Original 1965 427 blocks

[Beepy]

I have noted in another section of this forum that I have located what appears to be a good 1965 427 block, and I was wondering what would be a good offering price.

I'm asking for help on this because I recently read in a self-proclaimed "definitive" Ford V-8 reference guide that ALL 1965-1968 427 blocks were side oilers. However, in this section of this forum, another poster notes that the side oiler was first introduced in March of 1965, meaning that at least two months of production would have yielded center oiling blocks in 1965.

What's the truth? I need the truth to set me free.

[SCOBRAC]

Not all 1965-1968 blocks were side oilers. Most were industrial top oilers (non functional side oiler casting without the side oiling) They were common in boats, various trucks, other machines.

I'm not saying the one you are looking at isn't legit. I'm just saying tens of thousands were not side oilers. They come up for sale quite often now that side oilers have gone crazy. Buyer beware

[Beepy]

Thanks for the quick reply. Next question: I recall coming across pictures explaining "How to recognize a side oiler" on this site, but I can't recall the thread name. I'm going to be eyeballing the block for the first time next week. From what you say, even though it looks like a SO, it may be non-functional. How can I tell the difference w/o a partial teardown?

Thanks again for the input so far. Hoping for more.

[slithering]

Beepy,

From a glance, it's hard to see the differences between the blocks. The one sure way to know what your looking at is to find the casting number. It's on the right side of the block, just behind the starter. You should have the block tested by having it pressure tested and magnafluxed. Good luck.

Chris

[mickmate]

Easiest and surest ID of a side oiler is the socket screws along the bottom, outside of the block, just above the crossbolt holes on the right (oops that's left(thanks Steve))side. They plug the oilways that make it a "sideoiler". The matching holes on the ends and bottom of the block all confirm the oiling method. The truth can be elusive no matter how many publications you lay your hands on, remember paper doesn't refuse ink!

[clayfoushee]

Beepy,

This may have been the thread you're talking about, when I was trying to date my side-oiler. Several pics of mine from the bottom.

FE Block Numbers

[mr0077]

Look for the machine plug at the left lower front of the block, just above the pan rail and near the oil filter mounting pad. I guess someone could drill out the block and thread the hole to simulate a side oiler, but...?
Let us know how it comes out.

[Steve R]

Just for a little clarity here, the LEFT side of the engine is the driver's side. Just remember left "as viewed from the driver's seat." Same thing in aircraft......
So nickmate's good advice should read "the left side of the block" has the socket head plugs.

Steve
Here is the meat of the matter:

[clayfoushee]

Hey Steve, your SO and even the lift in your garage look exactly like mine

[TboltNets]

I've got a 65 block with original bumper-top pistons, 13/32 rods, and iron crank, and original solid cam, came out of a V-drive boat. The block does not have the oil gallery cast in the side of the block.

[mickmate]

All the ones I've seen have provision for it in the casting. If it is drilled, crossdrilled and plugged it is a sideoiler. No side drilling will have the oil going through the top centre of the block known as a topoiler or centreoiler. The boat motors are nice as they don't suck road dirt and usually have a good bore. The other advantage is the heat cycles are long and consistent not like a 2 minute trip to the store. As long as they haven't been run in the salt water!