428 irrigation pumps and parts coming up for auction (not mine)

[AlanCasida]

Does anyone know the percent likelihood that any of these irrigation units would actually be elusive 427 centeroilers? There are FE legends that a rare few were 427 cubic inch with 4.23" bores.

Wouldn't it be fun to purchase one of these engine units and win the 427 industrial engine lottery? 427 industrial motors are a real thing, but aren't they considered a fluke unicorn in irrigation motor applications?

Clark Coe

I happen to have a 427 block that came from an irrigation pump in western Kansas. The block was cast as a side oiler but machined as a center oiler and machined to accept hydraulic lifters. It was also cast for crossbolt main caps but machined as a two bolt block.   

[thatdarncat]

Does anyone know the percent likelihood that any of these irrigation units would actually be elusive 427 centeroilers? There are FE legends that a rare few were 427 cubic inch with 4.23" bores.

Wouldn't it be fun to purchase one of these engine units and win the 427 industrial engine lottery? 427 industrial motors are a real thing, but aren't they considered a fluke unicorn in irrigation motor applications?

Clark Coe

Jay Brown documented a few 427 industrial blocks a few years ago on the forum here, you can find the thread with a search. Each block had some different characteristics, but definitely 427’s. I don’t remember for sure without going back to look, but I think the owner said they were from irrigation units.

[AlanCasida]

I watched them all bid out today and they averaged around $1700. The parts, cranks and pistons, went for $2500.

[thatdarncat]

I watched them all bid out today and they averaged around $1700. The parts, cranks and pistons, went for $2500.

That was a pretty good jump in bid on the last day, which of course is typical for an auction. I had checked yesterday to see where they were at. It will be interesting to see if it’s anyone here that bought one, or more. A person would assume it was a FE enthusiast, hammer price seems like more than they would go for as just well used farm equipment.

[fomocoloco]

i bought 2. we'll see if i paid too much when i pick them up. prices are up like everything else. a friend wanted a run stand. i'll try not to catch his bow tie disease.

jim

[thatdarncat]

i bought 2. we'll see if i paid too much when i pick them up. prices are up like everything else. a friend wanted a run stand. i'll try not to catch his bow tie disease.

jim

Cool. If you want come back and revisit this topic when you check them over and let us know what you find, and what kind of condition they were in. Thanks.

[AlanCasida]

i bought 2. we'll see if i paid too much when i pick them up. prices are up like everything else. a friend wanted a run stand. i'll try not to catch his bow tie disease.

jim

Cool. I'd be interested in seeing what they are like too.

[fomocoloco]

i got them home.one ran this summer. it is not stuck and is full of oil. the other has bearing out of the water pump but looks to be complete.  make nice test stands for an FE. would be nice to have a neutral balance flywheel as the detroit balance that is in there.

jim