Thanks for keeping it civil, this is getting interesting
. Allow me to explore your statement that the 5.0 has more potential bottom line PERIOD. Lets break the respective engines down........
Rods/Pistons: Both have cast rods and hyper pistons, ok for stock applications but not very good for hard core performance. (96-98 = 94-95)
Blocks:
5.0 Cobra has the same cast iron block that has rolled out with every 5.0 GT/LX/F-150, etc etc since the dawn of time. It's common knowledge you are on borrowed time when pushing this block past 500/500. The 96-98 is bestowed with the aluminum alloy Teksid block- the same company that produces blocks for Ferrari. How's that for pedigree? This is arguably one of the best blocks to ever go in a production ford. Quote from Sean Hyland (you know who he is, right?) - We at SHM have successfully used the 96-98 Cobra block as a basis for drag-race engines of up to 1,500 hp. Suffice it to say the 4V block will never be a limitation for the typical street driven car. (96-98 > 94-95)
Crankshafts: The 5.0 Cobra gets a off-the-shelf cast iron crank just like every other 5.0. Usually won't break before the block- but I don't know of any builder who recommends a cast crank when making over 500/500. The 96-98 come stock with a forged crank that can withstand 1000+. (96-98 > 94-95)
Heads/Intake: 5.0 has the cast iron GT-40 heads and Cobra intake that help it produce 240 horses- 25 more than your average Joe Dirt 94-95 GT. Basically a carryover engine from the 93 Cobra, except on the heavier 94-95 it makes the car slower. The 96-98 Come with a modified Mark 8 intake and aluminum 4V heads that help it produce 305 horses. The heads on the 4V car will never be a limiting factor on most street cars, the intake will once you get into the 550+ range (debatable). You don't see many 5.0 Cobra's putting down 500+ with the stock heads (at least I don't).
So I guess I could ask now in exactly what area does the 5.0 Cobra own the mod Cobra in engine potential?
You also mentioned the $$ factor, which in the real world does matter. If you want to go there we can do that, I'm game
. Name a hypothetical budget amount to be spent on each car and lets see if you can make a 5.0 Cobra come out on top. Anybody else wanna chime in?