Big block Ford/Gearbox

[John k]

I've been talking to Bill at Southern Automotive over the last few days and considering buying a Ford /gearbox combination off them.Would like some advice on a few items though:
1) Anyone using the toploader instead of the Tremec.Bill suggests the Toploader but I would like any opinions please.
2)Does the big block stand much taller than the small block,so will I have bonnet or ground clearence issues.
3)When importing from the US how much tax will I have to pay.

Many Thanks. John

[FatBoy]

John,
I'm just about to order a 427 S/O and close-ratio toploader from SA. I believe the import duty rate is 4.5% and the shipping and packing cost is just over $2,000. However, I'll be getting mine shipped over in the same container as a Cobra. There may be some room in the container, which may save you a little on the shipping.
I wouldn't have thought there would be any height problems, unless your chassis sites the engine higher than standard. In which case, you certainly won't have ground clearance problems
Paul

[John k]

Hi Paul,
Thanks but I won't be ordering for a few months .I've ordered a Tojeiro chassis for the new year but need to sell my current kit to make way for it so it may go on until the spring.What made you choose SA,I see they do have a good reputation on this sight,
Thanks for the offer. John

[mylesdw]

Don't forget the dreaded VAT on everything including freight and duty I think!

[FatBoy]

John,
It was the feedback that I had from forum members that really decided it for me. I've since spoken to Bill and he comes across as very knowledgable and trustworthy.
My budget is pretty tight and all the other engine builders I spoke to wanted to sell me an alloy Shelby block.

Myles,
You're absolutely correct about the dreaded VAT.

Paul

[John k]

Paul,
Like yourself I was impressed with Bill from SA,I know he's selling his product but he did seem very honest and did'nt give me any bull.
I'm going to Donnington saturday so hopefully see some big block Fords there and pick some brains.
Cheers. John

[mikeg]

Hi John,You will find it hard to beat the service and knowledge that you get from Bill at Southern Automotive.They put together probably the best engine packages that you can get for your money and any questions relating to your purchase are answered quickly and promtley.I have one of Bills 408 Cleveland engines and the power and torque are amazing,My best mate has one of Bills big blocks and is also happy with the service that we have had over the years.Also I believe that John at Crendon cars is using Bill as his main supplier now?

[legend]

Hi John,
1) if you go toploader i would go wide ratio & 2.88 diff
2) only problem you might have in a Dax is ground clearence, are you sure we can't talk you into a Crendon !
3) if you import by sea you might be lucky & avoid taxes
My engine/Gearbox arrived a few weeks ago hoping to fire it up around XMAS, good luck Tony.

[John k]

Thanks for the comments guys.I'm speaking to Bill again next week, can't decide on the bigblock or smallblock stroker.Wondering whether its worth the extra cost and weight for similar HP.
Also spoke to Mike Huddart at Donnington today,he seems just the sort of bloke I can deal with,no bull***t.
Lots to think about.
Cheers. John