need help from the 427 experts

[Steve R]

Gearheads,
I looked at a 427 high rise engine yesterday. I can probably get the entire eng in pieces for $4500
I have a few questions:
1: what is a cherry 2-4bbl high rise manifold worth? (bare)
2: The heads look unmolested, but I think there are hairline cracks fom the spark plug holes to the intake valve seats. Is this a nail in their coffin, or is there a known procedure to deal with this problem that is cost effective?
3: the block is a solid lifter side oiler with no sleaves or other damage. he thinks it is .020 over.
When inspecting the block, are there any specific areas prone to cracking that I should pay attention to?

I am looking for specific info as to the 427 hi rise engine. I am fairly familiar with general inspection practices.

I am also trying to evaluate wheather the package would still be worth that price even if the heads are junk.
Steve

[427Aggie]

Steve,

It might be a good Idea to give Keith Craft in Arkadelphia a call. He can give you some stuff to look for....for condition of the block you will still want it magnafluxed and that will tell you if there are any real problems. Is there any rust in the cylinder walls? Deep pitting? That will tell you if you can just hone it or need to bore it out.

The manifold is probably worth 500 bucks

Matt

[ENTDOC]

4500 is probably a reasonable price for that motor,but keep in mind that unless you want to stay completely stock and the components are in good enough shape for rebuild,the price will skyrocket when you start replacing parts. New pistons-600.00;rods-500.00;cam and valvetrain 1000.000;carbs-800.00;distributor-300.00 ect... then machining cost. Probably still lower cost than buying a crate but you will spend more than you planned. chuck

[PatBuckley]

Steve,

It was always my understanding that the high rise engines were center oilers.

Pat

[slithering]

Steve,

I've had two cracked 427 blocks. Look for pan rail damage (thrown rod), inspect the main caps, cross bolts and spacers. Is everything there? If you're missing any cross bolt spacers you'll have to have new ones machined. Have it magnafluxed and pressure tested. Ask some questions, was this a marine block? If so, was it in fresh or salt water. That's a decent price but ask for a guarantee.

Slithering

[Steve R]

Thanks for the help

Matt,
Thats a great suggestion. Will do.

Chuck,
True. I am looking at the engine from a collector's viewpoint. If I were a little smarter I'd probably be looking at a Ford crate motor.

Pat,
Good point. Thanks for reminding me of that. I Did a visual of the block and heads. The block is as I described, which is just fine by me.

Slithering one,
I'm pretty sure the block is not a marine unit as the side oil galley is not cut through on the outside and is drilled. The core plugs are not Bronze. There appears to be no rod damage. (I know how to recognize that) He has offered to make the sale contingent on a proper inspection by a machine shop of my choosing.

PLEASE KEEP THE INFO COMING! THANK YOU!
Steve

P.S., I'm still fishing for specific info as to high rise heads with the descibed cracks.

[FFR428]

Pat is correct in saying the original "highriser" 427's were centeroilers. From 63 to early 65. Is it being advertised as original? I know the sideoiler came out in late 65 and might be possible it was at the crossover point but his is my speculation only. What is the casting number and date code from the block? What are the casting numbers on the heads and intake?Check everything out carefully on this and be sure date codes are correct and match the parts if being sold as "original". Look for the C4AE-6090-F heads as these were used until early 65. it should be easy to see all numbers being the motor is apart. G.

[era427tp]

Have the block sonic tested.

[SFfiredog]

the small cracks between the spark plug hole and the intake seat are common on hi-riser and tunnel-port heads. I have used heads with these cracks with no problems but the heads had new intake seats installed in them.
There are two different styles of hi-riser 2x4 intakes. The early manifold has a staight plenum connector between the carb pads and the later manifold has the connectors angled down towards the center between the carb pads. I have seen cherry intakes of both styles sell for between $1000 to $1500
--Mike

[Steve R]

Mike,
How do the cracks effect the head's value? What would you expect to pay for the heads I described if they were bare and have the short rocker stands included?
Steve