427 side oiler

[blykins]

I've heard that it was a S/O only detail...I've heard people state that's the easiest way to tell if a block is a S/O without checking anything else...but during the course of this post, I've seen S/O blocks without them....hehehe....

[speed220mph]

I hesitate to use my block as the standard because it was a veteran of the high banks. But I'll find out what the deal is. As an example, look at the photo I posted of the bottom end going together and look at the center main cap. The reinforcing strap was a modification made by a NASCAR engine builder. Similarly, the hole at the front of the block may have been for plumbing an external oil pump. I don't know that for sure, but I'll find out.

[speed220mph]

Here's "The man's"--author of How to Rebuild Your Big Block Ford--response concerning side-oiler blocks. He doesn't answer all the questions, such as "what's that plug in the front for?", but it explains how marine blocks cause some confusion. Stayed tuned, but for now . . .

Tom, The picture with the block painted blue is a side-oiler casting-and appears to be a real side-oiler. The problem lies with the Marine Blocks. Many marine blocks were cast as top (center) oilers as well as side oilers; however they were drilled as center oilers only.  The photo of the block you show is a side oiler only-the block the other person has could be cleared up with a photo from the rear of the block. All of the automotive blocks were cast as one or the other (always exceptions). The Marine blocks were cast with combo cores and drilled or machined as center oilers. Steve