[Excaliber]

This was originally offered by Tom Kirkham, a source of information I would have to consider "top shelf"!!!!

Quote:

On identifiying a 427 by looking under the hood.
some give aways.

1. Head casting numbers.
2. Unique to 427 timing pointer
3.Harmonic balancer with integral fan belt pulley and only a mark for TDC (no numbers)
4. Intake manifold (should match heads)
5. Cross bolt main bolts can be seen with a flash light
6. Dual point distributer (No vacum advance canister)
7. Big alternator pulley.
8. S.O. have plugs on side of block.
9. All but 68 engines had mechanical lifters. You can hear mechanical lifters.
10. Adjustable rocker arms (well you need to pull a valve cover) but if you are buying, pull a cover.
11. screw in freeze plugs. All other FE engines had press in freeze plugs.

Ernies "take" on this? VERY difficult to "ID" a 427 S.O. by simply "popping the hood". It's more complex than that. "ID" of a NASCAR engine is an "order of magnitude" more complex.

As Spock would say,,,,,,"Fascinating"!

Ernie