Smallest small block Ford

[cobra]

I recall some years back there were kit reviews of a certain model where they criticized the small block Ford engine (289) for being undersized for accurate scale. I can't however remember what kit that was. I'm working on a tight fit engine bay and a slightly smaller small block would be a boon. Does anyone remember what kit this was or know which kit has the smallest 289/302 Ford?

[afx]

The 260/289 in the AMT Cobra is pretty narrow.

[Snake45]

The 260/289 in the AMT Cobra is pretty narrow.

I was thinking the same thing.

[cobraman]

That's the one.

[Snake45]

There might be one in the old Revell '34 Ford 3-window (with the too-short wheelbase) that's pretty small, too. I'd have to take another look at it.

[Ace-Garageguy]

There might be one in the old Revell '34 Ford 3-window (with the too-short wheelbase) that's pretty small, too. I'd have to take another look at it.

Correct. You win a rubber duck.

The engine in that kit       and in its cousins like the the Buttera T    is pathetically underscaled.

               

IT IS NOT CORRECT AT ALL. It's WAY UNDER SIZED and looks ridiculous to anyone who is familiar with what a 1/25 smallblock Ford engine should look like.

Try making the engine bay fit a correctly-scaled engine. We do it on real cars all the time.  

Edited July 28, 2016 by Ace-Garageguy

[horsepower]

Try adding a little blue to that engine, I hear it works wonders with attaining the normal wanted size??

[cobra]

 

Try making the engine bay fit a correctly-scaled engine. We do it on real cars all the time.  

Thanks Ace, for the answer to my question. Will check my "T" kits.  Okay, that being said, what is the most accurate 289 kit engine?

And a big "thank you" for all the replies so far. Great information. A big help.

 

[vamach1]

The Historic Racing Miniatures one is the most accurate,  The ones from the Monogram 65-66 Mustangs are pretty good.

[RancheroSteve]

The one in the IMC Lola T70 is pretty tiny, but not so easy to find.

I'd say the most accurate kit one is the AMT '67 Shelby Mustang (1/25 scale).

[afx]

The one in the IMC Lola T70 is pretty tiny, but not so easy to find.

I'd say the most accurate kit one is the AMT '67 Shelby Mustang (1/25 scale).

Didn't you do a detailed SBF Steve?

[RancheroSteve]

Didn't you do a detailed SBF Steve?

Yes I did, JC - thanks for mentioning it: http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/topic/81557-289-hipo/

It's largely based on the AMT SBF from the Mustang. Still not commercially available, though.

[BubbaBrown]

My vote would be 1966 Mustang by AMT

[afx]

Here is a build up of the HRM FIA 289 engine mentioned above.

[afx]

Yes I did, JC - thanks for mentioning it: http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/topic/81557-289-hipo/

It's largely based on the AMT SBF from the Mustang. Still not commercially available, though.

Hope it does become available some day.

Edited July 29, 2016 by afx

[Crazy Ed]

The one in the IMC Lola T70 is pretty tiny, but not so easy to find.

   Oh, I wouldn't say that 

[RancheroSteve]

   Oh, I wouldn't say that 

You've obviously got the market cornered, Ed!

[cobraman]

Ed has them all !!

[Can-Con]

Not all of them ,, Hey, I got mine. 

[Crazy Ed]

Not all of them ,, Hey, I got mine. 

   DARN! One slipped through my Fingers!!

[Junkman]

The ones in the Revell kits are pathetically underscaled, so they might work well when space is an issue.
I can't remember what the one in the Sunbeam Tiger is like, but it might be one to check out as well.

Edited July 30, 2016 by Junkman

[Chuck Most]

There might be one in the old Revell '34 Ford 3-window (with the too-short wheelbase) that's pretty small, too. I'd have to take another look at it.

Oh, the wheelbase isn't the only "off" thing about it.  The engine in it is indeed undersized, but the worst knock against it, appearance-wise, are the valve covers. Swap some better ones on and it can become a nearly-credible looking SBF with a little detail work. 

[MeatMan]

I've got an AMT Cobra 289 unbuilt. I can make some measurements if you need me to. I may even be open to trading it.

Edited July 30, 2016 by MeatMan

[Ace-Garageguy]

Still really kinda amazes me that several "scale model" engines, all models of the same engine and all in the same "scale", can be different sizes.

I guess the definition of "scale" as I know it isn't held to be a hard and fast rule for the "professionals" who make these things.

Just in case there's any confusion about this quandary of mine...to make a "scale" model, all you do is measure the real one and divide by the scale you want your model to be.

Therefore, if you know how to use a measuring tape (duh) and can divide and get the same answer every time (better check the batteries in the calculator or smart-phone, 'cause God knows it's impossible to divide with a pencil and paper anymore) EVERY "scale" engine should be just about identical.

But somehow, they're not.  

Measuring and dividing must be a LOT harder than they seem.

Must be Chinese time zones new math production constraints artistic interpretation language barriers etc. 

Edited July 31, 2016 by Ace-Garageguy

[Jantrix]

Lets not forget the small block from the Revell 32's. I find it too small for a hot rod but it might be perfect for a Cobra.