63 Galaxie 427, 2x4

[tom406]

Oh, man, the Ford love is flowin'

5th digit of the VIN is what you're looking for.
427 8V = R
427 4V = Q
406 6V = G
406 4v = B
390 4v = Z

Do the engine block check, casting numbers will be on the side (C3AE -M or AB) and the bolt heads just above the pan rail on the sides will be there on a 427. Cylinder heads will have casting numbers in the spaces between the exhaust ports- early cars will be C3AE 6090-D (Dec '62-Mar 15 '63) and later ones will be C3AE 6090 G or H (Mar 15 onward). This is key for value because almost every early 427 or 406 Galaxie that was pressed into duty as a regular car got fitted with a 390 later in life (mine had a '65 Mercury 390 2V in it). Assembling a correct 427 will end up costing you $6 to 10K. Look to see if it still has the long cast iron headers as they run $600-$1000 per pair. Trans will be a BW T10, but '64 Galaxie Toploaders are a common substitute. Car should have 3" front brakes, no power steering or brakes, and should show evidence of always being a stick car. VIN is on the firewall tab, trim tag, and there's a hidden one under the back seat, either on the front edge of the package tray or down toward the floor. Let me know if you need any more info...

TOM BRESKE