Tinkerer

DENNIS -- What is the biggest cube -- most HP engine that you have ever built by yourself???
I am not talking a rebuild here. I mean a complete build from design to run.
I am a so called back yard engine builder and I have built a mild 509 that puts out 600 HP.
I also built a 454 that put out 638HP
And a Ford 302 that put out over 500HP
All engines were natural asperated.

Iggy

Hey guys......

I didn't mean to start an argument.
It almost sounds like a Ford vs Chevy debate. A little too much name calling going on too BTW.

I started this thread to pass on something I thought was cool. The original GT-40 is my all time favorite race car. I was excited when Ford announced it's comeback. When I found the article on the new engine in Hot Rod I thought you all would be interested.
Guess I was wrong. All it did was spark an argument, create hurt feelings, and bash some members opinions. And several members lost credibility in the process. One of which I had the highest regard for. Shame on you.


BTW
I'm a Ford man through and through. Always was and always will be.
Chevy builds a great engine too. I should know, I've built many small and big blocks, most of which were faster than my Ford.

Be cool everyone.

WETTE VETTE

Very cool and very pricey!! Stellar performance, but IMO they should have done it NA.

Iggy

IMO Ford used the superchager to build power the easy way. If it was NA it wouldn't be very steetable or user friendly at 500 hp.

Dennis Moore

Iggy this is not a debate about Fords, Chevy's or Mercruisers. It is about people having the balls to question the quality and engineering of American made products. I am embarrassed as an American that the domestic car company's, and now Mercury Outboards, is losing huge market shares to foreign competition. The reason why? Because of the perception by the public that an American company can't compete in engineering and quality with foreign companies.

Any good American should be concerned. Bull**** from press reports and advertising won't get the job done!

Even if a person doesn't have the knowledge to understand some of this stuff it doesn't do any good to throw up your hands and pledge unwavering faith to the domestic companies! The only way improvements will come about is to get in their face and demand better products. I have this attitude because I only buy American products and I am getting worried about this countries ability to compete. Obviously, the status quo is not working.
Dennis Moore

Gary Anderson

I kind of like mcollinstns idea:
"to base it on a Windsor motor? Or maybe an FE?"
Bring back the 427. Didn't they stuff FE blocks in a few of the original GT40s?
Gary

WETTE VETTE

Not to start a Chevy / Ford thing, but I really like what GM is doing with the Corvette. In the near future you may very well see the 427 badges showing up on production models of these cars and rumored HP is in the low 500's NA at the rear wheels which is 550 plus at the crank. I love it more because I am a genuine fan of the 427" 1966, and 67 vettes and bringing that badge back will be exciting!!! I am sure the same holds true for the Ford fans with this project, and I agree Ford took the easy path to 500 HP, but it is still a great performing car and a cool "blast from the past"!!

Gary Anderson

Hey now that should be good for a few "discussions".
427 Ford FE (Cobra) vs 427 Chevy BB (L88 Vette).
1969 L88 vs Cobra article at the following link.
http://www.corvettearchive.com/
Gary

rmbuilder

Some positive news for GM fans.
The new Gen IV small block will debut at the SEMA show this November. GM will have a question/answer event at the show on the new GEN IV.
The GM Technical Seminars take place Wednesday, NOV 5, 7:30am., in the Las Vegas Convention Center, rooms N221-222; and Wednesday, NOV 5, 8:30am., in rooms N223-224.

GEN IV is 2 valve & 3 valve...
5.3 truck/suv 2 valve...
6.0 LS2 2 valve...
6.4 LS7 3 valve...

GEN IV will be in the 2005 Corvette & light duty trucks/suv.
GEN IV technology is all about MORE power, with better fuel economy...
The new 3 valve GEN IV engines are coming in 2006, & will fit in all cars/trucks that have the 2 valve engines.

It appears Herb Fischel was paying attention on the domestic front. Look for 450-480 from the LS7 N/A in production trim.
Bob

Iggy

Dennis, you're right. The American manufacturers could compete...if they wanted. Corporate America is too bottom line oriented. Major corporations aren't willing to spend large sums on R&D projects that may never make any money. Their engineers are tasked with designing a new product but given a small budget to do it with. That's why so many vehicles share the same basic platform. One design will handle four models for several years and they make a fortune off it.
As for engines, the engineers have to design it for economy, ecology, longevity, productability, profitability. It's the profitabilty part that seems to dictate what we , the consumers, get. Look at how many examples of one basic engine power different vehicles.
European manufacturers are subsidized by the government. Maybe not all, but most I'll bet. Even their rail and power systems are subsidized.
In America we're on our own. There's no incentive.


Gary Anderson....The GT-40 started with the 289 then went up to the 302 then finished with the 427. Powered with the big FE engine it could go over 220 mph.
Ford sold all the casting patterns for the 427. I believe Carol Shelby bought them. There's one company building aluminum veresions of it too.