Ford 427 Vs 427 SOHC: Unleashing the Beast – A Comprehensive Comparison
Ford 427 Vs 427 SOHC: Unleashing the Beast – A Comprehensive Comparison
The Ford 427 and 427 SOHC are two of the most iconic engines in the history of American muscle cars. While the 427 is a legendary big-block V8, the 427 SOHC, also known as the Cammer, is a unique and powerful single overhead cam engine. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of these two engines, their design and features, and compare their specifications and performance.
Introduction to the Ford 427 and 427 SOHC
The Ford 427 was first introduced in 1965 as a big-block V8 engine, designed to compete with Chrysler’s Hemi engines in the world of NASCAR. The 427 SOHC, on the other hand, was developed in the early 1960s as a single overhead cam engine, featuring a unique cam-in-block design. Although the 427 SOHC was intended to be a game-changer in the world of stock car racing, it ultimately failed to achieve the success that Ford had hoped for.
Design and Dimensions
The Ford 427 and 427 SOHC have distinct design and dimensional characteristics. The 427 is a big-block V8 engine, featuring a cross-plane crankshaft and a pushrod-actuated valve train. The 427 SOHC, on the other hand, features a single overhead cam and a cam-in-block design, which allows for a more compact and lightweight engine.
| Engine | Displacement | Bore and Stroke |
|---|---|---|
| Ford 427 | 427 cubic inches | 4.23 x 3.98 inches |
| Ford 427 SOHC | 427 cubic inches | 4.23 x 3.98 inches |
Feature Comparison
The Ford 427 and 427 SOHC have distinct feature sets, reflecting their different design philosophies. The 427 is a big-block V8 engine, featuring a two-barrel carburetor and a four-speed manual transmission. The 427 SOHC, on the other hand, features a single overhead cam and a four-barrel carburetor, as well as a four-speed manual transmission.
| Engine | Valve Train | Carburetor |
|---|---|---|
| Ford 427 | Pushrod-actuated | Two-barrel |
| Ford 427 SOHC | Single overhead cam | Four-barrel |
Engine Specifications
The Ford 427 and 427 SOHC have distinct engine specifications, reflecting their different design and feature sets. The 427 is a big-block V8 engine, featuring a compression ratio of 11.0:1 and a horsepower rating of 425 horsepower. The 427 SOHC, on the other hand, features a single overhead cam and a compression ratio of 12.0:1, as well as a horsepower rating of 510 horsepower.
| Engine | Compression Ratio | Horsepower Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Ford 427 | 11.0:1 | 425 horsepower |
| Ford 427 SOHC | 12.0:1 | 510 horsepower |
Price Comparison
The Ford 427 and 427 SOHC have distinct price points, reflecting their different design, features, and engine specifications. The 427 is a big-block V8 engine, featuring a base price of around $5,000. The 427 SOHC, on the other hand, features a single overhead cam and a base price of around $10,000.
| Engine | Base Price | Premium Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ford 427 | $5,000 | $7,000 |
| Ford 427 SOHC | $10,000 | $15,000 |
Conclusion
The Ford 427 and 427 SOHC are two unique and powerful engines, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. While the 427 is a big-block V8 engine, featuring a pushrod-actuated valve train and a four-speed manual transmission, the 427 SOHC is a single overhead cam engine, featuring a cam-in-block design and a four-barrel carburetor. Ultimately, the choice between these two engines will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Ford 427 and 427 SOHC:
- Q: What is the difference between the Ford 427 and 427 SOHC? A: The Ford 427 is a big-block V8 engine, while the 427 SOHC is a single overhead cam engine.
- Q: Which engine is more powerful, the Ford 427 or 427 SOHC? A: The 427 SOHC is more powerful, with a horsepower rating of 510 horsepower compared to the 427’s 425 horsepower.
- Q: What is the base price of the Ford 427? A: The base price of the Ford 427 is around $5,000.
- Q: What is the base price of the Ford 427 SOHC? A: The base price of the Ford 427 SOHC is around $10,000.
- Q: Which engine is more rare, the Ford 427 or 427 SOHC? A: The 427 SOHC is more rare, with only a limited number of units produced.
- Q: Can I install a Ford 427 SOHC in my classic car? A: Yes, but it will require significant modifications to the engine compartment and transmission.
- Q: Is the Ford 427 SOHC a reliable engine? A: The 427 SOHC is a reliable engine, but it requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance.
- Q: Can I purchase a new Ford 427 SOHC engine? A: No, the 427 SOHC is no longer in production, but you can purchase a rebuilt or used engine from a reputable supplier.
- Q: What is the fuel efficiency of the Ford 427 SOHC? A: The fuel efficiency of the 427 SOHC is around 10-12 miles per gallon, depending on the application and driving conditions.
- Q: Can I install a turbo-petrol system on my Ford 427 SOHC? A: Yes, but it will require significant modifications to the engine and fuel system.
