I have two 427fe engines that I'm removing from a boat. The boat is a 1970 chris craft ans I think the engines were build in 68. Anyone have any info on them, such as what they're worth. I believe the crank is forged with crossbolts, probably side oilers. Any info would be appreciated.

Here is a reference to my Chris Craft Commander web site, 427 section. I think you'll find a wealth of info there, hope it helps you.
http://www.network54.com/Forum/503931/thread/1149537911/last-1149537911

Send us photos (we're a Network 54 site too) and ask questions, we can help. My understanding is the marine 427 got the cast iron crank, but since some are true side oilers, they may well have come with a forged crank.

It's easy to tell a side oiler from a center oiler, due to the 3 plugs screwed into the port side (driver side) of the block 1-inch or so right above the cross bolts. If you have these, it's a side oiler (no more power, but more expensive to work on due to harder to find cam bearings, etc.)

Regards,

P

Hi Paul, I thank you for the info you provided and I love your link to a lot more. I checked my engines and they do have three plugs, about an inch in diameter, screwed into the port side of the block. The engines are in a 1970 Chris Craft Roemer. Randy

You will find those same cross-bolts on both sides of the motor. On the Port side (passenger side in a car) if you ALSO have small pipe plugs about an inch above those cross bolts (Port side ONLY) then you have a side oiler.

The side oiler version of the 427 did, indeed, show up in marine motors from time to time. I think it was caused by Ford having to supply motors and they decided to ship side oilers because they had a stock of them. Normally they are not found in CC boats or Roamers, but I have some friends who have them, and they are proof that the side oilers did, indeed, show up in (some) boats.

The side oiler is not going to produce any more power or last longer, it was only intended for the track, and it has a more expensive milling operation to gun bore the Port side of the motor to allow oil to get directly to the main bearings. My 427 motors (and yours probably) are the standard 427 with center oiling system.

If you have a side oiler, you have the bragging rights, and the rights to a more expensive rebuild due to different cam bearings being needed. Otherwise, neither you, the motor, or the boat will really tell the difference. In NASCAR racing the side oiler would allow a blown cam bearing to remain in service without starving the mains, and this would allow the motor to run a bit longer and perhaps finish the race.

Glad you enjoyed the links, I've put a lot into them, and I'm pleased to be able to share this stuff with the Ford guys on my allied Network54 site. Here's a photo of one of my center oiler 427 motors.

Awesome chunk of American iron! I'm running a pair in a 1966 38' Commander, by the way.




REgards,

Paul