thoughts?

[Mike.Bray]

I love stack EFI, been running them since the 90's. Stacks have the looks (and throttle response) and EFI gives you drivability.

https://www.imagecoast.com/images/MichaelBray1/20221027174359medium.jpg

[MB750]

I feel like the Godzilla would be the more "streetable" option.

[GoDadGo]

I think the Godzilla would be very cool; however, being from the Dark Side this would be my choice:

https://media.chevrolet.com/media/us/en/chevrolet/home.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2021/oct/1020-crate.html

Given that this is not my build I think your coolest choice would be: Godzilla All The Way!

[BRRT]

You missed one - a LS3 or LSX 427
600HP+ very reliable, streetable, and fits in a Roadster much better than a Coyote.
Click the LS checkbox on the FFR order form and get mounts and headers along with your kit.

[Al_C]

My 2 cents: No contest - go with the predator.

[Papa]

Aluminator? Godzilla is likely going to be a challenge to get it to fit.

[Mike.Bray]

"That's too much power!" said no man ever. But seriously, if this is going to be a street driven car what is 700-800 HP going to be like in a 2200 lb car on street tires? More importantly, the massive amount of torque those monster engines make means you're going to be starting out in 3rd gear most of the time to control wheel spin. I've driven really big HP cars and there's a point where it takes the fun out of it on the street as you're having to drive with an egg between your foot and the accelerator pedal.

Shelby built two Super Snakes with twin Paxton supercharged 427's making about 800 HP. He sold one to Bill Cosby (CSX 3303) who promptly brought it back as it scared the crap out of him. The second owner destroyed himself and the car by losing control and going over a cliff and into the Pacific ocean.

Not trying to be Debbie Downer but these cars are meant to be fun to drive and if you're not on the track I think 800 HP is going to take most of the fun out of it. Something to consider.

[Its Bruce]

Of those options, I'd go Godzilla. Big cubes + EFI = good driveability + the sound!


You missed one - a LS3 or LSX 427
600HP+ very reliable, streetable, and fits in a Roadster much better than a Coyote.
Click the LS checkbox on the FFR order form and get mounts and headers along with your kit.

This guy gets it.

[cv2065]

You missed one - a LS3 or LSX 427
600HP+ very reliable, streetable, and fits in a Roadster much better than a Coyote.
Click the LS checkbox on the FFR order form and get mounts and headers along with your kit.

Love the LS3 engines as many use them in the old Camaro club I used to be a part of. Cheap power and well vetted engine. BUT, this is a Ford replica, so want to stay within that family, which is why the Godzilla is interesting as its essentially Ford's new versions of the LS3.

[cv2065]

Aluminator? Godzilla is likely going to be a challenge to get it to fit.

Good thought Dave. Aluminator was on the list, but it's essentially a naturally aspirated version of the Predator, and about the same price. The other difference is the sound. Both the Aluminator and the Predator are modular, but neither has the sound of a pushrod, which I love. I added Predator to the list as even though it doesn't have the pushrod sound, unless you get a ghost tune, it is a Shelby derived engine and has signature ties to the car.

The Godzilla is only about 2" longer and 1 inch wider than a stroked 351W, so virtually the same size, which is quite amazing as it is essentially a big bore in a small block body.

[cv2065]

"That's too much power!" said no man ever. But seriously, if this is going to be a street driven car what is 700-800 HP going to be like in a 2200 lb car on street tires? More importantly, the massive amount of torque those monster engines make means you're going to be starting out in 3rd gear most of the time to control wheel spin. I've driven really big HP cars and there's a point where it takes the fun out of it on the street as you're having to drive with an egg between your foot and the accelerator pedal.

Shelby built two Super Snakes with twin Paxton supercharged 427's making about 800 HP. He sold one to Bill Cosby (CSX 3303) who promptly brought it back as it scared the crap out of him. The second owner destroyed himself and the car by losing control and going over a cliff and into the Pacific ocean.

Not trying to be Debbie Downer but these cars are meant to be fun to drive and if you're not on the track I think 800 HP is going to take most of the fun out of it. Something to consider.

All good points Mike. I was trying to keep it all around 550-600HP to the crank. My previous 427 was a little over 500 and very drivable, so I'm not too concerned in this regard for the 427 stacked and Godzilla options. Godzilla can be stock at about 435HP, cam swapped at 625-675 and boosted to over 1K HP. Very versatile engine to say the least. Regarding the Predator, I was thinking because it's a modular engine, that the engine would be much more manageable at higher HPs and torque than a pushrod on the street, as I've seen a couple Edelbrock supercharged Coyotes on the Cobra forums in the same bandwidth that were streetable. I certainly could be wrong there.

[Mike.Bray]

this is a Ford replica, so want to stay within that family

Technically it isn't, it's a replica of the AC Ace from Briton that Shelby fitted Ford engines into. But only after Chevrolet turned him down. An LS engine is a very smart choice IMO.

[cv2065]

I think the Godzilla would be very cool; however, being from the Dark Side this would be my choice:

https://media.chevrolet.com/media/us/en/chevrolet/home.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2021/oct/1020-crate.html

Given that this is not my build I think your coolest choice would be: Godzilla All The Way!

I knew GDG would bring in the dark side! That Chevy 1K HP is INSANE!! But you are right, the Godzilla 'should' fill that gap.

[Papa]

Good thought Dave. Aluminator was on the list, but it's essentially a naturally aspirated version of the Predator, and about the same price. The other difference is the sound. Both the Aluminator and the Predator are modular, but neither has the sound of a pushrod, which I love. I added Predator to the list as even though it doesn't have the pushrod sound, unless you get a ghost tune, it is a Shelby derived engine and has signature ties to the car.

The Godzilla is only about 2" longer and 1 inch wider than a stroked 351W, so virtually the same size, which is quite amazing as it is essentially a big bore in a small block body.

I think there was a thread on here a couple of months ago and the issues were the rear sump and oil pan height that might be an issue.

Edit: I found the thread: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?38037-Installing-a-Ford-7-3L-Pushrod-Godzilla-Engine-in-FFR-MK4

[toadster]

aren't the 427 frame mounts different from the predator/godzilla? what engine setup did you specify when ordering your kit?

[cv2065]

aren't the 427 frame mounts different from the predator/godzilla? what engine setup did you specify when ordering your kit?

Yes they are. I specified the 351W mounts but have another month to change things up if I need to. Predator should be Coyote mounts as it’s based on that engine. Godzilla would have to be custom from Mr. Forte if he decides to make them. He already has one in his shop.

[cv2065]

I think there was a thread on here a couple of months ago and the issues were the rear sump and oil pan height that might be an issue.

Edit: I found the thread: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?38037-Installing-a-Ford-7-3L-Pushrod-Godzilla-Engine-in-FFR-MK4

Definitely a concern as I’ve seen a couple of pics of the Superformance pan hanging a little below the tube on their car, as they use Indy Products, but Holley just came out with their version so I’ll have to see what that looks like. There are also a couple of other vendors that have made low profile oil pans for the Godzilla recently. I’ll have to get with Mike if I go that direction to see the options.

Edit: Just reviewed Holley's new oil drive system, Part #20-320BK. Their new Godzilla pan is only 6-1/4" deep. That will work perfectly and sit above the 4" tube.

[cv2065]

Poll Update:

427 Borla Stacks - 4
Godzilla - 3
Predator - 4

[Al_C]

I could vote again...

Look, the predator, at least in my mind, is a coyote on steroids. We know it fits. It's tight, but it fits. We know it's solid. And it has a whole bunch more HP than the coyote. My buddy Matt said to me when I went the coyote route - "hey, it's plug and play", and he was right. Maybe not for me, but he was right. So you're looking at maybe a 427 with an aftermarket EFI, an enormous big block (that has a huge vertical footprint) or a proven engine that will blow the doors off anything in sight.

I get the whole "how are you going to keep it on the road" thing. In my mind, that goes for anything greater than a 289 with a 2 bbl carb....

So my vote is still for the predator. I'm from Chicago - we vote early and often!

[cv2065]

I could vote again...

Look, the predator, at least in my mind, is a coyote on steroids. We know it fits. It's tight, but it fits. We know it's solid. And it has a whole bunch more HP than the coyote. My buddy Matt said to me when I went the coyote route - "hey, it's plug and play", and he was right. Maybe not for me, but he was right. So you're looking at maybe a 427 with an aftermarket EFI, an enormous big block (that has a huge vertical footprint) or a proven engine that will blow the doors off anything in sight.

I get the whole "how are you going to keep it on the road" thing. In my mind, that goes for anything greater than a 289 with a 2 bbl carb....

So my vote is still for the predator. I'm from Chicago - we vote early and often!

LOL...Thanks Al. I'm giving it a hard look. You are spot on with everything you said, except for the size of the Godzilla. It is about the same size as a 351W. That said, it's only two years old and to your point, the Predator has been time tested. I think they wrapped up production of the Predator in January, and it will be replaced with the Carnivore, but those crate engines won't be available for some time.

[facultyofmusic]

Simple choice really. ;) When a dude pulls up in a cobra and opens the hood, what gets you more excited? Stacks? STACKS.

[Papa]

Simple choice really. ;) When a dude pulls up in a cobra and opens the hood, what gets you more excited? Stacks? STACKS.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=183813&d=1682904322

[SBC BUILDER]

If your going to go with stack injection why not get a nice 410...

https://www.facebook.com/FordPerformance/videos/tony-stewart-racing-410-dyno/1155910911503440/

[edwardb]

My 99% street driven Coupe has a Gen 3 Coyote approaching 500HP. Now in its fourth driving season and I can honestly say that much HP is not needed or used for reasonable (and safe) street driving. I can say much the same about my previous builds that didn't have quite as much power but were never lacking for street driving. Over the past couple of weeks, I had the opportunity to be a passenger in a roughly 400HP Challenge Roadster on a small autocross track and some less than full speed laps at Mid-Ohio. It was eye opening to me how even at that HP level it was not lacking for power or speed. When I read and hear these discussions about putting huge power in their builds I think of two possibilities. One, it will never be used. Or two, it will be potentially very dangerous. Yeah, I know, the left foot should keep things reasonable. But things happen so fast with these cars. I've come to the conclusion that high HP, if there's any place for it at all for us less than professional drivers, belongs in bigger cars (think MOPAR, Mustang, Camaro, etc.) with longer wheelbases, more weight, and electronic assists. Even though I know many purists won't agree with that last part. In the end, my opinion is that anything over 400-500 max in these cars is mostly for car show bragging. Actually using more on the street isn't going to be as much fun, quickly becomes unsafe, and all too easily ends up doing things that are illegal. Am I getting too conservative in my old age? Probably...

As for the poll question, stack injections are cool and look great in this cars. For my builds and driving, I've found the better the engine runs (starts, idles, launches, comfortable at all RPM's, etc.) the more fun I have driving. So I'd vote for this one if that's how it behaves. The Coyote based Predator would be a close second for me since I'm an admitted Coyote fan in these cars. I'm far from an expert on the Godzilla. But my understanding is it isn't just length and width. It's height at both the top and bottom end. I know there are aftermarket options available or at least in the works. But last time I looked (it's been awhile) those options were crazy expensive. Plus it's an iron block and heads and heavy. Not sure I see the point to be honest.

[Kbl7td]

Bottom line is just do what you want. You’ve got people on here that can’t even put the lug bolts in without asking a million questions. You’ve got people that can’t do anything custom without first checking to see if a vendor has done it first. Pick an engine that you know you’ll like and make it work. I really grinds my gears when someone says it won’t fit, dude you can make any engine fit with enough ingenuity and money.

[MB750]

Is the Godzilla a whole new block design? Or is it based on the Coyote? I know it's got pushrods, but they could have made the engine mounting locations the same as another block design just to make it more adaptable.

Wondering because of engine mounting options, or transmission mounting/exhaust options.

[edwardb]

Is the Godzilla a whole new block design? Or is it based on the Coyote? I know it's got pushrods, but they could have made the engine mounting locations the same as another block design just to make it more adaptable.

Wondering because of engine mounting options, or transmission mounting/exhaust options.

Whole new design. It's a much more traditional pushrod engine. Ford designed it as a torquer mostly (as I understand) for trucks. But it's very robust and has potential for high HP. Google it. Lots out there.

[cv2065]

My 99% street driven Coupe has a Gen 3 Coyote approaching 500HP. Now in its fourth driving season and I can honestly say that much HP is not needed or used for reasonable (and safe) street driving. I can say much the same about my previous builds that didn't have quite as much power but were never lacking for street driving. Over the past couple of weeks, I had the opportunity to be a passenger in a roughly 400HP Challenge Roadster on a small autocross track and some less than full speed laps at Mid-Ohio. It was eye opening to me how even at that HP level it was not lacking for power or speed. When I read and hear these discussions about putting huge power in their builds I think of two possibilities. One, it will never be used. Or two, it will be potentially very dangerous. Yeah, I know, the left foot should keep things reasonable. But things happen so fast with these cars. I've come to the conclusion that high HP, if there's any place for it at all for us less than professional drivers, belongs in bigger cars (think MOPAR, Mustang, Camaro, etc.) with longer wheelbases, more weight, and electronic assists. Even though I know many purists won't agree with that last part. In the end, my opinion is that anything over 400-500 max in these cars is mostly for car show bragging. Actually using more on the street isn't going to be as much fun, quickly becomes unsafe, and all too easily ends up doing things that are illegal. Am I getting too conservative in my old age? Probably...

As for the poll question, stack injections are cool and look great in this cars. For my builds and driving, I've found the better the engine runs (starts, idles, launches, comfortable at all RPM's, etc.) the more fun I have driving. So I'd vote for this one if that's how it behaves. The Coyote based Predator would be a close second for me since I'm an admitted Coyote fan in these cars. I'm far from an expert on the Godzilla. But my understanding is it isn't just length and width. It's height at both the top and bottom end. I know there are aftermarket options available or at least in the works. But last time I looked (it's been awhile) those options were crazy expensive. Not sure I see the point to be honest.

Conservative? Old Age? Na...I'm with you Paul. I appreciate the insight. As I'm sure many have experienced, leaving a car show and you've got loads of people lined up on the sides of the road with their cameras, begging you to do a burn out and act a fool. Although it's tempting, I resist as I have a mental reminder of those YouTube reels of high powered cars flying off into the woods or other lanes with mental midgets behind the wheel. Point is that, as you say, it's possible to go from zero to dangerous with just about any engine in these cars. Visuals, sound and somewhat bragging rights are my goals. I love the cruise! That said, I've had the 500HP 427 experience and I'm thinking the Godzilla would be a close second to that, but the Predator was the variable. In a Cobra, does it have mild manners and easy to drive until you want some? And when you do want some, is it a challenge to control? I just watched a few videos from the guys who own Hot Rod Heaven in GA, and they are routinely building 800-1000 HP FFR cars, that are mostly boosted 427 strokers and not modular. Looks like they are having a blast without getting irresponsible.

Regarding the Godzilla, the Indy Products oiling system conversion that BD and SF use is about $6-$7K. Holley just came out with a complete billet conversion kit at $2800 that has everything from pan to pulleys. Great videos around the quality and design on their site. They were able to pull the width of the engine down a few inches, skinny it up a bit with a new timing cover/coolant manifold and also works with many aftermarket pulleys, etc. The deepest part of their 6.5 quart oil pan is only 6-1/4". I think the max on the MKIV is 7-7.5" without going below the cross member? The Indy Products are very proprietary, being the first on the market. Nice to see so much after market support for this new Ford engine.

[GoDadGo]

While I think the Godzilla would be very unique, the 8-Stack 427 will give the car that over the top under hood look that will be 100% unassailable at car meets.

[cv2065]

Is the Godzilla a whole new block design? Or is it based on the Coyote? I know it's got pushrods, but they could have made the engine mounting locations the same as another block design just to make it more adaptable.

Wondering because of engine mounting options, or transmission mounting/exhaust options.

As Paul said, completely new design. I think Ford was tired of the LS3 beating, so they needed to come out with a modern day pushrod that sounded great with lots of power but with modernized internals. It does check all of the boxes for me in many ways. Mike Forte is reviewing the mounting locations to see what needs to be modified. With Backdraft and Superformance already having worked out the Godzilla solution from mounts to headers, you'd think that some of that could be crossed over to the FFR body, I'm being told that it's definitely different and requires a rework on both mounts and headers position.

[cv2065]

While I think the Godzilla would be very unique, the 8-Stack 427 will give the car that over the top under hood look that will be 100% unassailable at car meets.

I agree with that as well GDG. Nothing like stacks as you really don't see a whole lot of them. Modernizing with a little color woold look cool too. Rousch has a nice looking version that I think I would model after.

188017

Not Rousch variety but very cool angle with stacks.

188020

Unless you read the Godzilla valve covers, I think many would think it was an LS3, so stacks has the advantage there. The stock Godzilla cam is also not aggressive at all, and would have to be swapped out if one is looking for that awesome 427 like drum solo. I was pondering a custom 444 Godzilla fender badge and theme as well. That would be awesome too. :cool:

Quick clip of the Godzilla in a Superformance.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ZPA5m3IVhc0

[cv2065]

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=183813&d=1682904322

You did such a great job here Dave. When it comes to being streetable, are your stacks a set and forget experience these days with FI?

[Slow and Slightly Angry]

No one said you can't do stacks on a predator. There are a handful out there who have the stacks on their coyote in these cars.

[cv2065]

No one said you can't do stacks on a predator. There are a handful out there who have the stacks on their coyote in these cars.

Agreed. You can do them on a Godzilla as well. Only issue is that my budget would be screaming for mercy and flopping around on the mat. Man has to know his limitations (Clint Eastwood). :)

[Papa]

You did such a great job here Dave. When it comes to being streetable, are your stacks a set and forget experience these days with FI?

The stacks were balanced/tuned by a local tuner in my area, and he'll do fine tuning at no additional cost. The linkage is mechanical, so there is always the chance that things can move and require additional adjustments. The Inglese setup I have uses Borla throttle bodies, but Jim also makes a setup that looks nearly identical to Webers. He also offers a setup for the Coyote. The engine management is via a Holley Terminator X, which is widely supported. In terms of streetability, my car runs better than it ever did with the FAST or Sniper systems. I'm still fighting a weird cut-off condition, but that was there before the swap to the stacks, so not associated with them in my opinion. The throttle response with the stacks is instantaneous! The best part is the crowd it draws when the hood comes up. If you want to go with stacks, you need to plan for the right cam. According to Jim Inglese, this and the wrong fuel pressure (particularly in non-EFI configurations) are what give stack injection the bad reputation for streetability that many complain about.

[cv2065]

The stacks were balanced/tuned by a local tuner in my area, and he'll do fine tuning at no additional cost. The linkage is mechanical, so there is always the chance that things can move and require additional adjustments. The Inglese setup I have uses Borla throttle bodies, but Jim also makes a setup that looks nearly identical to Webers. He also offers a setup for the Coyote. The engine management is via a Holley Terminator X, which is widely supported. In terms of streetability, my car runs better than it ever did with the FAST or Sniper systems. I'm still fighting a weird cut-off condition, but that was there before the swap to the stacks, so not associated with them in my opinion. The throttle response with the stacks is instantaneous! The best part is the crowd it draws when the hood comes up. If you want to go with stacks, you need to plan for the right cam. According to Jim Inglese, this and the wrong fuel pressure (particularly in non-EFI configurations) are what give stack injection the bad reputation for streetability that many complain about.

Exactly what I needed to know as I didn't think about the cam choice. I'm going with EFI this time around so should eliminate that variable but regarding the cam, did Jim give you cam specs that were preferrable? I take it the BP cam fit the bill pretty good with the throttle response you're getting.

[DIBaledo]

I have a new crate Aluminator A52X that I'm putting in my FFR MK4. It's the exact dimensions as a coyote but with 580 HP, it has more than enough power than any sane or even insane person, can handle. Mike Forte already switched out the oil pan and bell housing and it is mated to a T56 Magnum. I wanted something different in my build and splurged on this motor and some other goodies. They say make it you own. I'm doing just that without any fabrication changes - I'm told everything just bolts right into a standard chassis set up for a coyote. Obviously a tune will be required, but that is required on any coyote as well. Perhaps it won't have the same sound as a pushrod, but it will still be something special.

If you are intent on the Godzilla, you may want to check with Gordon Levy. He completed a build recently with a Godzilla. It wasn't a cobra replica, but i recall there there was quite a bit of fabrication involved.

David......

[danmas]

Exactly what I needed to know as I didn't think about the cam choice. I'm going with EFI this time around so should eliminate that variable but regarding the cam, did Jim give you cam specs that were preferrable? I take it the BP cam fit the bill pretty good with the throttle response you're getting.

I’m following Dave’s lead and going with stacks on a 427. It will cook about 550hp. I’m having the engine built by a guy Jim Inglese has worked with many times and it will be tuned and dyno’d by the same guys. Once it is here I will visit Dave’s guy if needed and have it tuned for this altitude. They helped me pick the right cam shaft.

[cv2065]

I have a new crate Aluminator A52X that I'm putting in my FFR MK4. It's the exact dimensions as a coyote but with 580 HP, it has more than enough power than any sane or even insane person, can handle. Mike Forte already switched out the oil pan and bell housing and it is mated to a T56 Magnum. I wanted something different in my build and splurged on this motor and some other goodies. They say make it you own. I'm doing just that without any fabrication changes - I'm told everything just bolts right into a standard chassis set up for a coyote. Obviously a tune will be required, but that is required on any coyote as well. Perhaps it won't have the same sound as a pushrod, but it will still be something special.

If you are intent on the Godzilla, you may want to check with Gordon Levy. He completed a build recently with a Godzilla. It wasn't a cobra replica, but i recall there there was quite a bit of fabrication involved.

David......

Good luck with your build David. The Aluminator is quite an engine as it's naturally aspirated and will spin to a crazy 7500. Should be fun and won't have to shift much. :) I just watched a video of a fresh build with that engine...very cool. I did reach out to Levy and I know he installed a Godzilla into a Galaxy I believe.

Two different engines obviously, and two different experiences, which makes the choices hard. Do you want a high spinning, high HP engine or a torque monster that does its business below 6K? Or maybe you get both with the Predator. My experience is that torque is what makes the ride but haven't really been able to compare both types of engines head to head.

[cv2065]

I’m following Dave’s lead and going with stacks on a 427. It will cook about 550hp. I’m having the engine built by a guy Jim Inglese has worked with many times and it will be tuned and dyno’d by the same guys. Once it is here I will visit Dave’s guy if needed and have it tuned for this altitude. They helped me pick the right cam shaft.

Looks like the 427 stacked option has almost doubled its lead! I'm glad you mentioned Jim as I reached out to him for a discussion and quote. Haven't heard back so need to follow up. What was the timeline on your 427 build?

[J R Jones]

Background, I have road raced SBF (289/302) in SCCA Nationals and 351C in Trans Am. (the 289/302 were the better experience). I also crewed and drove a GT40 MKIV with a 427 side oiler in vintage races. That was problematic, and provided a lesson below. I now enjoy highly tuned V6 & I4 metric engines; they do not require modulated operation and can be driven flat out.

The Ford Authority describes the Godzilla (marketing name) thusly:
"The Godzilla is a 7.3-liter, naturally aspirated V8 engine from Ford Motor used to power three-quarter ton and one-ton heavy duty trucks like the Ford Super Duty." Nothing sports car about that.
I have a 20,000lb Winnebago RV with a 494 BBC in a Workhorse chassis. It is happiest at 65MPH (2350 in fourth, 3300 in third). RPM beyond that is frenzied and sitting on top of it (above 3300) is uncomfortable.
IMO proportion and balance is everything in a sports car. Big block engines in sports cars is an exercise in disproportion, and a performance compromise.

The 427 GT40 suffered from overkill as well. The car owner set it up with two four barrels at 500hp and all eight venturi were linked to open simultaneously.
Most vintage racers are not race qualified and run at a moderate pace. I had to stage passes very carefully, I could not set-up passes by drafting as the throttle response was explosive. Driving it on the street was similarly difficult and inevitably required clutch slipping when maneuvering in traffic. Running progressive throttle plates makes throttle modulation much easier.
jim

[Alan_C]

So how would you combine the supercharger and the stacks? The predator is basically the 5.2XS Aluminator as is designed to be port fuel injected.

[danmas]

Looks like the 427 stacked option has almost doubled its lead! I'm glad you mentioned Jim as I reached out to him for a discussion and quote. Haven't heard back so need to follow up. What was the timeline on your 427 build?

Something like 4 months, but that was because of supply constraints. Probably different now.

[Papa]

Exactly what I needed to know as I didn't think about the cam choice. I'm going with EFI this time around so should eliminate that variable but regarding the cam, did Jim give you cam specs that were preferrable? I take it the BP cam fit the bill pretty good with the throttle response you're getting.

This page might be helpful to read through...

https://www.jiminglese.com/common-questions

My BPE cam was in the zone, so no worries about needing to change it.

[Mike.Bray]

Do you want a high spinning, high HP engine or a torque monster that does its business below 6K?

What's the saying? HP is how hard you hit the wall, torque is how far you move it.

[cv2065]

So how would you combine the supercharger and the stacks? The predator is basically the 5.2XS Aluminator as is designed to be port fuel injected.

Now that you mention it, I don't think it would be possible. I was thinking Coyote only.

[cv2065]

Although the poll will go on for a bit more, 427 stacked option has walked away with it (14-4-4), and one that I think I'm going to go with. Thanks for all of the dialogue...it's been very helpful. You just can't beat the stacks in the looks department and it seems we're at a point now where streetability and maintenance are at reliable levels once setup properly. I'm also looking forward to that pushrod rumble again. My first Cobra shook at the lights. I loved it!

That said, I've got a few places that I'm looking for engine builders. They are Forte, Levy, Jim Inglese, Prestige and a local builder that can't seem to get DART blocks for some reason. Anyone have any others that they would recommend for a build? I would add BP, but they unfortunately won't add a stacked system to their engines.

One other question on the stacks. Are the throttle bodies able to be removed for painting once the engine has been built, or does it need to happen during the build process?

[KDubU]

I believe Jim now lives in FL as he used to live in CT when I talked to him back in 2017.

[cv2065]

I believe Jim now lives in FL as he used to live in CT when I talked to him back in 2017.

That's true. He's just a little North of me.

[herb427sc]

How about an 8 stack on a Godzilla??

[cv2065]

How about an 8 stack on a Godzilla??

I'd love that but its MUCHO dinero. Blows my budget by about $7K.

[Mike.Bray]

One other question on the stacks. Are the throttle bodies able to be removed for painting once the engine has been built, or does it need to happen during the build process?

The stacks can be removed and painted. It's not a great picture but I've done it.

https://www.imagecoast.com/images/MichaelBray1/motor2.jpg

The better way is to disassemble them and powdercoat.

The best way is to order them already powdercoated. I know Prestige and Inglese will do it for you. BTW, I've known Jim for over 40 years and rest assured he will take very good care of you.

[cv2065]

The stacks can be removed and painted. It's not a great picture but I've done it.

https://www.imagecoast.com/images/MichaelBray1/motor2.jpg

The better way is to disassemble them and powdercoat.

The best way is to order them already powdercoated. I know Prestige and Inglese will do it for you. BTW, I've known Jim for over 40 years and rest assured he will take very good care of you.

Thanks for that Mike. I was just speaking to Jim this afternoon. Great guy. He's relocated to Florida but the engine shop that he uses in still in CT. I've got Daryl calling me back tomorrow from Fitzgerald Auto. Sounds like black anodized is the way to go on the horns from what Jim is saying.

[danmas]

Daryl is building my engine and I have black anodized flutes as well.

[cv2065]

Daryl is building my engine and I have black anodized flutes as well.

That's exactly what I was speaking to Jim about. I left Daryl a message and we'll speak in the morning.

[Bob Folkestad]

Yes they are. I specified the 351W mounts but have another month to change things up if I need to. Predator should be Coyote mounts as it’s based on that engine. Godzilla would have to be custom from Mr. Forte if he decides to make them. He already has one in his shop.

I am putting a Godzilla and T56 in a Daytona Coupe not, if you chop off the factory mounts the ICT Billet swap mounts work with a 1/4 spacer plate. you need to modify the trans tunnel brace for the T56 to fit right too. Not bolt in but doable by some one handy capable.

You will need the Indy Products Oil Conversion and their Cobra Pan, I did an InoV8 8 stack on it too.

[Bob Folkestad]

Xactly what I am doing for a customer now.

[cv2065]

I am putting a Godzilla and T56 in a Daytona Coupe not, if you chop off the factory mounts the ICT Billet swap mounts work with a 1/4 spacer plate. you need to modify the trans tunnel brace for the T56 to fit right too. Not bolt in but doable by some one handy capable.

You will need the Indy Products Oil Conversion and their Cobra Pan, I did an InoV8 8 stack on it too.

Holley makes a conversion kit now for half the price of Indy and its more compatible with aftermarket parts. Just an FYI.

[Hoooper]

I always get a good chuckle when I see the responses that 600+ HP coyote or similar is going to be too much power, and instead they suggest some version of big block or 427 stroker that makes as much or more torque, but at 2500 rpm instead of 5000 rpm, and they say its more streetable like you need a whole bunch of low rpm torque to drive aroud in a 2500 lb car. Then they complain that they cant use 1st or 2nd gear...