bulletbrown
Yes it's the original engine that came with the boat (Hatteras 38) in 1968. There's a handful of these sideoilers around the boat scene. I know of 4 others. There are PLENTY of topoiler 427's though. Speculation is that Ford got stuck with a shortage of inventory at some point in 1968 and had to ship these side oilers to fill an order to Chris Craft who did the marinization. No doubt a waste of good machining, but if that's what it took, well so be it.
I don't blame your skepticism regarding whether it's REALLY a side oiler. I've talked to more than a few people who are confused about what it is. If seeing it will help you believe, here's a picture.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...v/leftside.jpg
Interesting though about your friend having to drill out the bottom of the passage.
Eric