I am thinking of buying a Chris Craft with two Ford/Lincoln (?) 427cid 300HP engines but I am not sure parts are readily available for this engine since it is so old. Does anyone know if there a readily available source of parts for these engines and, if so, where I can contact them?
All the internal parts are available to the machine shops around the world. If they need bearings, for instance, there are numerous places they can call to readily obtain bearings. Pistons for some of the models are hard to find, the 427 Ford is one example and most people use custom pistons. This sounds bad but it really isn't, because the motor is so well known, that most suppliers are familiar with what custom dimensions work, etc. They just don't keep a large stock of pistons around sitting on the shelf for the 427 overbores, for instance.
The engines are so durable, the good news is you probably won't need to see the inside of one. All the valve gear, heads, rocker assembly, etc. should be available. Marine equipment is another issue, but there are good sources for just about anything you may need. You won’t be able to pick some of this out of a catalog, but you can still get everything. Risers (and exhaust manifolds) are some of the parts that take a little time, but probably no longer time than dialing Robert at Chris Craft Parts or Dan Cook at Dan Cook Chris Craft Parts.
In addition, there is a huge aftermarket supply for these engines now days due to the fact that they’re still recognized as powerhouses and historical icons. There are several organizations out there who support the vintage boating hobby, such as Chris Craft Antique Boat Club, and they presently have a pair of 427 motors, transmissions, and all marine equipment for sale, I think the pair is offered for $5000.
So to answer your question, “yes”. Parts are available.
$1,425.00 Typical Basic Kit contains:
Overhaul Gasket set
Pin fitted pistons
Piston ring set
Main bearing set
Rod bearings
Cam bearing set
Timing chain & gear set
Valve lifters
Oil pump or kit
Valve locks
Freeze plug set
4 oz. Battle pre-lube
i debated this same point when i was looking to purchase my boat 6 years ago. will you be able to walk into a worst marine or pep boys and buy parts? most likely not, althought the looks you get from the clerks are entertaining. (are you sure it's not a 427 chevy?) but with help from sites like this and others you will get everything you need delivered to you're door. big ticket items like risers and manifolds can also be found, but will cost you more than the typical 454 chevy parts. if you don't do the work yourself another point to consider would be finding a mechanic familiar with the 427's. hope this helps
Here are photos of my motors " as purchased " 12 years ago.
October 5 2007, 8:43 AM
What may look bad, may actually turn out to be a perfectly running motor. My motors have been gone over, new impellers, new fuel pumps, rebuilt distributors, Pertronix ignition, rebuilt carbs, new filters, synthetic oil, a very needed valve adjustment, and of course a complete paint job, and they're now eager to run and they run very well, indeed.
Here's a rather old photo of that same engine, after someone who cared got a chance to work on it a while.
I might add, that the previous owner had lost interest in the boat over a period of years, and it showed. Not much TLC had been given anytime recently. The one motor ran and actually sounded okay, but it was running on 7 cylinders. I didn't know at the time, but one cylinder had the valves so poorly set, there was no compression in that cylinder at all. After running the boat and experiencing some backfire problems, I did a compression test and to my amazement, one cylinder registered zero. Checking the valve adjustment showed why! One valve was so poorly set, it was being held open.
After tending to the sins of the previous owner, adding the proper plugs, new caps, filters, cleaned up the carbs internally, valve adjustment, and good oil, these big dogs sure seemed a LOT happier. They continue to run as though they will outlast me !! So far they've outlasted several other owners!!
The initial fear of a motor rebuild for the new boat owner takes a while to subside. I sure had it, but now after 12 years of running time, these darn things show no signs of weakness at all. It is quite amazing how they will respond with care. Some of the motors we'll likely encounter out there on the used boat market were not well cared for, the owners used cheap oil, ran them hot, didn't tend to issues, and those motors may not have fared as well due to the poor maintenance and operating conditions. I use the example of Todd Heinrich's 38 Express, which had something like 2700 well cared-for hours, and he took his family on a 700-mile cruise to the UP and back from South Haven. That's an indication of how the 427 will perform over the long haul if well cared for. The boat brought top dollar at a recent sale, and I suspect the engines will continue to run well for the new owner.
Paul
This message has been edited by FEfinaticP on Oct 5, 2007 8:48 AM
Here is what you need, and it didn't come off the desk from a philosopher, it came from a hands-on application with a LOT of experience in maintaining and running a pair of 427 motors on Lake Erie. I took the advice and got the wires for my boat, and I think the advice is sound.
Check out these threads, and the copied post below from Tim Toth, who still holds the record for the nicest looking original 427 marine motors, and also the nicest starting motors I've experienced. Yes, I know there are others, but I adequately qualified my statement, lol.
One thing is for sure: If you use the recommended wires, you will eliminate plug wires from being a potential problem with the performance of your motors.
I purchase my caps and rotors from Summit Racing / 3 locations/ Las Vegas , Atlanta or Tallmadge , Ohio. 1-800-230-3030 .
The plug wires I purchase from Splitfire direct ,( Old World Industries ) . 1-800-477-5847 , part # ws-8100 , they are out of inventory stock at present but will place your order and ship direct to you .
The wire set`s are a direct bolt on , no modification needed but the dist cap ends are 90 degree instead of straight , just rotate the position for clearance .
What are the ohm readings of your plug wires at present ?
If you are not getting spark to various cylinders you may have a BAD plug also .
Tim i have some old aqua power wires that leak i looked at accel wires they have a good spiral core i just redone the heads cam and 1 piston on my port motor i had bought new Mallory distributor from summit but i did not care for the plug wire selection ...Chris
hello Paul thanks for all the great info. one more question do you no of any suppliers for the stickers on the valve covers 427 300 hp thanks again .chris
Paul is right, the parts are certainly out there for all the marine pumps, distributors, carbs, anything you need. You can NOT expect to find this stuff, however, at the local auto parts discount outlet.
If your motors are 300 hp, they are the Ford 427. If they are 275 hp, they are the Lincoln motors.
So far they've outlasted several other owners!!