Help identifying this 427..rear distributor???

Unique580hp · #1 (**permalink**) 03-29-2011, 04:46 PM

I am thinking about buying this Cobra (it would be my fourth) but all my other ones have been small blocks.

This photo of the engine that the owner sent me has me puzzled. It looks like it has a place for a rear distributor.

Can anyone tell from this photo what engine this is? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Scott

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Excaliber · #2 (**permalink**) 03-29-2011, 05:00 PM

PVC, vent, puke or breather hole, NOT distributor.

blykins · #3 (**permalink**) 03-29-2011, 05:00 PM

That's the flange for a bolt-on PCV breather....

ERA Chas · #4 (**permalink**) 03-29-2011, 05:00 PM

It's a casting on the manifold for the rear breather. (Which it needs) That's an FE. Do a lot of diligence about this motor since you're not familiar with FE's. Don't just think the valve covers are telling the truth.

Excaliber · #5 (**permalink**) 03-29-2011, 05:07 PM

The engine pictured above already has a PCV in the base of the carb to the passenger side valve cover, so no need to use the intake area for a breather.

Here's a pic of another FE that did use the rear breather hole, routed to a "puke tank".

Unique580hp · #6 (**permalink**) 03-29-2011, 05:33 PM

Thanks for the quick help.

What is the best way to identify what engine this is? I have asked for casting numbers, etc. However, I really don't know what I am looking for yet. Is there a link I can go to that will help me? I don't want to make a huge mistake thinking I am buying a 427 side oiler and getting a 428 or 390 or something.

Thanks again for your help. This forum is always so helpful.

Thanks

Scott

Unique580hp · #7 (**permalink**) 03-29-2011, 05:35 PM

That is a beautiful engine in that blue Cobra photo by the way.

elmariachi · #8 (**permalink**) 03-29-2011, 06:15 PM

If not a personal inspection then you need to get the casting numbers as well as pics of the lower portion of both sides of the block and post them here. I'd be scared if that engine was run with that breather hole exposed like that. That hole goes straight into the engine valley.

Unique580hp · #9 (**permalink**) 03-30-2011, 04:15 AM

Thanks,

Wow, do you mean that is just an open hole? I figured it had some type of cap on it.

I have not seen the car in person yet. Just through photos. I'll ask the owner today.

Thanks for your help.

Scott

Excaliber · #10 (**permalink**) 03-30-2011, 06:19 AM

That hole CANT be open, it is sealed in some manner for sure.

BBQCYCLEWERKES · #11 (**permalink**) 03-30-2011, 06:20 AM

The blue cobra photo with the FE motor looks like CSX4155 which just sold on Ebay for $97,500.

Cobra446 · #12 (**permalink**) 03-30-2011, 06:29 AM

removed / deleted

undy · #13 (**permalink**) 03-30-2011, 08:06 AM

The only 100% way to tell what motor it is, is by measuring bore and stroke. There's been many 390s and 428s that have been "cross-bolted" after the fact, so a bottom picture doesn't guarantee anything either. There are also non-cross bolted factory 427s too. Depending how the builder wanted things to look, screw-in freeze plugs is also an indicator of a 427...

If ya gotta know, pull the oil pan and measure bore and stroke.

Unique580hp · #14 (**permalink**) 03-30-2011, 11:08 AM

Wow Undy,

Looks like I have a steep learning curve if I want to buy this car.

Thanks

Scott

Unique580hp · #15 (**permalink**) 03-30-2011, 11:11 AM

Would it have to have a rear breather or PCV valve since the valve covers are vented?

elmariachi · #16 (**permalink**) 03-30-2011, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unique580hp

Would it have to have a rear breather or PCV valve since the valve covers are vented?

No. Do you have more pics?

undy · #17 (**permalink**) 03-30-2011, 01:09 PM

The PCV/Draft tube opening is capped off on my motor. My "old school" tunnel wedge intake has a breather cap on the oil fill tube. I also have a K&N breather on my driver's side valve cover. The passenger side valve cover has a PCV valve that takes suction from the intake manifold, below my aft carb. My crankcase is WELL ventilated.

FEs tend to leak, no sense helping them along with a positive pressured bottom end.

Unique580hp · #18 (**permalink**) 03-30-2011, 01:54 PM

Nice engine Undy. I love the 2x4 setup.

DanEC · #19 (**permalink**) 03-30-2011, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by undy

The only 100% way to tell what motor it is, is by measuring bore and stroke. There's been many 390s and 428s that have been "cross-bolted" after the fact, so a bottom picture doesn't guarantee anything either. There are also non-cross bolted factory 427s too. Depending how the builder wanted things to look, screw-in freeze plugs is also an indicator of a 427...

If ya gotta know, pull the oil pan and measure bore and stroke.

Or, ask the seller if he has build documents on the engine. If it was put together by a reputable builder he should have data sheets that should (no sure thing however) shed light on what it is.

joyridin' · #20 (**permalink**) 03-31-2011, 04:50 AM

Here's my opinion from past experience...unless you can somehow prove it is a 427 S/O, then assume it isn't and offer accordingly. This way you won't be upset or angry at getting ripped off. The value of these cars are seriously depressed right now. Everybody is willing to bargain, or go find another car with an engine you know and are willing to pay for.

Heck, just from the enormous amount of posts on this site, it would seem as though 90% of the supposed S/O really aren't S/O at all.