Side Oiler vs Top Oiler

[fordracer]

For a mainly street driven car that may see north of 6000 rpm a few times a year ( autocrossing and maybe some drag racing ) Is a side oiler absolutely necessary or is a top oiler ok. I'm wondering because there is a decent price difference between the two. I also ask because there are a few NHRA stock guys running 428's that don't seem to have any problems. Thanks

[ERA535]

Hi!

For what you want to do, it will work just fine.

There are a number of articles that can be found to improve the oiling on any FE that could be of help to you.

Pat

[bmalone]

For most applications the CO is fine. The stock 428 oiling system is not quite as good as even the 427 CO (more bends, smaller diameter). So, that sould tell you that your drag racing buddies have modified the oiling system (common) or that oiling is not going to be a problem. The big difference between SO and CO is that the SO puts oil to all the main bearing first. Whereas the CO hits the first main bearing, but then up to the camshaft bearings and lifters and then back down to the remaining mains.

[TheRobb]

I think a good followup to this, is the begged question:
"Is the 428 or the 427 Center Oil'ers oiling system insufficent?"

Yes, I know the side oiler was designed for a reason. But is it absolutely necessary for that block in race conditions? Or could it just be a case of overengineering given the final destiny of the engine? (remember, that engine had other differences like nickle alloy block)

In other words, has anyone ever used a 428 or a 427 center oiler in race conditions, and fried the engine because of a lubrication problem inherit to the block itself? (lubrication failures not related to the oil pump, filter, and pan)

-Robb

[Jeff Frigo]

According to my enginw builder, all FE's have fair oiling systems. Call George Anderson (not my builder by the way) at Guessford Machine and I'm sure he will be glad to enlighten you.

[bmalone]

Actually the CO has a better oiling system than the 428. Of course, the SO's is better yet. 428 has more bends. 427 was designed more as a race motor from the get.

[chopper]

I have to say that I'm impressed that anyone can turn 6000 rpm with an FE during an autocross!

[Mr.Fixit]

With proper tolerances, it shouldn't matter becuse there will be enough restriction to oil flow to maintain oil pressure at the bearings. If the CO was that bad, there would be none left, they would have all seized up by now.