427 side oiler.

[racco]

I was told my motor is a 427 side oiler, it has the LH side passage for the oil and the passage has tapped plugs. The frost plugs are tapped also, the dipstick is on the LH side. The reason I ask is that the block has ribs on the outside that I have never seen before. Can anyone identify this motor?

[Anthony]

The ribs mean that it was an over the counter service block from the late 1960's-1970's, the ribs were added to strengthen the block skirt.

[racco]

Thanks Anthony, it has a 7 in the date casting ( 67 or 77?)

[Anthony]

List the entire casting date.

If there is a c, then it's 1960's, if there is a D, then it's 1970's

[Excaliber]

Since that block can run either hydraulic or solid tappets you will need to figure out what restrictor size will be required in the oil hole in the intake area valley at the back of the block. Don't assume it's "good to go" as installed.

[racco]

the motor is in the car and runs well, it has solid lifters. I just found it odd that all the photos of these side oilers on this site don't have these ribs. It made me think that it may have been a 428 or some other odd ford fe motor.
I have had little exposure to ford engines.

[Excaliber]

Personally I consider the over the counter later engines with ribs to be the best block out there for an FE. Like you have solids, which is cool, I run solids as well. But maybe someday I might want to run roller hydraulics? Can do with these later blocks. The early blocks were solid's only.

[Anthony]

Originally Posted by Excaliber

Personally I consider the over the counter later engines with ribs to be the best block out there for an FE. .

I had heard that the ribs were intentionally put in the molds, as Ford was having problems with some of the blocks having too thin skirts, so they modified the existing, worn out molds, rather than "purchase" new molds for an engine design that was on its way out anyways.

I believe by the time the molds were modified, 427's were only being sold OTC, therefore, no production car ever came with one of those blocks. I believe all of the OTC 427 blocks in the late 1960's-1970's were cast/machined for hydraulic lifters. The only production car offered with a hydraulic lifter 427 was the Cougar GTE.

No matter, it's still a good block, just not as original appearing as the non-rib blocks.

[Excaliber]

And that's a good point if your going for an exacting replica (a worthy goal) or retoring an original car. I'd be looking for a date coded 65-66 original block in that case.

[1985 CCX]

Racco

Looks like a Contemporary? If so, NICE.......

Check out the Contemporary Forum on this website. Those guys can answer your needs......I have build manuals in pdf form. FREE

Drop me an email if you want them......Jeff

[racco]

thanks guys for your help, and yes it's a contempary cobra and it's in very good condition for its age (1986). I am a member of the ccx gang on this site, they have helped with all my questions. I am thinking of changing the colour to the shelby blue is there a "std" paint code for the medium blue?

[Mark O'Neal]

Speaking of side oilers...Al at Machine Shop Services has one for sale if anyone want to go that route.

[dcdoug]

Originally Posted by racco

thanks guys for your help, and yes it's a contempary cobra and it's in very good condition for its age (1986). I am a member of the ccx gang on this site, they have helped with all my questions. I am thinking of changing the colour to the shelby blue is there a "std" paint code for the medium blue?

Here is a list of the PPG codes for Shelby colors. The standard blue is either the Guardsman (a bit lighter) or the LeMans. I have the Navy Blue which I love.

http://www.gessford.com/cobra/images/HST-Colors.htm