Which engine is more valuable 427 or 428CJ?

[Tim Brewer]

Just because it doesn't have cross bolted main bearing caps doesn't mean it's not a 427. It's not that easy to tell the difference between a 360, 390, 427 center oiler or a 428.

[Bernica]

One old trick is to pull a certain freeze plug and look at the casting on the outside of the cylinder for a "428" cast in.

Everything else that folks have already said is right on.

Rare? Desirable? Collectible? Each has value.

Between a 428 and the 427, IMHO, I guess two high value base lines could be:

1) An original unmolested, standard bore 428CJ meeting all expected specs for a Mustang or Shelby like a GT500. That would include matching numbers block, crank, heads, manifold, carbs etc.

2) A 427 s/o in same condition

Adjust down accordingly from there.

If I had those two in front of me, I would give the 427 my personal choice. Unless, of course, I was restoring a car or THE car that the 428 came from.

Too many variables in play for someone to be able to provide a question to give a simple answer!

[DougD]

Originally Posted by Tim Brewer

Just because it doesn't have cross bolted main bearing caps doesn't mean it's not a 427. It's not that easy to tell the difference between a 360, 390, 427 center oiler or a 428.

Tim
All 427s had cross-bolted mains. Both center oilers and side oilers.
Doug

[undy]

Originally Posted by DougD

Tim
All 427s had cross-bolted mains. Both center oilers and side oilers.
Doug

Not really true. I've seen several irrigation 427s that were not cross-bolted and had press-in freeze plugs too. 4.23 bores, all of them