Every thing I`ve read says that 390-428s must have the bores notched to prevent the valves from hitting the clyinder walls. Factor in your valve lift and I think its right on advice. Just becarefull when notching and don`t overdo it. 

The 427 fits in and looks like they belong there, I know cause I have one in my 56 F100. I had to remove the frt spring rear crossmember and refab it for clearence for my tranny and header clearence. The rear window kit fits nicely except the rear chrome is not quite right but some work will make it fit. I plan on installing one in my 56 cabover soon too,

Doug, get me your phone # and I`ll call you on the FT parts. Garry

You have a Crites rad, what is the number of rows in the fins? Myself I would go with the biggest number of tubes you can get in the same size core.  In my 56 F100 I have a radiator from a F750 the same yr, It is a couple of inches taller and 1/2" widwer but fits in the core support as the trucks were the same core support size. It runs at 185-190 and cools the 427 just fine. Also no shroud.

Jay, just a thought, if a front cover could be designed that would`nt need to come off of the engine cam changes would be a breeze. This would complment the manifold. And yes I would be intrested in the manifold if you go into production either way.

Jay if you do get to Wright Patterson look at the X planes. My wifes grandfather was working at Bell Areo Space during the development of those planes. He kept silent about them except to say that he had helped in there development.  If you notice they are all hanging except for the X15. We were told there are some secrets in the hanging aircraft that won`t be declasified for several more yrs.

Eric, you can drill a standard set of covers, I`ve done it several times. I used brake tubing and drilled the hole undersize . Just tapped the tube in and never had any problem, you could also Loctite it in for added security.

Jay, what make is the block? From the looks of the liners I think you may have a poraisty(sp) problem? Are the bores siamised?  I know that I had a John Deere diesel that filled with water and couldn`t figure ouy why untill the liners were pulled and found the bottoms were ate from electrolis and ruined the oring seals at the bottom. I`m surprised the liners don`t have a bottom seal. This would elimanite a water leak if the block is poris. Just some thoughts. Garry (GJCAT427)