in for that 331/347 debate.

Ive built more than my share of SBFs by now, and i do generally suggest the 331s. The 347 rod angle isnt the best, but it will work, For how long is a matter of personal opinion. I know plenty of people who swear by them, but i wouldnt run a 347 in something i was going to drive regularly. For a track car/fun toy, its fine. Just dont expect any great amount of longevity from it. Just my 2c.

Yeah, Ron drives his Cobra a lot, so the 331 is definitely the better choice for him. Can someone please explain to me how rod angle works? I can visualize it to an extent, but I'm not exactly clear on what a bad rod angle means exactly?

Excellent - thank you :hail:

anytime

No Brutal, it wouldn't be "cool" . . . it'd be pretty awesome if a regular Joe, or Ron in this case, pieced together an overall reliable daily driver that could even *think* to run with something like a ZR1. The keys here are, reliable daily driver, vaguely plausible gas milage, something like handling . . . something somehow comparable. It ain't all that mystical to make massive power and go fast . . . especially from a roll. Creating a "package" is where the art and magic is at.

I think we can agree though, what GM has done with the ZR1 at just over $100k for a production car is astounding. I hope it ain't their swan song. :(

Don't be a pussy:pot_stir:! put some forged internals and spray that bitch with the blower! I'm going to be in Fontana on friday saturday and Sunday if you need some more motivation:bigthumbsup:!

One of guys, here at work, has a 347 that he uses as a daily driver. He's been here 3 years and drives it every day. I haven't built a 347 myself, but don't see a problem with the rod angle/ratio as long as you keep the piston speed within limits. But, thats just me.:drink:

Ben:
It STILL would be cool to out run a ZR1 with a vehicle that is less that $40,000 or so.

If I remember correctly the Ford GT was about $135K (plus the the mark-up I know) and it in itself was a pretty awesome car. I would not put it in the overall performance league as the ZR1 but in styling I think it wins hands down, but then again I am a Ford guy. I think the "big 3" can make some VERY impressive performance cars but many still only see what comes from across the pond as worth the cost.

Sorry about the highjacking!

I finally got to read your link. Just as I said before, The 1.58 ratio is not that much of a problem. The 331 has 1.66 and the 347 is 1.58. That is not that much in difference.
Case in point; In 1988 I built my first 400 with a 5.7 rod --rod ratio around 1.56. In 2006 I pulled it down and the piston skirts were PERFECT. No sign at all of undue loads. I drove that engine hard ( to 7200 rpm ) and it was a daily driver.


I think and know the rod ratio of 1.58 will be no problem. :drink: