Thread: How do I determine what kind of engine I have...

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I recently purchased a Shelby Cobra replica with a supposed '427 out of a 1967 Mustang GT-500. After researching, I found there was only one '67 GT-500 made with a 427. I know it is a side oiler and the filter has been relocated to the front of the car. On the drivers side front of the block, there is what looks like 9 2 or 9 Z with 352 directly under it. This engine is basically stuffed in the car and it is hard to see much. Is it correct that the build date is stamped just under where the oil filter was originally? If so, I can look for that. Are there any other numbers that will tell me the real size of the block or anything else about it? Thanks, in advance...

Well, I'm not shure where the casting numbers are on that ford engine but, that is where the engines info is encoded and, decoded through websites or books on casting numbers. There are a few people who should be able to tell you where to look.

The only way to be 100% sure on FE displacement is to pull the heads and measure the bore & stroke.

4.05 bore will be a 360(3.50 stroke) 390 (3.78 stroke) or a 410 (3.98 stroke).

4.13 bore will be a 428 (3.98 stroke).

4.232 bore will be a 427 (3.78 stroke).

It's not uncommon to see a 427 that received a .017 overbore to 4.25 since I believe that is a BBC standard size giving a wider piston selection.

Yes the date code on the block should be right beside where the oil filter adapter bolts to the lower left front corner down by the oil pan rail.

Casting numbers can be hit or miss on the FE. Depending on how "virgin" the block is, a FE expert can tell you what the paint daubs in the lifter valley and random chicken scratching behind the flywheel on the block actually means.

Look for the crossbolts above the oil pan skirt. There are three on each side. This is the easiest way to quickly ID a 427. Next are the casting numbers on the side of the block however some service blocks did not have casting numbers. As mentioned above the cyl bore is the best way to measure the block. It possible the GT500 had the stock 428 replaced with a 427 at some point. Early 427's ( late 63 early 64 ) had the two bolt motor mounts and 65 they went to the four bolt setup. So crawl under that pup and look for those crossbolts. www.fordfe.com is also a great site for the FE engine. G.

Sorry just re read your post that you've determined that it's a sideoiler already. So the early two bolt motor mount does not apply. Casting numbers are your best bet from the block, heads, intake. Carb numbers, distributor numbers all these are there and will help you determine how original it is. They will be hard to see in the cobra though but with some patience you'll find them. It's the date code that is under the oil filter pad and if you can see it you'll know the casting date. Everything should be within a year on casting number and a few months on the date codes if it's all original or someone took the time to collect all the right date coded parts. Or it could be a festive blend of whatever. Cobra guys are pretty fussy though so I doubt it's been hodge podged but you never know. If you can give me some numbers I can help you ID them. G.

Some good reference books are "How to rebuild Big Block Ford engines" by Steve Christ and " High Performance Ford engine parts interchange" by George Reid. Your local bookstore or Ebay sells them. About $20 each. These go into detail and explain the workings of the Ford FE engines, rebuilding and component ID. I like to keep these handy besides my master catalogs for quick parts ID. However there are a few typo's in each but for the most part good solid info. G.