convert 427 top oiler block to side oiler

lhowarth · #1 (**permalink**) 05-09-2003, 01:13 PM

I am looking for specific details regarding how to machine a 427 block to convert it to a side oiler. Information needed includes specific passages to be drilled and any existing that should be plugged to allow proper oil pressure where required. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

chopper · #2 (**permalink**) 05-09-2003, 01:21 PM

I may be way off base here, but I don't think it's that easy. The side-oiler blocks have an external oil channel cast into the outside of the left (driver's) side of the block, which was then bored out to allow passage of the oil from the front to rear. The oil is then sent from the fore-aft passage, into the area between the crankshaft and camshaft bearing webs, and from there through drilled passages connecting the main and cam bearings. The top-oiler blocks do not have the main channel passage as part of their casting. I suppose it would be possible to tap and drill the outside of the block and add external lines, then plug off the unused top-oiler lines, but it would certainly result in a "funny looking" block. If you aren't going to race the block, the top-oiler system is adequate for street use. If you want to race it, you might want to keep looking for a side-oiler. My humble opining, anyway. You might want to talk to one or more of the FE experts which frequent this forum, such as George Anderson at Gessford or Bill Parham at Southern Automotive to see if they have done a successful conversion of this type.

427 S/O · #3 (**permalink**) 05-09-2003, 03:08 PM

There was a kit offered some time back
that used the cross bolts, which were 'gun drilled', as the source for oil to the mains. Oil lines were attached to the cross bolts as feeders. Don't have personal experience with the kit, just saw it advertised somewhere?.

427Aggie · #4 (**permalink**) 05-09-2003, 03:15 PM

We actually have someone in the club that has that on his side oiler. Still doesn't make a center a side.

Matt

Anthony · #5 (**permalink**) 05-09-2003, 08:53 PM

The marine 427's as put in CrisCraft's in the late 60's were 427 SO blocks drilled as centered oilers. The side oiler galleries were left unmachined. These 427 's can be changed and drilled out to side oilers for several hundred dollars. But, I heard, that sometimes when ford was maching a 427 so block, and machined too deep into the side of the block for the engine mount, machining into the side oiler gallary, they then used this engine as a marine engine. So, not all marine 427's, even though cast as a side oiler block, have enough meat to be drilled out as a side oiler.

I almost bought a pair of these engines, for $2500, but at the last minute, the guy changed the price to $3500. These engines were used in fresh water, but that still doesn't guarentee that they still would be good, and not rusted out.

Steve R · #6 (**permalink**) 05-10-2003, 08:45 AM

The company that offered the cross bolt oiling kit was called Pro Stock Engineering. I believe they also cross bolted regular FE blocks also. I don't know if they are still in busines.
Steven