428fe, or 427fe, which one do you prefer? Please no other engines, thanks.

[REAL 1]

I have owned both an FE428 and currently for the past 14 years an FE427SO.

The performance of both are nearly indistinguishable in street usage IMHO in normal usuage. Both provide gobs of torque for a 2400 lb car and rev great.

The FE428PI was standard fare in 427 street cars with some street cars also receiving the 427SO.

The SC and Comp 427 got the 427SO only and as such the 427SO is the "brass ring" for Cobras because of its higher performance potentials, stronger block, cross bolt mains, higher nickel content block etc.... It is also the rarer motor.

Both are great and will be "correct" for a street 427. If you are a stickler for details and aesthetics you will need a 427SO for a comp or SC.

From above to naked eye with the hood open both are indistinguishable from each other. You need to get underneath to confirm whether its a SO by the ribbing and crossbolts.

A well done 427SO will easily cost you a good 1/3 more than a 428.

Whether it's worth it to go for the SO is a individual choice based on many factors.

[Bernica]

And as has been said before in this thread, the car will find plenty of ways to spend your money without messing with the engine. Trust us all on that!

[55312]

Just a correction to Real1's definition of a 427 SO. Late 406's and all 427's have cross bolted main caps for racing durability. The center oiling galley used in all FE engines proved inadequate for racing endurance. So, in 1965 the 427 block was a new casting with the main bearing oil gallery on the side. This gave the mains priority in the oiling system and greatly increased the 427's ruggedness. This side galley casting is the sure identification of a 427 SO. I do believe, however, that some service blocks show this casting but are not drilled and use solid lifters.

Tim

[undy]

Originally Posted by 55312

Just a correction to Real1's definition of a 427 SO. Late 406's and all 427's have cross bolted main caps for racing durability. The center oiling galley used in all FE engines proved inadequate for racing endurance. So, in 1965 the 427 block was a new casting with the main bearing oil gallery on the side. This gave the mains priority in the oiling system and greatly increased the 427's ruggedness. This side galley casting is the sure identification of a 427 SO. I do believe, however, that some service blocks show this casting but are not drilled and use solid lifters.

Tim

Not true... If you look over on fordfecom there's several pictures of industrial/irrigation 427s that were not cross-bolted. Just saying...