Is a 390 block the same as THE 427 BLK

[sirbaker]

I was told once that the FE 390 (1968 Ranger) is the same as THE infamous 427 with some modifications. If so ,what R these mods and if not ,what was he talking about. Is a 390 awakened into anything shelby

[vernonestes]

the first gt500 originally had a 390 and so did 2196, the "flip top" cobra or "the turd"
Vern

[d_ford]

The basic outside dimensions of the block are the same for all FE's, but that's where the similarities end.

[rsimkins]

Originally Posted by d_ford

The basic outside dimensions of the block are the same for all FE's, but that's where the similarities end.

Agreed. There are many detail changes as the result of lessons learned in racing (cross bolted mains and the "side oiler" design change are probably the most significant). The final versions of the 427 were the result of their philosophy of constantly improving the breed.

[Snakepit]

Would also add that since Ford had a practice of mixing and matching FE castings when casting some blocks you can end up with some odd combinations that can lead may astray. For example the CJ blocks that used the rear casting of a 427 side oiler

Have to be careful and look at the whole picture

[rsimkins]

Throw in the marine and industrial blocks and things can get really confusing.

[sirbaker]

is there a chance that any of these odd balls made it into early model Rangers and if not how can a novice such as myself get a look at the whole picture , vin# distributer placement and what exactly is the side oiler option
thanks for guys for the 101 in shelby-oligy

[rsimkins]

Originally Posted by sirbaker

... and what exactly is the side oiler option?

I wouldn't think a 427 would have made it into a truck since they cost Ford considerably more to build. As for a larger displacement motor being installed in your truck, don't get your hopes up. I think finding a marine engine is very unlikely as most were reverse rotation. And somebody else could have put an industrial motor in the vehicle. I suppose anything is possible but I think it is most likely that you have a 390. Sorry to burst your bubble.

The original design for the FE had the camshaft bearings being fed before the mains. Racing proved this to be a poor design for this block which eventually which became known as a "center oiler". The solution was to add a passageway along the lower left side of the block to directly feed the mains first and then the cam bearings. This required special cam bearings with grooves in the number 2 and 4 positions (front to back) to supply the valve train. If you use the wrong cam bearings, you'll starve the valve train for oil. Oil to the connecting rods is supplied by the crank.