MustangSteve wrote:

I learned something new about my Front Edelbrock shocks...  With the car seriously lowered, the shocks are too long and bottom out internally before the suspension meets the bumpstops.  This is another drawback of the spring perches sitting 1" higher than stock with the Global West control arms.

Thanks to Ramses for coming over and lending a hand.

Sounds like it is time to pick up the Konis that Global West recommends with the kit (or at least they did when I got it 20 years ago). For whatever reason they used QA1s in the rear.

Anyway, the handling is night-and-day vs. the stock stuff. Can't wait to see the finished product.
 

Novi Rick wrote:

Are all 427's created equal?  I ask because at the show on Sunday there was a 65/66 with a 427 and no shock tower revisions. Admittedly, he had made some "adjustments" to his headers. But I didn't think it was remotely possible.

I have a couple pics if anyone is interested.

 There are lots of ways to get 427 CI including an original 427, or a modern stroker made from a 351W.  Mine takes it one step farther and uses a DART aluminum block with larger bores.  This one has 4.125" and can go larger if it ever needs a rebuild.  Stroke is 4.0".  By having larger pistons, it makes it easier on the rods since the stroke can be shorter.

This engine and header combo would have cleared the stock shock towers.  My main focus was to remove the POS from the humps on the shock towers.  I figured cutting them off and plating them flat would fix the dents and give me more room to boot.  I'll post some pics later.

I am nearing the end of the BASH THRASH with this car.  That is the phenomenon that everyone goes through when getting their car ready to go on a road trip, except I am replacing every single part under my car except the R&P unit and the rear axle.  And there is not currently ANY interior in the car.  Hey !!! I still have a few weeks!

My plan is to drive it on the Tail of the Dragon road and to Franklin and back.  My car has only missed one bash out of the 9 so far, and that was because it was in a wreck and spent way too much time in a body shop.

Novi, that appears to be a 351W based engine like mine. The COBRA 427 valve covers are available for the Windsor heads.  This pic shows my old 351W with Holman/Moody valve covers on it.  The new 427 stroker will look exactly the same, but with headers that I can actually get a wrench on all the bolts.

This pic shows an FE 390, which would be same configuration as a 427 FE.  Note the intake manifold extends under the valve covers.  FE always has the horizontal 5/8" bypass hose between the water pump and intake.

I cannot make out for sure in your picture, but it does appear to be a Windsor based stroker from what I can tell.  The RPM Air Gap intake is a clue as well.

I am more interested in his 427 fender emblems.  Got any pics showing those?  I have been collecting 427 emblems to find some that the letters fit my 289 HIPO emblems so I can do a franken-emblem.  I bought some NOS Ford 427 Torino emblems that have the same size letters.  The letters are not as pronounced as on some Chebby 427 Turbo Jet emblems that might work even better.  My first idea was to use the Scott Drake 347 emblems and cut the 4 and the 7 off and use the 2 from a 289 emblem to make a set, but Scott Drake saw fit to change the font of the letters to something totally different than the 289 emblems, so they do not match up.  Just another interesting detail of a build gone crazy.  I have alot of bucks invested in the emblems and it still might not work.  In the meantime, I ordered a jeweler's saw to make very precision metal cuts.

Last edited by MustangSteve (8/12/2013 8:27 PM)

CraigMBA wrote:

Steve:

Please look closely at the pictures of Novi Rick's shocks.  See the spacers on the mounting studs between the car and the bracket?  That fixes your shock too long/wheel travel issue.

Good luck with the thrash.

 Yep, there are definitely spacers under the outer shock mount bracket holes - eagle eyes Craig!

I did consider spacers, Craig.  I just prefer not to use them.  Youcan also add a spacer between the shock itself and the top of the shock mount.  Alot easier that way.  Two short lengths of tubing and two longer bolts.

I loved the way my Edelbrock shocks rode.  Out of all the different shocks I had on my car, they were the best ride.  But I could never get my arms around the fact they install upside down, with the "big end" at the top.  So, they are getting replaced with Bilsteins.

MustangSteve wrote:

I did consider spacers, Craig.  I just prefer not to use them.  Youcan also add a spacer between the shock itself and the top of the shock mount.  Alot easier that way.  Two short lengths of tubing and two longer bolts.

I loved the way my Edelbrock shocks rode.  Out of all the different shocks I had on my car, they were the best ride.  But I could never get my arms around the fact they install upside down, with the "big end" at the top.  So, they are getting replaced with Bilsteins.

 

Liftgate struts are made to have the big end at the top, to keep the seal at the bottom lubricated to help them last longer. Turn one over, let the oil run away from the seal and it won't last long.
Don't ask me how I know this....
Maybe the Ebrock shocks use the same principle?

Boy have I got a lot to learn