427 Cobra Engine 1966

[Don]

I have used as a reference for replies, not having any ( none ) personal expertise, the book published by CarTech and written by George Reid, Los Angeles CA in 1998: High Performance Ford Engine Parts Interchange 221-CI to 460 CI

George's background is not indicated. In the Acknowledgment Section , George mentions the following as having provided assistance with the publication:

* Jeff Sneathen: SEMO Classic Mustang
* Sneathen Enterprises, Cape Girardeau,Missouri

" Each ( above ) of these gentleman allowed me access to one of the most extensive collections of Ford high-performance parts in the world "

* Andy Leeka, Andy's Performance Enterprises in La Verne CA

" Access to one of the most extensive warehouses of Ford performance parts around "

* Dr John Craft

" a respected Ford and NASCAR journalist and historian , he made his extensive archives available "

Not passing judgement either pro or con on the creditability of the publication, but it does appear to be one , of many, resources for detail information and history on Ford SB and BB engines. A number of the points mentioned in this Thread are included and explained in the narrative which accompanies the numerous data charts, graphics and pictures.

http://www.cartechbooks.com/vstore/w...6&WebPage_ID=4

If the above link does not work, Car Tech has a search function by book title, which is also available by Chapter @ $4.00 per download. Big Blocks have 10 chapters , from page 80 to page 146. I bought my book at Amazon.

http://www.cartechbooks.com/vstore/h...?CID=2&DS_ID=2

[Excaliber]

KC did not specify why the top oiler block is subject to cracking at high rpm, which I believe was in the 6000-6500 range. I would certainly welcome more information on the subject. I have no ax to grind either way. FE's are a fascinating subject!

Is it the center oil galley? Were the top oilers cast with a slightly different compound than the side oilers? There doesn't appear to be any difference in webbing of the lower crank area. So, what gives (pun intended)?

Perhaps it was a referrence to the "2 or 3" irrigation blocks...