I think I have found a 427 that is supposedly already "built" way out in the country for 800 bucks. If this is for real this is a heck of a deal from what I've been told. Question; how does a rookie know what motor it is? Preciate any help you can give

 

All Ford 427s have crossbolted mains. Just above the oil pan you should see three bolt heads on each side. These bolts tie in to the center three main bearing caps. The later 427s were side-oilers and can be identified by an oil channel that runs along the left side of the block and appears as a linear bulge. All the 427s from late 63 to 67 had solid lifters. Only the last version (68) had hydraulics. Distributors were typically a Ford dual point unit. Caution is warranted - many a used 427 turned out to be a 428, and on occassion, a 332, 352, or 390. Other than what is mentioned above, all the FEs look the same. A solid 427 would indeed be a GREAT find.

 

The reply above is dead-on. One problem with any used motor is the possibility of cracks anywhere in the block. For $800 go ahead and buy it (if you haven't already) because the heads alone are worth more than that.

Also, is it in a car or truck? Some 427s were used in marine applications or to power agricultrual pumps and machinery. The only differences might be that the upper oiling passages may be drilled to provide oil to hydraulic lifters and they may have low-compression pistons. Whatever the initial use of any 427, they are still 427s and very valuable.

Two years ago I bought a 68 GT500 KR rolling chasis from a guy. He showed me one of his storage sheds where he had two 427s. One was used, complete but dissasembled and the other was a new, unused marine block and crank. He's owned these since the mid-80s and has no intention of selling them. He swore me to secrecy so I can't say where he is.

I wish I had one.

Bruce

 

The 427 is the best and the beefiest of the FE series. Definetely a rare and coveted item.

Has the engine ever been operated? If so, check the oil for water. That could indicate a cracked block or blown head gasket. If possible, crank it once around with a BIG wrench on the damper nut to make sure it doesn't have a thrown rod.

Here are some good FE links:
<a href="http://members.aol.com/FENATIC">http://members.aol.com/FENATIC</a>/
<a href="http://www.fomoco.com">http://www.fomoco.com</a>/
<a href="http://www.FoMoGo.com/feinfo.html">http://www.FoMoGo.com/feinfo.html</a>
<a href="http://www.wrljet.com/engines/fe.html">http://www.wrljet.com/engines/fe.html</a>

Let us know what you find out!