WTB - 428 PI Block for 1968 Shelby

[8T03S1425]

C7ME
C scratch
Reinforced block
Date codes from 7M15 to 8A26

I may also be interested in slightly earlier date codes.

Steve

[brandosaac]

I have a Std bore C7ME-A ,  C scratch with  Jan 3rd 1968 date, 8A3
will need at least a few sleeves.
If youre interested in pics and price PM me with your email

[QuickSilverShelby]

Since your looking for a PI block wouldn't you want an A scratch?  Wasn't the C scratch for a Cobra Jet motor?

Or am I getting that wrong?

QSS

[68blk500c]

The PI engine is the predecessor to the CJ (read came before) meaning the C scratch is not unique to CJ, nor is the reinforced main webbing.  Those "too early to be a CJ date" blocks are PI blocks.

[shelbydoug]

A C scratch is only a CJ block if it was built in a CJ engine. There is no way to know that since the block itself has no identification besides the casting date and the scratch. Sometimes the assembly date stamped into it will help narrow it down even more.

A PI built with a C scratch is still a PI.

Search by what is most appropriate for your application. The casting date is your closest identifier plus whatever the scratch is.

You need to think of the variations in an FE block as just an evolution in the block design itself.

427 blocks are not heavy duty blocks at all. They are just as thin in critical areas as 428 blocks are. The best of them are the striped service blocks since the cast sleeves for the bores are square with the corners rounded off giving more strength to the thrust areas.

If you want to go racing, don't waste time and money trying to find an original 427 block. Go aftermarket. You tend to get what you paid for there.

[Coralsnake]

Agreed, c scratch is not exclusive a Cobra Jet.

[pbf777]

The PI engine is the predecessor to the CJ (read came before) meaning the C scratch is not unique to CJ, nor is the reinforced main webbing.  Those "too early to be a CJ date" blocks are PI blocks.

      To the best of my memory, "A' scratch blocks would generally have been 428 cubic inch intended application blocks whether a "standard" option (7-Litre) engine or a P.I. engine; during the period of 1966 to say mid-year 1967 production, and apparently ceasing with the introduction of the "C" scratch blocks appearing in the mid '67 production thru the end of 428 production, with perhaps some overlap.  Seemingly most "A" blocks will only exhibit the standard "two-rib" main bulkheads, vs. the "C" blocks which seem to display the "3-rib" bulkheads; and obviously there will be exceptions, somewhere, including units of each productions with no scratch. 

      So I believe as stated previously, to be correct, try to establish that a particular block is truly a 428 and has casting date codes that would be appropriate, vs. "A"s or "C"s, or?       

     Scott.

[TLea]

      To the best of my memory, "A' scratch blocks would generally have been 428 cubic inch intended application blocks whether a "standard" option (7-Litre) engine or a P.I. engine; during the period of 1966 to say mid-year 1967 production, and apparently ceasing with the introduction of the "C" scratch blocks appearing in the mid '67 production thru the end of 428 production, with perhaps some overlap. 

     Scott.

Don't think so. Seen A scratch blocks with 68 dates (Tbird) Earliest C scratch I've seen is 7/67

[pbf777]

     , with perhaps some overlap. 

     Scott.

Don't think so. Seen A scratch blocks with 68 dates (Tbird) Earliest C scratch I've seen is 7/67

     No arguments from me!     

     Scott.

[QuickSilverShelby]

Good discussion.  I'm learning allot.

QSS

[shelbydoug]

I've been told that some current owners of '67 GT500's have reported that they think they have the original blocks and that they are C scratches with the correct casting dates. I can't verify that but that was the discussion.

I should point out that there is also an X scratch but I think those are of the early '70s vintage and didn't wind up in Shelbys?

[pbf777]

Don't think so. Seen A scratch blocks with 68 dates (Tbird)

     I believe the FE engine was discontinued in the Thunderbird being replaced by the 385 series engine as the 429 Thunder-Jet version, engine code "N", very early in '68; perhaps early January?         

     Scott.