Ford 427 Side Oiler Glossary

Here is a complete and clear list of the main components of a Ford 427 Side Oiler engine, with a short definition for each 👇

Block & Bottom End

▪ Engine block (Side Oiler): Cast iron block with a priority side oiling system feeding the crankshaft main bearings first, ensuring reliability at high RPM.

▪ Crankshaft: Main shaft that converts the pistons’ linear motion into rotational motion.

▪ Connecting rods: Link the pistons to the crankshaft and transmit combustion forces.

▪ Forged pistons: Moving parts inside the cylinders that compress the air/fuel mixture before ignition.

▪ Piston rings: Rings that ensure sealing between the piston and the cylinder, preventing oil and compression leaks.

▪ Crankshaft and connecting rod bearings: Soft metal bearing shells that reduce friction between rotating components.

▪ Oil pan: Lower reservoir of the engine that holds the lubricating oil.

▪ Oil pump: Circulates oil to all critical areas of the engine.

▪ Oil filter: Traps impurities present in the engine oil.

Top End (Cylinder Heads & Valvetrain)

▪ Cylinder heads: House the valves, combustion chambers, and intake/exhaust ports.

▪ Valves: Control the intake of the air/fuel mixture and the exhaust of burnt gases.

▪ Valve springs: Keep the valves closed between each cycle.

▪ Camshaft: Controls the opening and closing of the valves via the lifters.

▪ Lifters (tappets): Transmit motion from the camshaft to the pushrods.

▪ Pushrods: Connect the lifters to the rocker arms.

▪ Rocker arms: Pivoting arms that open the valves by pressing on the valve stems.

▪ Valve covers: Protect the rocker arms and retain lubricating oil.

Intake & Fuel System

▪ Intake manifold: Distributes the air/fuel mixture to each cylinder.

▪ Holley 750 cfm carburetor: Precisely mixes and meters air and fuel.

▪ Phenolic spacer: Insulating spacer that reduces heat transfer to the carburetor.

▪ Air filter: Prevents particles from entering the intake system.

▪ Mechanical fuel pump: Supplies pressurized fuel to the carburetor.

▪ Fuel filters: Trap impurities contained in the fuel.

Ignition System

▪ Ignition distributor (MSD 8594): Sends the spark to the correct cylinder at the correct time.

▪ Ignition coil (MSD Blaster 2): Converts the battery’s low voltage into high voltage.

▪ Spark plugs: Produce the spark that ignites the air/fuel mixture.

▪ MSD 6AL ignition control box: Electronically manages ignition timing and spark energy.

Cooling & Lubrication

▪ Radiator (Fluidyne): Dissipates heat from the engine coolant.

▪ Water pump (FlowKooler): Circulates coolant through the engine and radiator.

▪ Thermostat: Regulates engine temperature by opening or closing coolant flow.

▪ Oil cooler: Cools the engine oil to maintain optimal viscosity.

▪ Oil thermostat sandwich plate: Routes oil to the cooler only above a set temperature.