I just recieved info on the Shelby block the other day. Here is what they say in their brochure about the "SO design" on their Aluminum Blocks:
- Ford's 427 side oiler block won on the NASCAR Super Speedway and at Le Mans. The Shelby FE block not only retains the side oiling concept, but further improves it. Rather than running the
oil galley just above the
oil pan, it's been raised up beside the camshaft. Called "priority main oiling", the
oil flow is directed to the mains first, before flowing to the cam bearings. This helps maximize crank life. The block is designed to accomodate wet or dry sump oil systems.-
Sounds like they've done their homework, and from what I hear from people that have built their engine around this block, they are very happy.
