Need a little Help FE Identification...

quebow03 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-03-2004, 07:56 AM

Well, I was able to get hold of a pair of 427s from a 1960s Chris Craft. I don't know exactly what numbers I need for identification of what I have, but the cast number on the side of both of them reads C5AE-H. I have read different threads about the blocks being casts as sideoilers but not drilled. How do I know (where will I see the drilled out passages) what it is? Both are in EXCELLENT condition (pistons look great) but I would like to be certain of what I have. THANX!!!

Dan
(still no car... building it from the inside out I guess

)

xlr8or · #2 (**permalink**) 08-03-2004, 08:01 AM

The list I have shows C5AE-H as a 65-66 Side Oiler but you will need to check the rotation on it since it came out of a boat. I understand the boats run the opposite direction.

quebow03 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-03-2004, 08:05 AM

I know that they counter rotate and therefore one will have to have the oil grooves on the crank reversed, but is there a way to definitely determine it was not only cast as a sideoiler but drilled as well???

Thanks

Dan

Excaliber · #4 (**permalink**) 08-03-2004, 09:55 AM

Hmmmm,,,,, on the left side of the engine (drivers side) you can see the side oil galley threaded plugs. I forget how many, 3 or 4 small plugs? Anyway, I would think if you were to unscrew on of those, a little oil should be present, or even drip or run out of the galley.

By the way, there were "ribbed" and they were "smooth" blocks. The ribs were added later for additional strength. The ribs are external and were a change in the casting. Basically just some "lines" running from the top toward the bottom of the block along the sides and front area.

xlr8or · #5 (**permalink**) 08-03-2004, 10:04 AM

Dan here's a good place to do some research on the FE's http://www.network54.com/Forum/74182

Scott

FFR428 · #6 (**permalink**) 08-03-2004, 01:03 PM

I get sideoiler for the C5AE-H casting number. The marine blocks are C6JE-B and C7JE-A casting numbers. So you might have a pair of sideoilers there. As Excaliber stated the three oil galley plugs on the side are key. G.

Ibr8k4vetts · #7 (**permalink**) 08-03-2004, 02:17 PM

If it is a counter rotating 427 you will also need to change the cam.
Mike

quebow03 · #8 (**permalink**) 08-03-2004, 04:10 PM

Well, I certainly see the that it is cast as a sideoiler, BUT it is missing the 3-4 plugs on the side. I assume that means it is truely a centeroiler right??? How hard/easy is it to drill it out (or have it done)? I understand that it probably isn't necessary as I don't intend on becoming a NASCAR driver anytime soon, but it would be kinda nice.

Thanks
dan

FFR428 · #9 (**permalink**) 08-03-2004, 05:20 PM

Yes, more than likely they are centeroilers. They can be drilled but it might be expensive and you only get one shot at it. Plus there is nothing wrong with the blocks as centeroilers. Sounds like you have a great start for your project. G.

FFR428 · #10 (**permalink**) 08-03-2004, 05:23 PM

BTW whats the date code of the blocks? G.

Excaliber · #11 (**permalink**) 08-03-2004, 09:59 PM

I wouldn't bother to drill it and heres why.

The side oiler (holy grail of 427's) was built for endurance. HIGH sustained rpm such as one might encounter at LeMans or NASCAR. Fact is if your not running 6000 rpm for a few hours at a time you really don't need the side oiler feature.

Do I WANT a side oiler? Dam straight! I want a REAL one, because, well,,,,, because it IS real. Not a "drilled out" sort kinda modified center oiler turned into a side oiler thing. It would be easier just to call it a 427 and let it go at that.

Steve R · #12 (**permalink**) 08-04-2004, 05:39 AM

Dan,
post pictures of both sides of both engines and we can tell you for sure.
Steve

quebow03 · #13 (**permalink**) 08-04-2004, 09:23 AM

both engines and cranks

quebow03 · #14 (**permalink**) 08-04-2004, 09:25 AM

Oiler Side (see where Chris Craft was grinding on them to make them FIT!!!) AHHHHH

quebow03 · #15 (**permalink**) 08-04-2004, 09:27 AM

Other Ends From a distance

Excaliber · #16 (**permalink**) 08-04-2004, 12:48 PM

I don't know how it works when the casting numbers indicate a side oiler but in fact it has never been drilled for a side oiler?

From the pics I can't tell if there is a galley for the side oil thing or not. It certainly is missing the 3 plugs that would screw into said oil galley.

quebow03 · #17 (**permalink**) 08-04-2004, 01:26 PM

The galley is there (which you can see it has been machined into for motor mounts on the boat) but there are not any plugs on the side. It certainly has not been drilled.

I just got back from Wayne Calverts Shop in Denton; He says that the blocks are in decent, rebuildable condition but agrees that drilling it to be a sideoiler would be a little risky and probably unnecessary. One of the blocks has not been rebuilt while the other has been bored .030 over.... Not bad considering I got them both with a bunch of other stuff for $1000.

Dan

Steve R · #18 (**permalink**) 08-05-2004, 05:54 AM

Dan,
Nice haul. Yeah. they are marine engines. It looks like the one on the right side of your first photo is not drilled for a hydraulic cam. Is the other one the same? ( look down the lifter bores... if you don't see oil holes on either side, they are solid cam blocks.) If those engines were mine, I would seriously look into getting them drilled. It may not be worth it in the end, But it is worth looking into.
Steve

quebow03 · #19 (**permalink**) 08-05-2004, 04:52 PM

Thanks Steve!

Yes, the two engines are identical in every way (except for the one being .030 over). When you say I should get them drilled, are you referring to drilling for a hydraulic cam or opening the sideoiler passages.

Do you (or ANYONE) know who could drill the sideoiler?

Thanks again....

Dan



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