Ford 427 Side Oiler Big Block – Technical Specifications

THE engine is a Ford 427 Side Oiler from the Ford FE (Ford-Edsel) engine family, produced between 1958 and 1976. More specifically, this C5AE-H engine block is a 1966 Shelby model, highly sought after for its strength and racing heritage.

The Ford 427 Side Oiler engine, the heart of this AC Cobra ERA, is a legendary powerplant developed for NASCAR competition in the 1960s. With its 7-liter displacement and “Side Oiler” architecture, it provides enhanced lubrication, ideal for high cornering loads and sustained high-RPM operation.

Engine Block

• Type: Ford FE 427 Side Oiler

• Material: Cast iron

• Bore x Stroke: 4.23” x 3.78” (107.44 mm x 96.01 mm)

• Displacement: 7.0 L (427 cu in)

• Side Oiler system: Improved side oiling for high-performance use

• Main bearing caps: Reinforced 4-bolt caps on the three center mains

• Casting number: C5AE-H (1965 Shelby)

Crankshaft

• Material: Forged steel

• Rod journals: 2.749” (69.8 mm)

• Main journals: 2.998” (76.2 mm)

• Balancing: Internal

• Stroke: 3.78” (96.01 mm)

Connecting Rods

• Type: Performance H-beam

• Length: 6.49” (165 mm)

• Material: 4340 forged steel

• Rod journal diameter: 2.749” (69.8 mm)

Pistons

• Type: High-performance forged

• Material: 2618 aluminum alloy

• Diameter: 4.23” (107.4 mm)

• Compression ratio: ~10.5:1

Camshaft – Crane Cams 341191 replaced with a Comp Cams 274H

• Type: Mechanical (solid) camshaft

• Valve lift:

• Intake: 0.563” (14.3 mm)

• Exhaust: 0.587” (14.9 mm)

• Advertised duration (@0.014”):

• Intake: 300°

• Exhaust: 310°

• Duration (@0.050”):

• Intake: 238°

• Exhaust: 248°

• Lobe separation angle:

• Intake: 109°

• Exhaust: 119°

• Recommended operating range:

• Minimum: 3,000 rpm

• Maximum: 6,500 rpm

• Valve float: 7,000 rpm

Cylinder Heads

• Type: Aluminum Medium Riser

• Material: Aluminum (weight reduction and improved heat dissipation)

• Combustion chambers: 76 cc

• Valve sizes:

• Intake: 2.19” (55.6 mm)

• Exhaust: 1.72” (43.7 mm)

• Valve springs: CRANE 99893 dual springs

• Seat pressure: 120 lbs @ 1.875”

• Open pressure: 328 lbs @ 1.335”

• Rocker arm ratio: 1.76

Intake System

• Intake manifold: Aluminum Medium Riser

• Carburetor: HOLLEY 750 cfm double-pumper, 4-barrel

• Air filter: Super Flow 14 x 3”

Ignition System

• Ignition control box: MSD Digital 6AL

• Distributor: MSD 8594 (with cast-iron gear)

• Ignition coil: MSD Blaster 2 (8202)

• Spark plug wires: MSD 8.5 mm Super Conductor

Lubrication System

• Oil pump: MELLING M-57HV racing (high-volume)

• Oil filter: K&N 3001 high-performance

• Oil cooler: External

• Engine oil: Valvoline VR1 Racing 20W50 (designed for high temperature and pressure applications)

Exhaust System

• Headers: “4 into 1” stainless steel headers

• Side pipes: Straight-through pipes for sound and performance

Cooling system

Your engine generates a tremendous amount of heat and requires highly efficient cooling. Here are the key components:

Water Pump – FlowKooler 1642

• Type: High-performance, optimized-flow pump

• Material: Aluminum

• Special feature: Modified impeller for improved low-RPM flow

• Flow rate: 30% higher than a standard pump

Radiator

• Type: High-capacity aluminum

• Capacity: 2.5 to 3 gallons (~9–11 liters)

• Fan: Dual-speed electric fan

• Thermostat: 180°F (82°C) for controlled warm-up and temperature regulation

Expansion Tank

• Type: Polished aluminum

• Capacity: 1 liter

• Function: Absorbs coolant expansion under high-temperature conditions

Oil Circuit

• Oil cooler: Installed to prevent overheating during aggressive driving

• Oil pump: MELLING M-57HV high-volume pump

• Assisted cooling: The oil cooler removes heat from the engine oil and dissipates it

Coolant

• Type: Motul Auto Cool Essential

• Additive: Red Line Water Wetter (reduces operating temperature by 10–15°C)