This topic cannot be fully discussed here. I suggest you watch these excellent videos and spend a lot of time reading through the forums.
All of the options can be ordered through BluePrint Engines so there's no question of fitment or compatibility. FFR and BP make it turnkey.
Alternatively, you can source your own engine/trans, whether it be a crate or built motor. Note: this will add complexity to your build.
First, consider these questions:
- How do you plan to use the cars? Weekend cruising? Car shows? Tracking/Racing?
- Fuel Injection vs Carburetors: Carburation is more vintage, but FI is much more reliable and drivable.
- Weight: Roadsters only weight 2,300 lbs. You don't need 600+ HP (but you can). I've read the "sweet spot" is 400-500 HP.
At a very high level, here are the engine options and some comments:
Note: The engine's base HP is listed. Any engine can be modified with a supercharger, turbos, etc. to increase HP.
- 302 Small Block (370 HP)
- Pros: Very affordable. Light, compact, easy fit. Easy to work on. Very drivable.
- Cons: Lower torque. Not as "impressive" as the bigger engines (if that's important to you).
- Best For: Lightweight and budget builds.
- 347 Small Block (415 HP)
- Pros: Reasonably affordable. More torque than a 302 without much extra weight. Very drivable.
- Cons: Not as strong as a 351W platform at very high power.
- Best For: Light car + great midrange torque without high cost.
- 351W Small Block - 427 CI (485 HP)
- Pros: Huge torque. Still drivable. Lighter than a big block but big-block torque. It's a 427!
- Cons: Taller than a 302, but still fits. Lots of power, so be careful!
- Best For: You want “big-block shove” in a small-block package.
- 390 Big Block (350 HP)
- Pros: Inexpensive entry to the FE family. Strong low-end torque.
- Cons: Heavy and not cost-efficient for power. Fitment can be tight.
- Best For: Classic builds with period-correct vibes.
- 427/428 Big Blocks (435 HP)
- Pros: Iconic Cobra-style engine. High-RPM capability + huge torque...it feels like a race motor. Sounds incredible.
- Cons: Extremely expensive. Heavy and hot-running. Harder to find, harder to maintain.
- Best For: High-budget, vintage-iconic builds where the engine is the centerpiece.
- 4.6L/5.0L Coyote (490 HP)
- Pros: Modern power, 420–500+ hp with great reliability. Lightweight block. Rev happy (7,000+ rpm). Very drivable.
- Cons: Not period correct. Very large (fills engine bay). Powerband is high-rev; not as torquey down low as bigger cubes.
- Best For: You want modern refinement, sound, and reliability.
- 7.3L Godzilla (430 HP)
- Pros: The new hotness. BB torque w/ SB size. Very compact for what it is (narrower than a Coyote). Strong block, great value.
- Cons: Still developing aftermarket. Truck-ish feel unless cammed/intaked. Requires modern EFI systems (not as plug-and-play as LS).
- Best For: Big-cube torque, modern reliability, reasonable cost.
- LS3 (530 HP)
- Pros: Cheapest HP. Small/compact. Light for the power level. Huge aftermarket. Reliable even when driven hard.
- Cons: Not a Ford. Sound/character is more modern pushrod than old-school muscle.
- Best For: If you want maximum power per dollar and minimum headaches.
- 427 LS (625 HP)
- Pros: Big displacement. Huge torque, high RPM capability. Lighter than FE BB but more power. Modern, durable, simple.
- Cons: Not a Ford. More expensive than LS3.
- Best For: Big power that's still light and reliable...LS3 but turned up.