427 Fe

[terry lee]

I am looking for an original 427 SO block for my new SPF. I don't need heads, pistons or rods. Crank would be nice, but not necessary. Has anyone dealt with Dr. Dee? I see he had one long block listed under parts for sale, but no responce from him yet. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[bmalone]

Search for previous posts regarding this matter.

[terry lee]

I am looking to purchase an original 427 SO #C8AE-A Block that is clean and hasn't been bored. All the info from past posts is helpful, but outdated as of now. I need to buy a block soon so I can start the build. (Feb. delivery of car to me) I maybe willing to consider a 428 because of it's ability to produce high rpm's quicker. I have already talked with Southern about a 428 buildup. If I can't find what I want in the next few days, that is probably what I will do.
Just looking for some help; if someone knows of a block for sale, please let me know.
Thanks, TL

[gobu]

I have a 427 co available.

[bmalone]

Read the posts (search) regarding Dr. Dee. Just trying to answer your question

[zimmy]

I also have a 427 Center oiler that I am going to sell. If interested, please email me and we can discuss details. It is a complete running engine in my Contemporary. It is a late 64 block in great condition and it is the original bore. Runs solid pressure and cool temps.

Zimmy

[SCOBRAC]

Search Dr. Dee and Fastco before you spend money on what he is selling.. He tried to sell me a '69 CO as a '66 SO.. $3900 for about $1100 worth of stuff..

[SCOBRAC]

How Much Zimmy??? Keep in mind I think I have heard stories (told by you) But I am going to replace my 428 boat anchor..

[wtcobra]

Terry Lee-why don't you buy a block from Bill Parham?

wt

[terry lee]

I have had several conversations with SA. Just looking for a less expensive way to purchase what I want. In these days with the uncertain stock market I think it wise to look for a bargin or help someone out who may need a little cash. Hope that answers your question.

[Shaun]

Terry,

I have built 2 Cobra's with 427 SO. I can highly recommend an engine builder to you who does exceptional work (sonic testing of block and dyno'd included) for less than what SA or any other FE builder will charge that I know of. Very honest to deal with. If you are interested in more details, give me a call or e-mail.

Regards,

Shaun

[Evan Harris]

Why a 427FE when we are awash in a sea of better performing 351w crate motors? Why?

[A Snake]

Terry,

Interesting comment you made about the 428 being a quick hi rev engine. You have it turned around. the 427 makes the revs and the 428 the torque. both were used in original cobras. If you aren't' set on the 427, you can put a really healthy 428 together for about 1/4 what a 427 done right will cost. How does 400HP and 480 lbsft of torque and still run on pump gas sound? Also, they look the same under the hood. Especially if you use the right valve covers and intake manifold.

Also, parts for a 428 are a LOT easier to find and buy. No, they're not super common, but there are still some old Mercurys in junk yards with that engine. a 390 block with the "ribs" on the side will over bore to stock 428 bore. The crank is 410&428 only but available at about $500 for a good one. Heads are next. Yes you can buy aluminum heads and go ahead if you like. You can also take early 390 heads and put 428 valves in them and do it just fine. Intakes are another matter. Sidewinder manifolds are scarce unless someone is making them again. (Dove may be)

Use a stock med. riser solid lifter cam and you're ready to go with a 750cfm Holley. Built by the right person, the engine will live and scare the H.E. double hockey sticks out of you when you put your leg in it!

If you still want a 427, go for it. They're fun...I know. Center oilers have rods like a 428. A side oiler has big capscrew rods and forged steel crank. Most center oilers have cast cranks (same stroke as a 390) also and, you CAN NOT put a hydraulic lifer cam in a center oiler. No oil galley to the lifters. Other than these differences, the center oiler is a good old motor. Just replace the valves with stainless and put ARP rod bolts in the rods. It will work just fine. Have any block you buy subject to magna fluxing before payment. They can all have internal cracks the eye can't spot as well as other things hidden under the paint or rust. Many blocks have been sleeved and this is another no-no for you, unless you buy it really cheap! .030" overbore is as much as either 427 block will stand. Remember, the 427 is the same dimensions as a 352/390 with same bore centers. They had to get that extra 1/4" from somewhere and it came out of the cylinder wall thickness. If it is already at .030", I personally would pass on it.

Hope this helps a little. I've been playing with these guys since they came out in the '60's.

[Turk]

Other than the difference in acquiring a 427 SO block over a 428 Block,why does a 427 SO cost so much more to build.

Let's say the Side oiler block is worth $3500.00
The 428 Block worth $1500.00
The difference is $2000.00 What goes into the 427 in parts, and on it as heads etc that is different. I don't get it. Water pumps, distributor, manifolds, headers, oil pan, distributor, carburators, pistons and rings cost the same. Why is there more diffrence than just the cost of the block? Crank is ( or can be) the same.
What is left?

TURK
I am surprised someone suggested 428 maks more HP than a 427.

[ERA535]

Turk-

Some people learn everything there is to know in the first 6 months and then spend the rest of their lives repeating that 6 months -

Pat

[Jeb]

you're right, the steel crank can add cost without much value.
then there're the heads which are generally specific to the 427 to take advantage of the larger bore with larger valves and chambers.

as the 427 is considered to be a revver, it is generally assumed you will spend more on rods and bolts and the crossbolt mains. this may not be true with this crowd.

a dampner specific to the 427 is required if you're doing it right, also harder to find (more expensive).

but you're right, you're paying a lot for cachet.

I agree with Evan, build a FRPP Windsor 427 with 4.125" bores and 4" stroke. this is cheaper still, you can get an aluminum 9.5" Windsor block for the price you'll pay for an NOS FE 427 one. and parts are fresher design and more available.

[wtcobra]

Turk-it does not cost anymore to build a 427 than a 428, other than the block, this is just another misconception that exists about these engines, just as the myths continue about sleeves,
dampners, cranks, heads, rods, and what works and what doesn't in terms of performance. Take your new engine for example, how many times have you read a post that states the tunnel port heads are not streetable? Most people don't have any first hand experience with building these engines, their knowledge comes from what they have been told or read from secondary sources, which isn't all bad if it is tempered with some actual on hands experience, and I am not talking about claiming experience by knowing where the gas cap is on a Cobra. Did you stroke your T.P. as I suggested long ago? My brother thinks you have gone too far in copying both his paint and now his engine and is thinking of retaining Jamo to look into an injunction.

Pat-it only took me three months.


Wayne

[Turk]

WT
Engine science is only second to engine mythology. My understanding is:a 428 crank will fit the 427 and the 428. .30 over Aries pistons and Eagle rods couldn't cost any different whether they were installed in a 427 or a 428.

I don't know what the heads would cost for a 428. A pair of CJ heads should fit a 428 or a 427 or even a 390. (Am I wrong). Even if I was, I was able to buy a set of low riser heads for under $600.00. I can't imagine they cost any less for a 428.

Then there were the valves and springs. Again I couldn't imagine using anything different if I was doing the valves for either engine. Point being the machine shop would not have given me a break if the valve job was for a 428. Cheaper springs maybe? How much could that have saved me?

I suppose only thing I could have saved money on would have been skipping sonic testing of the block. Again I couldn't imagine saving $50.00 if the block was a meatier 428. Good insurance before I spent the money rebuilding a 35 year old block. So far very little variation in cost. They both would need gaskets and oil pans and spark plugs etc.

As for the tunnel port not being streetable. Hog wash. I rode in Bill Malone's TP Cobra. It seemed to be viciously streetable.

By the logic of TP not being able to get up the maximum peak performance points on the street because you can't rev it high enough to take advantage of the power band, I suppose you could apply the same argument to every Cobra we drive. They can not be taken to the maximum performance peaks on the street therefore Cobras are NOT streeable.

I am very much considering the stroking of the TP. I din't know your brother had a TP in his too. No denying in copying his paint scheme to a T. He has good taste.

TURK