351/427 engine build

[BadBird]

I am building a new engine for my 63 1/2 Falcon gasser. It will be almost identical to the engine built here on Power Nation. https://youtu.be/rRlKrWxqJZ8?si=cGteSD049uBQyuNP
I have the DSS level 20 block, Eagle 427 balanced forged crank, rods and DSS pistons. Cam is back ordered with roller lifters. AFR 205 heads. Holley Hi-Ram intake on it's way. Carbs to come soon.
What I will need soon is a Cam degree wheel. If anyone has one I can borrow?? Larry

[Jeff W]

Glad to see progress on your project.

[BadBird]

I now have everything to build my 427 except for the oil pan. Not sure of front or rear pump location until I get the front suspension on this gasser. As most of you who know me, I sold my 64 Falcon called "Bad Bird" to a guy in Syracuse N.Y. a while back. I have been looking for vinyl decals for this 63 for another Badbird look. Lots of suggestions but I finally found what I was looking for. A young lady has restoration and painting business in Ohio. Here are some pics of what will be on sides and maybe smaller decals on back? 462556938_582237857856763_6882212300534949274_n.jpg466698040_989729052983648_4637235758158709123_n.jpg

[pbrown]

I have a cam degree wheel. You can pick it up in Ballard or I can ship it to you.

[BadBird]

Thanks for the offer Pat, I bought one the other day. I really appreciate the opportunity. Larry

[BadBird]

Do any of you engine builders have specific location data for the oil galley plugs on a 351 Windsor block. I have read numerous articles, but none seem to show the exact locations of the screw in and press in plugs. If you have pics or info I would appreciate it. Right now, I have all the parts to build this 427 less the oil pan. I will show pics of the build process in action. Larry

[pbrown]

[pbrown]

There is a press in plug at the top rear of the block below the intake. Some will mod this and put a pin across the top to ensure it stays where it belongs.

Some on the front plugs are press in. Depends on block. They can optionally be tapped for 1/4" plugs.

I think there are three at the rear.

[BadBird]

Thanks Pat. There are three plugs on the other end of the block also, right?? Did you drill and tap the ones in your block? The big one in the manifold area is the one I forgot on my 347 and had to take the engine apart. I have seen where guys stake in that plug. Is that your pic above? I think I have the tap in my collection. Thanks again. Larry

[Luva65wagon]

I finally got back into the forum. Yay. I believe there are only 1/4" NPT plugs in the 351W - front and rear of the block. There is the upper one on the top behind the intake which is press-in, but other than the core plugs, which are press-in and those at the ends of the heads, I don't think there are any others.

[BadBird]

Welcome back Roger. I went out and looked at the DSS block because it came with a small bag of plugs and locators. In the bag were six 1/4" NPT plugs and one that is also threaded for the plug location in the top of the block. Then I finally checked the block itself and all the locations are threaded. No one accused me of being smart. The block also has threaded freeze plug locations. Just trying to clean up my garage so I can start building this thing. More to come, soon I hope. Larry

[Luva65wagon]

Threaded freeze plug locations? Wow, just like the racing engine of old. Like the Boss motors? But, did they provide those plugs too? Were these done mostly to eliminate the expulsion of a freeze plug on a race track?

[BadBird]

The block came with the threaded freeze plugs installed. Don't know of any other reason to install all the oil galley plugs and freeze plugs except to prevent blow out. I had to wait a long time for the level 20 351/427 block. They don't even advertise them on their site now. When I talked to them, they said decent roller blocks were getting hard to find and it was making their costs too high. The machine work looks great, don't know how the crank bearing fit will be, but I will be measuring that real close. Larry