Who are the most respected and experienced Ford engine builder in the US?
Looking for some engine builders who are the real deal to build me a 427 engine. I have tossed around the idea of buying a Ford Performance crate engine until i further realized that they are mass produced not even at a Ford Racing facility. I think for the money i can get a better built engine if i can work with a trusted and reliable engine builder who really specializes in Ford engines. Most of the engine shops i have come across rebuild everything and i would like to find a shop that really knows Ford inside and out.
By 427 I assume you mean a real 427, an FE big block, not a stroked windsor small block. If this is the case there are a few really good places around.
If you want the best however, there is only one choice and that is Barry Robotnick. He is an FE guru that has won the engine masters challenge build off several times. No one knows FE's better and is better at making big horsepower FE's in my opinion. Be prepared, the best doesn't come cheap.
My first thought would be Jim Dove for "most respected and experienced". I'm not sure they rebuild anymore but you can ask. They do sell engine "packages". Those packages tend to cost more than most of us are willing to pay for an entire Mustang though. Dove Manufacturing
There are several guys that are considered top of the line
Barry at Survival Motorsports
Kieth Craft
Gessford
Brent Lykins
...
Dove has a lot of mixed reviews, not sure if he builds engines
If your serious, hang out on the Network54 FE forum and ask a few questions
PS: Barry never won the EMC, but he carries the flag well every time he enters, a lot of the guys follow his exploits in the EMC and root like heck for him.
guys what are the main performance differences from a SB 427 and the FE? I know the FE were used on GT40 and Cobras of yesteryear
i do know the SB 427 can create some incredible power in a nice reliable package. dont see many guys using FE these days
if i only had more of a budget i would die for a Jon kasse Boss 9
Less weight with the 351W and a smaller engine that will fit easier in the early mustangs. Jim at FORDSTROKERS has a great rep also Brian at ADPERFORMANCE and if your around Wa state Dale Green at DG Machine and Britco Race engines.
Small block strokers seem to be more prevalent than FE's because they are less expensive to build and take up less room in the engine bay. Personally if I have a choice it will always be FE hands down. I think if you do the same things to both a small block and a big block you will always make more power with the FE simply by virtue of the larger displacement.
I've heard good things about many of the premier engine builders but I only have personal experience with one. Barry at Survival rebuilt my 427 TP into a 468 CI monster with good street manners and sear your eyeballs, set your hair on fire performance. I have nothing but praise for his operation.
Besides, what looks cooler in an engine bay than a twin carbureted FE mill?
__________________
Doug
'07 Shelby GT500, black with tungsten stripes
1968 modified fastback, aluminum 427 tunnelport 4 speed toploader
1968 coupe 289
1965 convertible 6 cyl
1966 coupe 289 4 speed
1995 SVT Cobra
1977 Mustang cobra II drag car http://www.cardomain.com/id/d_ford
Videos of my fastback at https://www.youtube.com/user/ohiofirelt?feature=guide
guys on an FE build are these done today with original blocks or companies like Dart and others make new better designed modern blocks for an FE styled build?
My first thought would be Jim Dove for "most respected and experienced".
25 years ago that might have been true, but not anymore. Dealing with Dove and any of their products is a crap shoot at best. Just ask about Dove on the FE engine forum if you don't believe me: 332-428 Ford FE Engine Forum
guys on an FE build are these done today with original blocks or companies like Dart and others make new better designed modern blocks for an FE styled build?
There are several choices for new aftermarket FE blocks which offer a host of improvements and larger displacement. I posted links for them below:
Mark McKeown??!! Has won several Hot Rod shoot outs. Specializes in Clevelands/ windsor small block fords. Hell, he's even help design an all aluminum cleveland block!!
Just an fyi on FS.....
1. They use parts from critical component suppliers that I have never trusted in 30 years.....
example.....
November 15, 2012 Cant keep 408w together!! now the crank broke. - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
“Can’t keep 408w together!! now the crank broke”
(the) “machine shop I had put the short block together, so I put it together myself this time”
“ i've never had to work on one engine so much”
“Its a 408 kit from FordStrokers with Scat h-beam rod and steel crank”
THE CRANK SHAFT BROKE!! not even running it hard, never lost oil pressure. just broke right after the first main and screwed the block up”
personally, I really don't see the concern about FR engines...even if they are "mass produced", production runs are limited, the QA of the parts is excellent, I have never heard anyone have any issues regarding machine work and a backed warranty...........
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Who are the most respected and experienced Ford engine builder in the US?
!! not even running it hard, never lost oil pressure. just broke right after the first main and screwed the block up”
