Author Topic: The FE gods have smiled down upon me. (Read 15057 times)

turbohunter · « **on:** July 13, 2020, 01:07:31 PM »

This kind of stuff doesn’t happen to me.
As some of you may know I’ve been cautiously looking for a 428 for my wagon as the 428 was replaced by a 390. Fair enough.
Frankly the prices for 428 stuff is pretty up there so I wasn’t holding much hope.
The other day a friend sent me a CL add for a 428 that was fairly close to me. I called the gentleman and had a nice conversation. It was his dads engine from a truck but the engine was a 428 from probably a large car. Although he did say there was a rumor it came out of a Shelby.
Fat chance. Besides I only need a 428. Any will do.
So I went out to check it out. It had 8 bolt logs on the exhaust and a truck oil filter adapter. But I measured the stroke and sure enough it was a 428. So I gave the man his money and loaded it up. It had a flywheel and plate on it so I couldn’t see the back of the engine.
This morning I cleaned it off and started checking numbers.
I’ll just show you the pix and you’ll get it.
Oh BTW (and I’m gloating now) $700

thatdarncat · « **Reply #1 on:** July 13, 2020, 01:20:18 PM »

Nice score. By any chance is there a partial VIN stamped on either the pad on the rear drivers side of the block, or on the cylinder heads? Sometimes it’s real faint. Just curious.

blykins · « **Reply #2 on:** July 13, 2020, 01:25:05 PM »

Nice.

Gregwill16 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 13, 2020, 01:31:58 PM »

Oh wow great score! What is the date on the intake and block?

turbohunter · « **Reply #4 on:** July 13, 2020, 01:34:44 PM »

Quote from: thatdarncat on July 13, 2020, 01:20:18 PM

Nice score. By any chance is there a partial VIN stamped on either the pad on the rear drivers side of the block, or on the cylinder heads? Sometimes it’s real faint. Just curious.

It’s clean Kevin.
Doesn’t look like it’s been struck at all.

turbohunter · « **Reply #5 on:** July 13, 2020, 01:42:52 PM »

Here’s the block and intake dates

WConley · « **Reply #6 on:** July 13, 2020, 01:53:01 PM »

I'd say that's seven Benjamins well spent!

turbohunter · « **Reply #7 on:** July 13, 2020, 02:01:05 PM »

Indeed Mr. Conley, I’m over the moon right now.

Anybody have an idea about this?

chilly460 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 13, 2020, 02:23:23 PM »

Damn, thought I did ok picking up a standard 428 shortblock for $600, you killed it!

turbohunter · « **Reply #9 on:** July 13, 2020, 02:25:50 PM »

You did do well.
That’s what’s killing me about this deal

gt350hr · « **Reply #10 on:** July 13, 2020, 03:31:46 PM »

Looking at "old guy" and pick up truck , make me think the capped fitting is the return line fo a "Frantz" brand aftermarket oil filter , popular with the "camper" groups. It was a remote mount , toilet paper filter for engine oil.

428 GALAXIE · « **Reply #11 on:** July 13, 2020, 04:13:39 PM »

Good catch

blykins · « **Reply #12 on:** July 13, 2020, 04:43:56 PM »

I'll give you $710 for it.

machoneman · « **Reply #13 on:** July 13, 2020, 04:52:56 PM »

Quote from: blykins on July 13, 2020, 04:43:56 PM

I'll give you $710 for it.

Hah! I raise you $25 to $735......and call your bluff!!!!!!!!

jayb · « **Reply #14 on:** July 13, 2020, 05:00:24 PM »

Gonna be a helluva wagon with that motor...

On the rare occasion when I would get that lucky, one of my friends would always say, "Even a blind hog finds an acorn every now and then.." LOL!

turbohunter · « **Reply #15 on:** July 13, 2020, 05:09:29 PM »

Quote from: jayb on July 13, 2020, 05:00:24 PM

On the rare occasion when I would get that lucky, one of my friends would always say, "Even a blind hog finds an acorn every now and then.." LOL!

I almost used that for the thread name

475fetoploader · « **Reply #16 on:** July 13, 2020, 10:05:38 PM »

I must say congrats! Nice find.

cammerfe · « **Reply #17 on:** July 13, 2020, 10:16:21 PM »

Quote from: machoneman on July 13, 2020, 04:52:56 PM

Quote from: blykins on July 13, 2020, 04:43:56 PM
I'll give you $710 for it.

Hah! I raise you $25 to $735......and call your bluff!!!!!!!!

To be absolutely fair, both you guys should also offer to split the shipping costs with him.

KS

Gregwill16 · « **Reply #18 on:** July 14, 2020, 06:21:02 AM »

Wow that thing has stayed together its whole life. To be honest Marc I would offer that up for a 68.5 or Shelby guy for about $7k. That is where it belongs and you could pick up a regular 428 and have plenty of $ left over to build a better engine.

6667fan · « **Reply #19 on:** July 14, 2020, 07:09:31 AM »

Smashing!
Did you get the carb also? Even without it a great score. Are both heads dated the 13th? Seems like that was a common date for the early CJ heads. What is the letter on the intake, the pic is cut off.
Wow!

JB

turbohunter · « **Reply #20 on:** July 14, 2020, 09:30:37 AM »

Had an Ed carb on it.
Last letter on intake is C
Greg I’ve thought about that. And you’re right. BUT....The FE gods smiled down onto me

My brother has a ‘69 with reinforced towers that he has had in rebuild state for many years and not able to get to it. That’s an option. Maybe I could buy it off of him.
Me finding one myself is an option.
But you’re correct, now that it’s more than a regular 428 it’s not something to sneeze at.

Edit
Now if I can get the damn exhaust bolts out without breaking them.

gdaddy01 · « **Reply #21 on:** July 14, 2020, 09:38:24 AM »

glad for you

turbohunter · « **Reply #22 on:** July 14, 2020, 09:42:56 AM »

Thank you but as you can see it brings up some moral questions. To a point.
Funny you ask about the carb. The first thing I thought about that was how many carbs I’d have to get together to trade Drew for one.

turbohunter · « **Reply #23 on:** July 14, 2020, 01:50:12 PM »

Got the logs off.
Let ‘em soak over night then hit ‘em with heat. Did pretty good but not perfect. I broke 3 tops all on one side but I’m calling that a win.
Have some good flat surface for drilling. Also someone tried drilling out before and didn’t get far so I have four to take out.
Had a resident at some point too.

turbohunter · « **Reply #24 on:** July 16, 2020, 03:05:31 PM »

Well it took an entire morning but all bolt holes have been drilled out and no threads were harmed in the process. My hands are gonna be sore tonight.
The forth hole that I thought was a previous owner try at drilling a bolt out turned out to be mud.
It always amazes me how those damn threads can weld themselves in there. None would spin out. Had to use rev bits/forward bits/picks/taps/hammer/extractors etc. to get them out. Broke three tap holders.
But they’re out.

jayb · « **Reply #25 on:** July 16, 2020, 03:12:32 PM »

So, have your plans for this engine firmed up? It would be cool to keep it stockish, maybe with a slightly hotter cam, find a set of 428CJ exhaust manifolds and plop it in your wagon. What a sleeper LOL!

turbohunter · « **Reply #26 on:** July 16, 2020, 04:01:58 PM »

I have everyone in my family looking for an appropriate mustang but not in a hurry and can’t spend like a drunken sailor.
I may know where to get some exhaust manifolds.
Then there’s my brothers car which may come into play.
But I’m not in a hurry.
I think the plan is to freshen it up and maybe a new roller. Wouldn’t mind hearing ideas on that. Then plop it in the wagon for now and while it’s in the wagon I’ll turn that 390 into a 428 to meet the fender badge criteria. And have that available for the wagon if we can find a mustang.
But along with that I have a year to retire then Nanc and I are planing to exit Calif. to Tenn. so I’m not in a hurry.

machoneman · « **Reply #27 on:** July 16, 2020, 04:22:04 PM »

Quote from: turbohunter on July 16, 2020, 03:05:31 PM

Well it took an entire morning but all bolt holes have been drilled out and no threads were harmed in the process. My hands are gonna be sore tonight.
The forth hole that I thought was a previous owner try at drilling a bolt out turned out to be mud.
It always amazes me how those damn threads can weld themselves in there. None would spin out. Had to use rev bits/forward bits/picks/taps/hammer/extractors etc. to get them out. Broke three tap holders.
But they’re out.

Nice but hard work! Be sure to use lotsa anti-seize on those new bolts.

turbohunter · « **Reply #28 on:** July 16, 2020, 04:35:06 PM »

I’m an anti seize junkie Bob.

Thumperbird · « **Reply #29 on:** July 16, 2020, 06:33:41 PM »

OK, I'llsay it, for us lesser mortals what am I looking at here?

turbohunter · « **Reply #30 on:** July 16, 2020, 07:01:51 PM »

HAH you are a brave man Mr. Bird
Kudos
It’s a ‘68 or ‘69 Cobra Jet motor. It may have come out of a Mustang CJ, or a Shelby KR. Maybe even a Torino (?). The man I bought it from said there is a rumor of a Shelby. I told him that was not very likely. I was wrong.
What do you guys say about the dates? To late for a ‘68?
The cool thing about it is that it appears to be almost all there. Obviously the exhaust manifolds are missing. And the carb is gone.
But it’s a darn nice gift to start with.

thatdarncat · « **Reply #31 on:** July 16, 2020, 07:18:21 PM »

Quote from: turbohunter on July 16, 2020, 07:01:51 PM

...What do you guys say about the dates? To late for a ‘68? ...

“8C”, “8D” & “8E1” I’d guess would all still be good for a 1968 model year vehicle. Is there an assembly date stamped on the front ear of the block? I’d still keep an eye out for a partial VIN, check the heads too, many 428 CJ’s were stamped on the heads instead of the block. The stamping can be really faint. Jay & I recently checked a couple ‘68 428 blocks for partial VIN’s and found them, but had to clean the area well with a wire brush.

turbohunter · « **Reply #32 on:** July 16, 2020, 07:44:43 PM »

I’ll get after it Kevin.

jayb · « **Reply #33 on:** July 16, 2020, 07:53:27 PM »

If you can find that stamped number Marc, you can contact Kevin Marti and find out what car that engine came in. It would be cool to know that for sure. Those dates could be right for a GT-500 KR late in the build year...

Heo · « **Reply #34 on:** July 16, 2020, 08:32:38 PM »

I fix broken bolts like that by taking a flatbar about 1/8 thick drill a hole in it the bolt diameter.
Countersunk the hole, drill a smal hole in the center of the bolt so it have somewhere to shrink.
Then I put the flatbar over the bolt and weld it to the bolt a good big bead and let it cool a couple
Of minutes. Then I just twist it loose with the flat bar as a tool ,success everytime

Gregwill16 · « **Reply #35 on:** July 16, 2020, 09:38:47 PM »

The original block to my June 7th Dearborn built CJ is 8E16. The dates on the 68 1/2's and KR's can be close. I would say it was most likely from a May of 68 built 68 1/2 Mustang, Torino, or a KR Shelby. My block is stamped but that seemed to be assembly plant specific detail. No matter what that was a great score and I would definitely do some digging and try to find where and what it came from. The car is most likely long gone but you never know.

cjshaker · « **Reply #36 on:** July 16, 2020, 11:41:52 PM »

Quote from: jayb on July 16, 2020, 07:53:27 PM

If you can find that stamped number Marc, you can contact Kevin Marti and find out what car that engine came in. It would be cool to know that for sure. Those dates could be right for a GT-500 KR late in the build year...

There's been more than one engine reunited with it's original car that way. But I'd guess, being in California, the car was probably totaled or damaged beyond repair for the engine to be removed. But you never know. A totaled Shelby back in '70 wasn't worth fixing, but add 20-30 years and that 'total' that's been sitting in the weeds would be resurrected almost regardless of cost.

What a great find. It'll be interesting to see its internals, to see just how unmolested it is. Great score, Marc!

427Fastback · « **Reply #37 on:** July 17, 2020, 01:14:31 AM »

Very true..My uncle bought a 69 Shelby new...The kid he sold it to wrecked it...I told him even if they find the ashtray....They will rebuild it...
Good score Marc.

turbohunter · « **Reply #38 on:** July 17, 2020, 02:43:47 PM »

Here’s the number. It’s on the back of the head.
I’m hoping that one of you guys with more knowledge of these will be able to decipher them. I can only make out the last few.
It looks to me like _ _ _ T A 7 1 8

jayb · « **Reply #39 on:** July 17, 2020, 03:51:25 PM »

The last six digits of that number are all numbers, not letters. The first two are probably "8*", I was just looking at a block that had that prefix before the six digit number. The six digit number is the consecutive serial number of the car that the engine came in. Could it be 214718? See if you can discern those numbers a little better, maybe some paint on them and then sand off the flat part, see what's left.

I will look in my SAAC registry and see if I can find a number ending in 718.

gt350hr · « **Reply #40 on:** July 17, 2020, 04:03:50 PM »

Jay ,
The second from the left ( after the obvious

would be the plant code. IMHO it looks like T ( where the '68 GT500 KR's were made , and NO 68.5 Mustangs were made) Looking more like a KR engine all the time.
Randy

turbohunter · « **Reply #41 on:** July 17, 2020, 04:15:07 PM »

Here’s a little more cleaning.
I’m scared to rub any harder.
010 T 0718? Or 01010718

475fetoploader · « **Reply #42 on:** July 17, 2020, 04:16:21 PM »

If that’s from a KR, what an incredible find! I’d put that in my living room, just so everyone that comes over would get to see American history.

turbohunter · « **Reply #43 on:** July 17, 2020, 04:29:04 PM »

Here’s a bit more and better light.

jayb · « **Reply #44 on:** July 17, 2020, 04:32:57 PM »

I just looked through the 1997 SAAC registry, which has all the serial numbers listed, and didn't see one ending in 718. For sure the first digit is 8 because that will indicate the model year. Randy is probably right that the second is a T, for the Metuchen, NJ plant. I forgot about the plant code before the star. The Metuchen plant is where the 68 Shelbys were built. But, lots of other cars were built there too. It's unfortunate that so many of these numbers are difficult to read. Here's an example of one that is readable, from a 68 Cobra Jet block that I just happen to have in stock at the moment. The number is 8P*177206:

turbohunter · « **Reply #45 on:** July 17, 2020, 04:39:31 PM »

What if it’s upside down?
Yeah it would be nice to have it readable.
I’ll try to find one on the block.

WConley · « **Reply #46 on:** July 17, 2020, 04:49:32 PM »

Quote from: turbohunter on July 17, 2020, 04:39:31 PM

What if it’s upside down?
Yeah it would be nice to have it readable.
I’ll try to find one on the block.

Bingo! If you read it upside down it looks like "8T" with a six-digit number after it. Could be "201813".

turbohunter · « **Reply #47 on:** July 17, 2020, 05:06:35 PM »

Rear driver side block pad.

WConley · « **Reply #48 on:** July 17, 2020, 05:11:16 PM »

I'm guessing assembly date code 8E6 - First shift

Gregwill16 · « **Reply #49 on:** July 17, 2020, 05:12:15 PM »

I agree looks like 8T201018 and the 8E6 is a May 6th assembly date.

turbohunter · « **Reply #50 on:** July 17, 2020, 05:57:21 PM »

My wife just looked at it upside down and said “what’s so hard, 8T201813

WConley · « **Reply #51 on:** July 17, 2020, 06:06:06 PM »

... while giving you a look like she's talking to a fourth grader.

Welcome to my world!

turbohunter · « **Reply #52 on:** July 17, 2020, 06:08:25 PM »

I’m LOLing with you.

jayb · « **Reply #53 on:** July 17, 2020, 06:41:13 PM »

WOW! From the 1997 Shelby American Auto Club World Registry, that serial number (8T02R201813) is from a 1968 GT-500 KR fastback, Shelby #2497!

Codes out as follows:

E= Acapulco Blue exterior
B= Black Interior
A=Automatic Transmission
H=15" Steel Wheels with hubcaps
N=No A/C
Y=Tilt Steering Column
E= Present color (Acapulco Blue)
5= Present condition, undergoing restoration

Notes in the back also say the following:

2497, GT-500KR. Shipped to Pletcher Ford, Inc. (Jenkintown, PA) 6/10/68. Present owners Gary& Nancy Bowman (Somas, CA) purchased the car circa 1980, from an individual who could have
been the original owner (name unknown). They sold it within a few weeks and were able to buy it back a couple years later with it's restoration already begun.

I will look at a later registry and see if there is further information on the car...

Edit: deleted the picture due to copyright concerns.

turbohunter · « **Reply #54 on:** July 17, 2020, 07:03:47 PM »

OMG
Somas is close to me.

WConley · « **Reply #55 on:** July 17, 2020, 07:08:25 PM »

I like a good detective story. This is very cool!

jayb · « **Reply #56 on:** July 17, 2020, 07:44:33 PM »

The 2014 SAAC Registry for 68-70 Shelby Mustangs says that the present owner and whereabouts of the car is unknown. The registry says the same thing about my car, though, so the previous owners may still have it. Marc, you might want to try to get in touch with the old owners, if they are still around, and see what may have happened to the car...

475fetoploader · « **Reply #57 on:** July 17, 2020, 08:42:52 PM »

This is so fun to watch unfold!

thatdarncat · « **Reply #58 on:** July 17, 2020, 08:54:45 PM »

The 2020 edition Shelby American 1968 registry that just came out this summer shows the same information, but it does note the date of last info about the car to the registrar as 12/2019, so I’d assume the current owners dropped a note saying they still had it when requests went out last year. You might want to send away for the mid-level Deluxe Marti Report at least as some fun documentation.

Gregwill16 · « **Reply #59 on:** July 17, 2020, 09:47:24 PM »

Great news! Hopefully you can track them down and make their day.

turbohunter · « **Reply #60 on:** July 17, 2020, 10:12:03 PM »

I’d rather track them down and make MY day.

Gregwill16 · « **Reply #61 on:** July 18, 2020, 08:16:17 AM »

That would be even better

Thumperbird · « **Reply #62 on:** July 18, 2020, 08:39:20 AM »

Ok, so a 428cj that is unmolested.

Sounds ike these things have some extra main webbing, better heads, I can see the manifold, what else?
Are they a 4 bolt main?

I'm curious, if one were to stroke this and freshen up the heads, maybe clean up all of the porting, in other words stock looking, moderate streetable cam, what kind of HP can a person hide unde the original skin?
Thanks.

turbohunter · « **Reply #63 on:** July 18, 2020, 08:54:05 AM »

Here’s a page for you to study.
Stock hp is stated from Ford to be 335. Actual is stated on the CJ site at 411.
No four bolt mains
Yes webbing.
https://www.428cobrajet.com/engine-info
I think the FE gurus on this site could fill you in on hopping it up better than I.

jayb · « **Reply #64 on:** July 18, 2020, 09:04:29 AM »

They are not a 4 bolt main block, but the "C" scratch on the back of the block shown in Marc's photos indicate a 428 block often used in a CJ or PI application. The four bolts around each exhaust port are unique to CJ heads. By itself, without any work, the block alone is worth >$1000, and the heads probably around $600 for the pair. Crank is probably good for $300-$400. So the fact that Marc paid $700 for the whole engine is a screaming deal. Now, add in the fact that the serial numbers stamped in the head show that it was originally from a Shelby Mustang GT-500KR, and that the original car was around as recently as 2019 according to the latest SAAC registry, and you have an extremely, extremely valuable engine to the right person. It sounds like the car may be local to Marc. If I was him, I'd be looking at two possibilities: Either sell the engine to the current owners of the car so they can put the original engine back in, or buy the car (especially if it's in pieces) and restore it. Personally, I'm not a restoration guy, but the story behind this engine is too good to pass up...

turbohunter · « **Reply #65 on:** July 18, 2020, 09:08:50 AM »

I’m going to start with the gentleman I bought it from and see if he knows these folks.
How did his father end up with that engine?
Then I’ll try to contact the folks in the registry.
It sounds like it’s a project that has come to a halt. Hopefully I can locate and snag the car.

Gregwill16 · « **Reply #66 on:** July 18, 2020, 09:58:10 AM »

Be interesting to hear how the engine was separated from the car. Maybe someone needed some cash one day or maybe someone pulled a fast one on a previous owner which supposedly happened many times years ago. My dad used to mechanic at a shop and also on the side. He's told more than one story of owners bringing in their cars that others had "worked" on and they had replaced the engine.

KMcCullah · « **Reply #67 on:** July 18, 2020, 10:20:26 AM »

Wow! Just stumbled onto this thread. What a fun and lucky FE score! Congrats Marc! Hopefully you can find the car now. Another smoking/smiling down deal could be possible if it's sitting in boxes.

WConley · « **Reply #68 on:** July 18, 2020, 10:20:40 AM »

Yes the same thing happened to my friend's 68 R-Code Cougar. The second owner took the car to a shop for an engine rebuild, and they swapped in a '66 vanilla 428. The guy didn't find out until years later when he went to sell the car.

Edit: The shop was long gone by that point. It took Tim years to collect date code-correct parts to build a new CJ. We got it running and in the car a couple of years ago.

blykins · « **Reply #69 on:** July 18, 2020, 10:25:23 AM »

This sorta thing doesn't happen too often and is a dream that only a few guys get to experience.

turbohunter · « **Reply #70 on:** July 18, 2020, 10:49:18 AM »

It is a dream, I feel very blessed.
Hey Brent, considering the moral implications of keeping the CJ intact. I would love to hear your and anyone’s ideas on freshening it up.
How far is far enough to take it? I’m thinking cam change but not much else. And I’m not even sure about the cam change.

blykins · « **Reply #71 on:** July 18, 2020, 10:52:07 AM »

This is just my opinion.........

But I wouldn't touch it. I'd put it up for sale if you can't get a hold of the owners of the car.

jayb · « **Reply #72 on:** July 18, 2020, 11:09:15 AM »

Quote from: Thumperbird on July 18, 2020, 08:39:20 AM

I'm curious, if one were to stroke this and freshen up the heads, maybe clean up all of the porting, in other words stock looking, moderate streetable cam, what kind of HP can a person hide unde the original skin?
Thanks.

Sorry, forgot to answer this part. If you added a stroker kit, 550 HP is certainly do-able with an engine like this, built as you described it.

turbohunter · « **Reply #73 on:** July 18, 2020, 11:28:12 AM »

Talked to the sellers.
Father in laws engine. The wife used to date a gentleman with a......blue Shelby.
Father in law owned a local filling station. In those days gas stations did a lot of car work.
I have the guys name. Not the same last name as the registered owners.

Gregwill16 · « **Reply #74 on:** July 18, 2020, 12:00:53 PM »

So the father in law got the man's girlfriend and Shelby engine lol!?

Tommy-T · « **Reply #75 on:** July 18, 2020, 01:23:27 PM »

This kind of thing was relatively common in the late '70's going into the '80's.

Nothing sinister going on, the owner of the GT500 probably wanted to make his Shelby run. So he had a 427 or a derivative installed and was happy as a clam. Sold the CJ motor and got some money back. No big deal.

When I was a teenager and into my 20's, here in SoCal there were a number of GT500's, Boss 429's, and other what we now call exotic muscle car bodies available without engines available for quite reasonable. Why the engines were missing could have any number of reasons, the most likely a resto or hop up project abandoned. The stolen engine scenario, certainly possible, is more of an urban legend.

At that time not many folks figured that Baby Boomers would be willing to spend stupid, I mean REALLY STUPID, money on these old cars.

turbohunter · « **Reply #76 on:** July 18, 2020, 01:38:37 PM »

I remember those days Tommy.
We used to hang out at each other’s stations we were working at.
Engine swaps were common and we only cared about Wednesday night cruising and the races after.
Of course my 289 was a different world than this.

WConley · « **Reply #77 on:** July 18, 2020, 03:28:35 PM »

Yeah I would have a hard time believing the owner's girlfriend's dad would pull a fast one on him. I bet it was hotter engine swap with headers, etc. as Tommy describes.

I remember those days too! I grew up in CT, and there was a '69 L88 Corvette that was well known in the area. The L88 is a beast, but can be a bit hard to live with. The owner ended up having it swapped out for a lower spec 427 so he could actually enjoy the car. It was a couple of decades later that a subsequent owner was able to track down that L88 engine and reunite it with his car...

turbohunter · « **Reply #78 on:** July 18, 2020, 05:05:21 PM »

Just got off the phone with Gary Bowman the car owner.
Gonna get together with him this coming week.

jayb · « **Reply #79 on:** July 18, 2020, 05:49:24 PM »

Excellent! I can hardly wait LOL!

475fetoploader · « **Reply #80 on:** July 18, 2020, 05:57:59 PM »

That’s great! How cool is this?

WConley · « **Reply #81 on:** July 18, 2020, 06:03:29 PM »

Awesome Marc! It will be great to hear more of the story

cleandan · « **Reply #82 on:** July 18, 2020, 06:58:27 PM »

This is the kind of "reality show" I can spend some time watching.

Pretty neat story, and good on you for taking the time, and giving the effort, in order to figure this thing out. Plenty of others would have taken a lesser route.

turbohunter · « **Reply #83 on:** July 18, 2020, 07:01:40 PM »

It’s fun

I’ll fill you guys in on the whole story after I meet with the owner.
Pretty cool.

Gregwill16 · « **Reply #84 on:** July 18, 2020, 09:21:23 PM »

Wow Marc you need to go by some lottery tickets while you are at it. Best of luck and maybe you can start working on another one.

WConley · « **Reply #85 on:** July 18, 2020, 09:34:51 PM »

I can see the conversation now.

Marc: I have the numbers matching 428 CJ that your car was born with.

Shelby Owner: The car has a 427 SOHC in it now. Wanna trade even up?

turbohunter · « **Reply #86 on:** July 18, 2020, 09:54:55 PM »

LOL
Well,,,,,, he did say he had a CJ with close numbers that he was going to use.
He seems like a very nice man.

gt350hr · « **Reply #87 on:** July 20, 2020, 12:40:44 PM »

Quote from: turbohunter on July 18, 2020, 05:05:21 PM

Just got off the phone with Gary Bowman the car owner.
Gonna get together with him this coming week.

Gary is a great guy and you are doing a great thing for him . I know he has a nice CJ that he was going to use. Wait until you see the car , you will see what I mean about "doing the right thing" in this case. Nice of you to do the homework!
Randy

jayb · « **Reply #88 on:** July 20, 2020, 02:15:05 PM »

Randy, it is a remarkable coincidence that you know the owner of the car that Marc has the engine for. This thread just keeps getting better LOL!

gt350hr · « **Reply #89 on:** July 20, 2020, 02:54:06 PM »

It is actually amazing Jay. I have helped Gary with all kinds of stuff for almost thirty years. When I saw the name and remembered the engine was out here , I put two and two together. I think he knew the engine was in a pickup truck but couldn't find it. Now to get back the original is really cool. Gary has another GT500 and does all of his own restoration work He has a '70 Boss 302/347 and a couple of '66 Shelby clones. It would be hard to find a nicer guy.

475fetoploader · « **Reply #90 on:** July 20, 2020, 03:42:38 PM »

I can’t believe this all worked out so quickly.

Dumpling · « **Reply #91 on:** July 20, 2020, 05:16:25 PM »

Wonder what the thinking might be about cutting in the original seller on any proceeds over the initial $700?

chilly460 · « **Reply #92 on:** July 20, 2020, 06:05:48 PM »

Seems to me it’s really not our business, and the guy has an inkling it was from a Shelby so he should’ve done his research.

Chrisss31 · « **Reply #93 on:** July 20, 2020, 07:46:44 PM »

Seems to me that the deal was done in good faith and both parties were happy...

I'm just catching up on this thread, it's an exciting and amazing story for you Marc! Thanks for keeping us up to date with the details. Can't wait to hear about what happens next.

427Fastback · « **Reply #94 on:** July 20, 2020, 08:14:59 PM »

One of our old members (Gord Bradley RIP) had a early (64???) Galaxie 427 8V 4spd car..Car lived in Kamloops most of its life.Drive train was removed decades earlier...Gord bought the car and went hunting for the drivetrain...I don't know the whole story but he found it.It was still in Kamloops and the owner sold it to Gord.....Gord put the original stuff back in the car and then drove it across Canada..We are on the west coast....Crazy stuff happens sometimes........Cory.

Great thread....

turbohunter · « **Reply #95 on:** July 20, 2020, 08:24:08 PM »

Quote from: chilly460 on July 20, 2020, 06:05:48 PM

Seems to me it’s really not our business, and the guy has an inkling it was from a Shelby so he should’ve done his research.

You are correct he doesn’t know about this stuff.
I’ve talked to the gent a lot about it and kept him informed. He’s interested in the story also.

Ok had a nice visit with Gary the owner of the original car today. He has some nice stuff and likes his privacy so I won’t say anything in an open forum. Suffice to say he’s a very nice, very talented and committed Ford guy. We had a great talk. I like him.
I knew going in to this he was going to get his engine back. Both of us were concerned that I came out of this ok. I figured that the fairest thing would be to swap engines. He has a CJ that is pretty much ready to go. It’s probably out of a Torino as it has an H (Lorain, Ohio) in the partial on the back of the block. Date codes are late ‘69.
Then he gets his born with CJ back. I really didn’t want any money from him. Im happy that the engine is back with the car.
One little oddity with the engine I’m getting is that it has Ford adjustable rockers. It has been rebuilt so I don’t know much about it but Gary has the build sheets and I will pour over them.
I’m really happy with how this turned out.

Chrisss31 · « **Reply #96 on:** July 20, 2020, 09:13:30 PM »

You're a true gentleman, that was an unbelievably kind gesture.

Gregwill16 · « **Reply #97 on:** July 20, 2020, 09:41:11 PM »

Wow that story unfolded quickly. Marc that deal could not have worked out any better for you and the Shelby owner. There is one more person you owe, your friend that mentioned the craigslist ad deserves a steak dinner lol. Congratulations and very nice of you to do the right thing. The previous owner still has the original block to my 68 1/2. $:-\$

Bolted to Floor · « **Reply #98 on:** July 20, 2020, 10:09:41 PM »

Marc, you’re a great great guy to make that deal. What a ending to the story.

427Fastback · « **Reply #99 on:** July 20, 2020, 11:46:57 PM »

Well played Marc.....you did good.
It was a win win for both of you

WConley · « **Reply #100 on:** July 21, 2020, 12:03:17 AM »

Agreed. That was super cool of you to do the even swap.

Let us know how the new engine turns out when you get it. Is it freshly rebuilt?

- Bill

428 GALAXIE · « **Reply #101 on:** July 21, 2020, 01:45:16 AM »

Thumps up and even more!
And you are a true gentlemen!

turbohunter · « **Reply #102 on:** July 21, 2020, 06:34:47 AM »

You guys are very kind.
I feel like the FE gods have smiled down on me even more.
To get that engine back with its car is a big deal and I still come out of it with a CJ that I paid relatively nothing for. In fact it’s going to help me out even more. I think I may slap it in the Fairlane for a while at least. Then it’s back in its correct family even tho’ not the right year, but there’s a strange groove that’s happening here. I’m going with it.
Mr. Conley it’s not a fresh rebuild. We will do the swap on Thursday. When I get it home I’ll take the covers off as well as go over the build sheets to try to figure out what was done. I seem to remember something about drag pack cars having solids but that may have been 429 SCJs. I’m curious why solids in this motor. It’s kind of intriguing. Would love to put it on a stand and run it. It also has an aluminum manifold and damn me I was to busy to remember to see what it was. I looked at the build sheets quickly and saw a lot of balancing information.
Anyway the story is going to go on with this new motor.

cjshaker · « **Reply #103 on:** July 21, 2020, 06:42:53 AM »

Just because it has adjustables doesn't necessarily mean it has solids. And yes, Drag Pak cars still had hydraulics, from the factory.

And I'm going to jump on the train here and say that that was an awesome thing to do, Marc. I would be thrilled to get the original engine back for my R-code, but it is long long gone. But that's the type of people we have here. I'd venture to say that the majority of us would do the same. At least I'd like to think so

turbohunter · « **Reply #104 on:** July 21, 2020, 06:48:57 AM »

Yup I was assuming solids with adjustables. We’ll know soon.

gt350hr · « **Reply #105 on:** July 21, 2020, 09:45:10 AM »

Gary used adjustables on a hydraulic cam I'm sure . I'm glad you were able to work a deal with him. I believe he had hardened exhaust seats installed besides the complete rebuild. He doesn't do things "half way".
Randy

gdaddy01 · « **Reply #106 on:** July 22, 2020, 09:58:32 PM »

we sure could use a lot more of what you did in this world we live in today

turbohunter · « **Reply #107 on:** July 23, 2020, 05:11:22 PM »

Today was swap engine day. Got to Gary’s and he had the engine pulled out of its tomb so that I could see it. It was rough. Gary has not done any work on it yet as he’s been busy on the body. He had some build sheets that came with it but they are a bit confusing. More on that later. Looks like all the work was done 40 years ago and the engine looks that old. It has a Streetmaster on it and adjustable rockers. The biggest thing is one of the heads has a broken exhaust ear. But Gary has by chance another N head that he will dig out. I dropped by a really great welders shop on the way home and he didn’t want to touch it. Said there were a couple guys in town that used to weld iron but one has passed and one is retired.
So the good thing is that I’m not screwing up a good CJ no matter what I do to this thing. The bad is that I can’t just clean it and run it.
I’ll start a new thread on the new CJ.
But meanwhile here’s a couple CJs sitting next to each other.
Oh the build sheets. One is an actual build sheet for a 68 fastback ram air 428 that I’m assuming is a Shelby. Pic below.
There are others that just say 428 SCJ Ford. It feels like different cars.
I’ll get into them more in the new thread.
Oh, do any of you Canadien know a place called Centennial Parts in Ottawa or Leicestor Enginneering in prolly the same area.

475fetoploader · « **Reply #108 on:** July 23, 2020, 08:43:08 PM »

Great stuff!

thatdarncat · « **Reply #109 on:** July 23, 2020, 10:06:01 PM »

Really cool & fun story Marc, glad you were able to find that partial VIN and that you’ve been able to uncover so much.

8T02R206119-03073 is indeed a ‘68 Shelby GT 500 KR. Info from the Shelby American Auto Club Registry: It was originally shipped to and sold from Sud Automobile Inc in Quebec Canada on 11/5/68 to Real Legeault. Along with other various warranty work it was back at the dealer for a blown engine on 7/28/69. Next known owner was Michel Dumont of Quebec.

After that the registry shows it owned by Mike Leicester of Atascadero Calif., who purchased it with a blown engine. I’m guessing that may be the connection to your “Leicester Engineering”?

Also shown as being owned by Bank Auto Wrecking and John Fredericks.

Last known owner shown as Bryan Miyazaki of Mission Hills Calif. That info appears to be from January 1995.

It will be fun to see what you turn up with that info

turbohunter · « **Reply #110 on:** July 23, 2020, 10:10:03 PM »

The H in the partial vin has me wondering.
9H572337
With all those blown engines they may have just found a CJ block.

thatdarncat · « **Reply #111 on:** July 23, 2020, 10:23:21 PM »

Quote from: turbohunter on July 23, 2020, 10:10:03 PM

The H in the partial vin has me wondering.
9H572337
With all those blown engines they may have just found a CJ block.

The “H” assembly plant would be Lorain Ohio, and they did build Ford & Mercury intermediates, so something with a 428 CJ is entirely possible. My ‘66 Comet Cyclone GT was built at Lorain. Since the last six digits of that VIN begin with a “5” that would make it a Mercury product. Probably no way to know exactly which vehicle without the Marti report on that one.

turbohunter · « **Reply #112 on:** July 24, 2020, 10:10:33 AM »

Quote from: thatdarncat on July 23, 2020, 10:06:01 PM

After that the registry shows it owned by Mike Leicester of Atascadero Calif., who purchased it with a blown engine. I’m guessing that may be the connection to your “Leicester Engineering”?

That’s odd. My paperwork shows Leicester purchased parts and service at the Ottawa location.

thatdarncat · « **Reply #113 on:** July 24, 2020, 11:07:20 AM »

Quote from: turbohunter on July 24, 2020, 10:10:33 AM

Quote from: thatdarncat on July 23, 2020, 10:06:01 PM
After that the registry shows it owned by Mike Leicester of Atascadero Calif., who purchased it with a blown engine. I’m guessing that may be the connection to your “Leicester Engineering”?

That’s odd. My paperwork shows Leicester purchased parts and service at the Ottawa location.

No idea, other than what the registry had listed. Since it seems that particular ‘68 Shelby transferred from Canada to California at some point maybe Leicester was the person who moved with it? Just speculating.

TomP · « **Reply #114 on:** July 24, 2020, 12:28:03 PM »

That is an amazing story of good fortune.

News:

Author Topic: The FE gods have smiled down upon me. (Read 15057 times)