427 vs 428

St. Louis · #1 (**permalink**) 05-24-2002, 08:47 AM

For someone with any untrained eye for engines, what is the easy way to look at an engine in a Cobra and determine if it is a 427 SO...vs a 428 or other engine.

I am buyging a completed car once I find the one I like and just wanted to get familiar with what to look for.

Thanks.

St. Louis

SFfiredog · #2 (**permalink**) 05-24-2002, 09:12 AM

The main visible external difference between a 427 and the others in the FE family is the 3 evenly spaced 9/16" headed bolts on each side of the block. These bolts are for the cross bolted main caps used on the 427. This is not always a foolproof method of ID though because it is possible to install the cross bolted maincaps on any FE block. I have even heard of dishonest types simply installing the bolts so the block looks like a 427. 427 side oilers have a raised rib on the left (drivers) side of the block with some fittings threaded into it. The rib is the side oiler oil gallery. Most 427 side oilers also had screw in freeze plugs but once again, this can be done to any FE block, although it's not that easy. The only proof positive method of externally IDing a 427 center oiler block is to verify the casting numbers.
HTH,
--Mike

R U YELLA · #3 (**permalink**) 05-24-2002, 09:13 AM

The most obvious are the cross bolted main caps (3 of them) down by the oil pan. Some people have put bolts thru a 428 to look like a 427 so beware! You should also notice a 427 Side Oiler with a bulge running the length where the freeze plugs are. The for sure way is to look at the casting numbers & cross reference them to a Ford engine book.

Catch ya later
Ed

R U YELLA · #4 (**permalink**) 05-24-2002, 09:14 AM

SFfiredog - looks like you beat me to it!

Turk · #5 (**permalink**) 05-24-2002, 09:18 AM

One sure way of doing it, is ask to see his checkbook.If he shows deficit spending, say his check book balance is (minus something) it is a 427 SO. If he still has some money left, it porbably is a 428.

TURK

St. Louis · #6 (**permalink**) 05-24-2002, 11:58 AM

Thanks fo the help gentlemen

SCOBRAC · #7 (**permalink**) 05-25-2002, 02:40 PM

1968 427 center oilers were also cross bolted.. You really should only rely on casting numbers and the dates of manufacture. The side bulge is a good indication but can be faked for photographs very easily..

Deal only with reputable parties.. Never send a deposit you can't get back..

bmalone · #8 (**permalink**) 05-25-2002, 11:02 PM

As mentioned the three bolts down low and the screw-in freeze plugs are a start. You said the engine was in a car, so obviously you will not be measuring the bore size, but the 427 is.4.23 vs. 4.13 for a 428.

Casting numbers on the block are best, but even that is not foolproof. For instance, side-oilers started production in '65 and and ran through '68. Possible casting numbers are C5AE-X, where C=decade 1960, 5=year of decade, A=car line (Ford in this case), E=engine part, as opposed to say chassis part. X will = some alpha value to indicate change level. You can have C5AE-D, C5AE-H, C6AE-B, C6AE-C, C6AE-D, C7AE-A, C8AE-A, C8AE-B, C8AE-H.

Unfortunately, the 428 uses C6AE-A, C6AE-B, and C6AE-F for the PI motors. All other 428s will have C6ME, C6ME-A, C7ME, C7ME-A, and C8ME for the '66 - '70.

The question is can you read the casting numbers while the engine is in the car?

Bill

St. Louis · #9 (**permalink**) 05-26-2002, 11:01 PM

Great. Thanks for the help. When I find the car I like with a 427 SO, I may try to find a SAAC member to help with the inspection. Seems like it may need an expert.

St. Louis