quote:
Originally posted by runt
I go along with those sentiments Chuck, interestingly a swing in the 'kit car' scene over here shows a renewed demand for the FE motor in 427 replicas, many avoiding the cost of a 427 side oiler by using the visually similar 390 FE with a stroked crank and of course the ally heads saving LBS in weight, as said massive potential in these leviathans!
Paul.[
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For me the real benefit of the 427, aside from performance bene's, are the cross-bolted main caps. My first car was a 1969 Torino GT Convertible with a 390/stick and it's a very capable engine. Probably more forgiving in daily use than it's more high-strung higher-displacement sibling. I know there are probably all sorts of benefits with Bow-Tie power in terms of parts [especially aftermarket] availability. But to me, there is just something inherently wrong with a Chevy [or Mopar] plant in a Cobra, or Mustang, or Shelby. And for me it's just as abhorrent to see a Ford plant in a Camaro or Corvette. Some things are just wrong! LOL!
Of course there are modern conveniences which I would like a Mark II to possess... A modern stereo system with integrated CD/MP3CD player [in-dash single or multi-disk would be fine], with easy fuss-free MP3 player [iPod] connectivity. Satellite Radio would be warmly received [especially on longer trips] and GPS would be a boon for Touring.
Perhaps a more controversial possible addition [again this is for an AC 428 Frua Mark II kit] would be Cruise Control. I know this is something that really flies in the face of the spirit of driver involvement when it come to the driving experience, but people who would protest the loudest have probably not driven across Nebraska on a overcast day. I spent an entire summer driving across Nebraska one afternoon [and if that sentence doesn't make sense to you, you've never been to Nebraska: for if you have driven across Nebraska on Interstate 80, it makes perfect sense].
Aside from those features, I am hard pressed to think of any other additions. Of course, sourcing original seating would likely be problematic, but I see that as an opportunity for owners to pick seating that appeals to themselves. There are probably some really nice Recaro or Schell seats which might be an improvement than the originals. Hmmm... This is an interesting link:
http://www.cerullo.com/sportsSeats/ Nice to see a section for Cobra 289/427 seating. I'd think the GT or SC seats would look good in a Mark II. And the F1 from this site is "
Designed in conjunction with Carroll Shelby for use in the Limited Edition Series 1 Sports Car" interestingly enough.
Any other thoughts from the peanut gallery about what additions/changes they might incorporate in a AC 428 Frua Mark II kit they built [or had built turnkey]? I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts.
-- Chuck
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