427 FE Block Question

[Richard Cowart]

Originally Posted by patrickt

If they didn't give you lash numbers, then it's almost certainly hydraulic. And it's getting to the point now where you have to beg on your knees to get a builder to put a solid flat tappet cam in anymore. But a quick email to the builder just confirming that it is indeed a hydraulic cam build would be in order.

I was told I will be getting the entire build list where all parts and the build are documented.

This all happened very fast. I called on a Friday afternoon asking about their 427 FE aluminum engines, we got to talking and the owner said, "Oh, BTW. We just finished building a 427 FE with a NOS iron block." He started telling me about the engine and I said I think that is my engine. Now, the issue was how do I bring this up to the wife, especially since I purchased 10 months ago a pristine 1989 Mercedes 560 SL. I brought this up on Monday morning and she said it sounded like that is my engine. Bought it that morning and, after the fact, am finding out the specifics.

[Bernica]

Did they give you the Joe Gibbs break-in oil? A critical step to use that first, IMHO.

[Bernica]

Originally Posted by Richard Cowart

I was told I will be getting the entire build list where all parts and the build are documented.

This all happened very fast. I called on a Friday afternoon asking about their 427 FE aluminum engines, we got to talking and the owner said, "Oh, BTW. We just finished building a 427 FE with a NOS iron block." He started telling me about the engine and I said I think that is my engine. Now, the issue was how do I bring this up to the wife, especially since I purchased 10 months ago a pristine 1989 Mercedes 560 SL. I brought this up on Monday morning and she said it sounded like that is my engine. Bought it that morning and, after the fact, am finding out the specifics.

Please keep us posted on the build sheet.
Quite a leap of faith you made there Sir! I hope all is in order.

[Richard Cowart]

Originally Posted by Bernica

Did they give you the Joe Gibbs break-in oil? A critical step to use that first, IMHO.

No, they used the Joe Gibbs break-in oil to break in the engine, and presumably for the dyno runs. They then drained the pan for shipping. I purchased a case of Joe Gibbs 15W-50, which they recommended. They told me the engine is broken in.

[Richard Cowart]

Originally Posted by Bernica

Please keep us posted on the build sheet.
Quite a leap of faith you made there Sir! I hope all is in order.

I will have a look at the build sheet and get all of the particulars. At this point I have no concerns.

[kevins2]

Maybe I missed it somewhere in one of your posts, but what exactly are you putting this engine into?

[Richard Cowart]

Originally Posted by kevins2

Maybe I missed it somewhere in one of your posts, but what exactly are you putting this engine into?

That is what I am working on. At the moment I do not have a car. Have been in contact with David Kirkham, however. He asked me what engine I was wanting to use, and I said a 400 hp 351W. He noted that while those are very good engines that he would recommend a 427 FE as the value of the car would drop with the 351W. I started calling around inquiring about big blocks just to get a feel for what is out there. When this builder indicated that he had a NOS 427 FE just finished 3 weeks earlier that is when I decided to get the engine. Hey - gotta have an engine at some point for a Cobra.

[Bernica]

Not sure where you eventually plan to register it, but save every receipt!
Many states want to see them all before they will approve it as a specialty-built vehicle.
Just my 2c...

[Dwight]

most shops will sent you the build sheet will all the specs and dyno sheet.

Have fun and keep us posted

Dwight

[Richard Cowart]

Thanks to all. I learned a lot today and had fun discussing engines.

[Bernica]

Just keep us posted and we will always be here with help and advice. Many people check in and check out and we never hear the rest of the story....

[Richard Cowart]

Originally Posted by Bernica

Just keep us posted and we will always be here with help and advice. Many people check in and check out and we never hear the rest of the story....

I was a fairly early member of Club Cobra and posted quite a bit. I think that the server was changed and I lost my post numbers. Then I moved on to other things. But, have been a car guy for decades and a Cobra has been on my watch list for a long time. It is time, so glad to be able to pick back up.

[undy]

Just a FYI... Not all ribbed block 427s and 428s were across-the-parts-counter blocks/engines. Quite a few were sold for industrial use, pumps, generators etc. I've also seen pictures of 427s that were not cross-bolted and had "press-in" freeze plugs. Some also were sold for marine use.

[patrickt]

Dropping that engine in to a Kirkham is a nice idea. But don't wait too long. Engines have a way of "wearing out" just sitting idle in the basement.

[DanEC]

I'm wondering if it's an engine out of Keith Craft's shop. They use Joe Gibbs oil exclusively.

[Bernica]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Dropping that engine in to a Kirkham is a nice idea. But don't wait too long. Engines have a way of "wearing out" just sitting idle in the basement.

If it's going to sit for a while, I would probably take the pressure off the valve springs. Just something some old builder told me years ago. And when you are ready, use an oil priming shaft to build up your first startup pressure.
Again, just my 2c.

[Phill Pollard]

Originally Posted by Bernica

If it's going to sit for a while, I would probably take the pressure off the valve springs. Just something some old builder told me years ago. And when you are ready, use an oil priming shaft to build up your first startup pressure.
Again, just my 2c.

We used to relieve the valve springs on our HIGH LIFT (cam) Mountain Motors.

I've been told it's a waste of time because a spring doesn't lose its memory but with the money we had in a motor, why take a chance?

FWIW, I *have* had springs lose memory but not from sitting compressed. They were from overheating and then sitting compressed.


Phill Pollard

[Bernica]

It just seems like common sense to do it and no down side to doing it, unless you forget to tighten them back up!

[patrickt]

Well, since the builder says it's broken in, when it's delivered to you, put a finger in one of the exhaust ports on the head and wipe. If it doesn't come out with some carbon on your finger tip then the engine hasn't been run. That would be concerning. Assuming you come out with a black finger, shoot for having it in a car within six months. Anything longer than that and I would take anti-rust precautions. Turning the crank bolt a half turn every three months would take care of the valve springs, but I don't even know if that's really necessary... but it would give you something to do instead of just staring at it.

[Bernica]

If it's going to sit on an engine stand for a while, do your own compression check as well. Also, see if you have a magnetic drain plug and check that. Call me paranoid!