427 "cammer"

93probe_2.0 · 07-01-2009, 10:37 AM

has anyone here heard of the sohc 427 big block? it is a pretty rare engine but there are a few companies building the engine now. would it be a viable option for drag racing or should I go with a more common engine?

jake1086 · 07-02-2009, 09:22 PM

is that the one that ford built for nascars back in the day but they never let them run it?... (sorry if I'm wayyy wrong)

theoldwizard · 07-05-2009, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jake1086

is that the one that ford built for nascars back in the day but they never let them run it?... (sorry if I'm wayyy wrong)

Yes, but it "made a living" at the drag races for a long time ! (Very cool engine for its time !)

jonmark1985 · 07-03-2009, 07:06 AM

yeah, i saw an article where i guy had one built, i think it would put a budget up much higher, and the 7 foot long timing chain could be troublesome, but, it would put the cool factor through the roof

ncfurnitureman · 10-10-2009, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonmark1985

yeah, i saw an article where i guy had one built, i think it would put a budget up much higher, and the 7 foot long timing chain could be troublesome, but, it would put the cool factor through the roof

Cool factor is right I just found this picture on the web.

GalaxieJeff · 10-10-2009, 09:37 PM

Back in '97 driving home from Disney World we stopped at Big Daddys museum.
This is my daughter in front of a Cammer in a display case. I've long forgotten the story of that particular engine.

GalaxieJeff · 07-04-2009, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 93probe_2.0

has anyone here heard of the sohc 427 big block? it is a pretty rare engine but there are a few companies building the engine now. would it be a viable option for drag racing or should I go with a more common engine?

If any one hasn't heard of it, they don't deserve to drive a Ford!

Basically Ford needed to come up with something quickly as the Hemi was kicking ass on the NASCAR circuit. Rather then redesigning a new engine they decided to concentrate on much better breathing heads for their existing block.
"They", NASCAR decided things would get too out of hand and the cars would get away from their "stock car" origins so they banned all "exotic" engines including the Hemi. Thanks for nothing Bill France, Ford was pretty serious about making this an option, how close were they, my '67 shop manual lists engine codes 'L' and 'D' for a 4 bbl and dual 4bbl (respectively) SOHC engines.
There were some rare street cars ordered with it but most Cammers went to the drag strip.
Thats just a really brief description, you can find a bunch of books on it, probably even google it and find the history of the 427 Cammer.

BTW a blown Cammer in a digger was the first to hit 200 mpg and in a funny car break 9 seconds.

There are a couple around my parts, one in a 40 something pick up and the other in a '65 Galaxie.
BTW there are several aftermarket companies remaking the entire head set up, ain't cheap, there are newer better motors able to make the same power and more for a lot less money, but nothing looks as friggen awesome when you pop that hood!

93probe_2.0 · 07-09-2009, 04:06 PM

I think the motor is awesome... never got so put my eyes on one in person but would love to obtain one once I get the money

RacingtheFordguy · 07-31-2009, 09:03 PM

Your chances are very slim in obtaining one of the "cammers". Be ready to drop more than 5 figures if you find one.

I met a guy that acquired the pieces to build one, and he searched for YEARS.
The block was basically the 427 sideoiler block used in the early Shelby Cobras. I have a sideoiler in my garage I removed from a 69 flatbottom. I can send a pic if you don;t beieve me. They run great, but breakage can be expensive. They are the ONLY other Ford blocks with screw-in freeze plugs as the Boss 302.

Carroll Shelby had to build new blocks (engines)for his line of Cobras because early blocks were so scarce. Carroll Shelby - Shelby 427 FE Engine Parts and Services

5K for a block is a little steep for me.

GalaxieJeff · 07-31-2009, 11:01 PM

That $5000 is because Shelbys block is aluminum (and has his name on it!), Genesis' has iron ones for $3500. Considering these new redesigned blocks are superior in every way to the originals thats not a bad deal. Blocks at Genesis427.com
Their aluminum block is only $4695.

BTW if you really want power(and it doesn't matter if the engine type is correct for the year/model) forget the FE and go with a 460! Dollar for dollar it's a no brainer.