convert 427 top oiler block to side oiler

[lhowarth]

I am looking for specific details regarding how to machine a 427 block to convert it to a side oiler. Information needed includes specific passages to be drilled and any existing that should be plugged to allow proper oil pressure where required. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

[Anthony]

What block do you have?

[ted]

Although I've converted standard top oiler blocks to side oiler design by coming in through the main caps and feeding the oil at the bottom of the bearing, the block ideally already needs to have the casting in place to accommodate the side oiler drilling.

During the eighties and early nineties, I came across a number of industrial center or top oiler 427's that were cast as sideoilers but drilled only as top oilers. On those blocks, I never felt that the side oiler design was worth the additional expense or trouble to convert them to a sideoiler design if the appropriate oil gallery mods were performed on the top oilers.

Personally it's not worth the trouble on a used block even if the casting provisons are there for the sideoiler.

[mickmate]

I have done this with one of my motors. One of the best resources are the diagrams in the HP book by Steve Christ on How To Rebuild Your Big Block Ford. The diagrams are a little small but they illustrate quite well the oil routing. You need access to gundrilling technology. One of the more difficult oil ways to block is the oil groove behind the #3 cam bearing as the side oiler uses the grooved cam. If you have a block cast as a side oiler and drilled as a top oiler (probably a service block with ribbed side) the bosses etc pretty well tell the story on where to drill. The part to really watch for is the side holes get very close above the main flanges. The other big conversion on oiling is hydraulic back to solid lifters. It's not really difficult you either need to block a hole or drill one right? I have collected quite a bit of info on this and other oiling tips for FE's. If you want more get in touch with me and we'll arrange something.
Cheers Nick

[SCOBRAC]

OK, but aside from opening up the restrictions between the filter and the pump, why do you want to? The 427 top oiler was a fine design and enless you are going to turn it into a cammer it really isn't worth the trouble (expense)..

Before you flame me.. What are you going to gain? Will it be more valuable? NO (actually you will ruin a perfectly fine 427's historical value).. Will it be more durable? Not really..

The side oiler was developed for the SOHC 427 and was plumbed for oiling accordingly. Beyond that what will doing what you propose gain?

If you must embark on a project like this I would (ok.. I wouldn't) use a 427 industrial or marine engine.. These are the ones that "look" like side oilers with the raised oil passage on the side of the block.. They were cast but never built as a side oiler.

You can find these engines for well under 2k-3k for a core and they have no historical value. 427 top oilers are too few likely expensive to chance this on..

Better yet.. Go with a Genesis iron 427 repo.. I think those are in production now and would be better and cheaper in either case.