I ran that engine in a race boat. Due to the NASCAR ruling I had to run it in the unlimited class against the supercharged boats. With Hillborn Fuel injection and methanol. In the 70's at the Western Divisional at Greek Lake, I started in 2nd place behind Paul Gretchard and finished in 2nd place both heats with 3 0ther super charged boats behind me. Two of the Uncer Brothers were there and were glad to see their old motor working again.
I grew up down the street from Kurt in sagamore hills Ohio and knew his step son well. Kurt was always extremely nice and cool every time I got to talk with him.
My all time favorite engine. Would love to see the full interview without cuts. He was just getting into engine details and history of nascar ban and then it was cut. Would love to hear everything he knows.
Now that's a serious dude Casts his own blocks redesigns the original heads And races his work Mister My hats off to ya man That's livin the blue oval life
So, a guy that makes that kind of HP from 376 inches of LS with out modified castings, usually a junkyard bottom end, should take this as a slap in the face? Hmmmmm. Just don't see it. Not to say what he's done isn't commendable, but I don't see any correlation to your comment!
Ford fans wet dream the side oiler 427! Modified custom casting high compression running straight Alky mech inj winding to 8k plus ONLY 800HP! TYPICAL FOMOCO FAIL and you still have guys talking shit about LS? You could hit this number with a built stock head and block BBC!
@@andersonsprairieviewfarm2552 it's not my LS, but Ive seen many who are making big power, and the 6 bolt main is stout. But if you blow it up theres plenty available, cheap. There's no real comparison, but when you can make big HP for about the price of one head on the custom made engine, thats what many have to do. The average Joe doesnt have the resources and money to cast there own blocks!!
I would absolutely love to hang out with this guy. Im an old hot Rodder 2, and 4 wheels. I’m a 30 yr machinist turned designer. I’ve worked as a mold maker, etc. I would love to have any knowledge this guy is willing to pass on.
Love this gentleman, met him several times at the all ford shows here in the ATL area! Now NMCA events!! Easy to talk to , very friendly, class act!!‼️🥇🥇🥇🥇
Great interview. I remember talking to Kurt back NSCA days after he had hurt that engine. I asked if he hurt the block and his reply was he had cast extras. One of my favorite cars ever.
Hey my buddy Jim Green used to have at least 50 427 sohc bought every one he could find ...he was the SoHc Man! R.I.P. Jim us hot rodders miss you ...what a great guy ...monroe Washington Jim Green Performance! That's right say his name! Yaaay
@@stevejones8660 .....I think Kurt IS one of those giants....the fact that he redesigned the block AND heads AND cast them says that very easily.....mere mortals dont DO THAT.
This guy is what drag racing was all about back in the day. Everybody was manufacturing their own parts. I remember cruising the pits and seeing some of the strangest self made parts. Some worked, some didn't. There were no crate engines, so to speak.
Back in the day...as it were! Miss them days going to the races with my uncle and his cars. He did that made a lot of his own stuff.. Them days i miss so much now im old lol..
@@shortchange26 i wish i could short change.. My old ticker is going bad.. Im laying in the hospital right now had a heart attack again #3 so i think my racing anything is over.. But i can watch and i can yell.. Lol
Wish I was his neighbor . Pun intended . I love his choice of equipment . I never had a cammer and always wanted one . Great modifications he's made to it . Great stuff Evan 👍👍
@@sergeantmasson3669 Maybe you could tell me. He said he cast his own block and heads? And why would you have to cast your own blocks if the blocks are stock (?) FE blocks?
I would love to see an actual 427 cammer in competition. When I was in high school my auto teacher brought one into the shop from the Wisconsin state fair. (World Of Wheels) Back in '91 we didn't have cell phones but that would've been the best Facebook post ever. So cool😎
I bought some big block ford parts feom a guy who happened to have a cammer sitting on an engine stand in his shop. He then showed me a custom intake he had made that was made to install a roots style supercharger. I guessed he would be in the 1100hp range. He said that was the target. I then asked, what are you putting that in. He said the 66 mustang fastback with a tilt front end and tube chasis. I asked what class did he intend to run in. He said oh no, not going to race it. It is his street car!
Very interesting how those cars represented their D.S.O. I see Atlanta, Cincinnata, and LA! When I was a kid, my parents would sometimes take their LTD to Don Wagner Ford, in Vandalia Ohio, for service, and I would wander the entire dealership. On one visit, I saw their '70-'71 Torino stock car. Later on as an adult, I learned through old pictures, that the Torino competed in NASCAR, and was even driven by such greats as A.J. Foyt!! That's cool how the engine setback allows the shock towers to remain in place.
Had a 1966 Mercury Cyclone GT Holman Moody edition, 427 four speed, aluminum bumpers and fiberglass Fenders, hood and decklid. What a beast that car was.
Even a 406 with a 3/4 race cam was a mean son of a gun. A single 4bbl. 427 from Holman Moody was a hoss. The thing with having Holman Moody parts was in order to get the best parts you had to be one of their choice drivers/teams. So for any outsiders wanting to rebuild one it was super hard to get back with them for a cam. Neighbor of mine tried to get a custom Competition Cams ground cam for his previously balanced and blue printed H/M 406 and Comp Cams couldn't get one to even make near the power he had from the HM cam. Getting back to Holman Moody, you didn't win races unless H/M wanted you to win races....
Saw the cammer in Kenz&Leslie High Country Cougar at Mile High Nationals at Thunderoad Raceway 1971. So much power at 1/3 track blew the tranny into a huge fireball. They didn't win but gave us a real show. Ford always!
What a beautiful Comet. That original big block Cammer is fantastic. This gentleman knows how to design and build classic racecars. The only SOHC big block Fords I've seen available are built by John Kaase. Thanks for sharing this very special and fast Mercury Comet.
@@sergeantmasson3669 there’s a guy in Australia that is reproducing the blocks, heads and a few other bits to assemble one from. I think his name is Pond.
Back in '69 sohc motors were still available from Ford for $2500. And in the fall of '71 I bought my first car, a '69 Mach I, 390/auto for $1750. Don't know how long the SOHC motor supply lasted but they were available in the summer of '69 I am sure because I worked for a Ford dealer then.
@@michaeljonathan535 As I stated, Ford stopped producing the 427 SOHC engine in 1967. I don't know how many engines remained in stock or for how long. Don Garlits still has 10-12 of them. Jon Kaase builds an aluminum version but they're very expensive. Keep in mind that the 427 SOHC was an over-the counter only engine. None were ever put in a factory production vehicle.
A good friend of mine in the 80's and early 90's had a real B/FX '65 Comet in Hawaii. It had a 3 point roll bar, straight front axle with no brakes, a ladder bar/leaf spring rear with sliders, and everything but the quarters and roof were 'glass. He drove it on the street with a 6-71 blown SBC, it was his daily driver. He sold the rolling chassis to a guy in the service around '92 for $4k, and it went back to the mainland. It was blue, and had a full cage when he sold it, but it was yellow in the 80's. This video brings back memories, thanks.
Got to love when manufacturers experiment in exotic designs or ideas. I have a painfully stock unrestored 1977 F-150 Ranger XLT 4x4 farm truck. Factory 351 Cleveland stroker engine. Ford bolted 351 Cleveland heads to the 400 block. It's not a high rom engine. It's a torque monster tree stump puller and a farm tractor style engine. Coupled with the factory 4-speed four-wheel drive granny gears. Its Great for rock crawling around in the Arizona desert bone stock. The truck was sitting for 6 years in the backyard. All I did was a tune-up kit and new plug wires. Fresh fuel and fired right up. The 351 m400 engine is very underrated.
Great video! Years back my friend and I went to a local engine builder to pick up my BB chev that I had some work done on. When my buddy spots a cammer sitting over in the corner and says; "What are you going to do with that" pointing to the 427. The owner replies ; "Oh that, thats a little street engine I've been working on". We all just grinned thinking about the prospect of his statement.
AWESOME MAN & AWESOME CAR!!!!! Years ago attended a car show in Tamaqua, PA where there was a 427sohc & a Boss 429 powered Fairmont, often wondered what became of those cars? Incredible engines BOTH!!!
I used to watch driver Billy Lawton and his Tasca Ford "Mystery 8" Mustang at the old Connecticut Dragway blow away everyone who challenged him.....EVERYONE! I'm pretty darn sure that mystery 8 was a cammer, though carbureted, not F.I. He offered $1,000 to anyone who could beat him, even some that were in a higher class, with appropriate handicapping. Billy went back to Tasca at the end of the day with a smile on his face and the $1,000 still in his pocket! They had a great bumper sticker back then that simply read "All Fords are Created Equal....Tasca Makes the Difference." Long live Tasca Ford!
Wow this guy is awesome, I could listen to him talk tech all day, very interesting stuff, I’ve always wanted an old camper to put in my 55 Chevy, good stuff, got you a new sub
What a wonderful piece of History of the 1960s Super Stock glory days, to see such a Rare bib block 427. Did Don Nicholson in his many successful Drag Cars run an engine like this.?
He had a falling out with GM Chev, an went to Ford, 1964 he raced a Comet, medium riser engine, By 1965 He had the Cammer, 1966, he was unbeatable with that motor, Funny cars started 1966.
Years ago me and a friend had a flat bottom v drive with a small block chev in it . We were in our early 20s . We got in a race with a pickle fork v drive that had a 427 Ford cammer motor . We were out gunned in many areas . I think we could manage about 80 turning the small block around 7800 but the Ford was fast not even a race lol . This was on PK lake i think around 77 78
Back in 1981 I had the chance to buy a 427 cammer still in the crate from Ford from a long time Ford racer for $4500. I have regretted not buying that engine ever since.
This is the most awesome car ever. Great to run into you Tom. I don’t understand why I am permanently banned. I am working on a. 900-1000 hp Turbocharged 410 with a VS7875 under the car right behind the headers with the intercooler up front. It’s a 105 block that according to a sonic can be bored to 4.16,but I m only going to bore it to 4.09 X 3.91. The thicker the better! Take care sir. I miss you all. I don’t understand it I am seeing a shrink .
Is Jay still running his Cammer? That is a car. Also I don’t have any way to contact him. I’d really like to have one of his Cleveland intake adapters , even his ugliest blem that is useable. What does he get for one? I want to use a Funnel Web 2x4 with Gorrjla type intake and TB with EFI on the 410. I’m almost going to have to regear an NP435 to get a manual to hold up. I used to bang shift mine in my truck at 7000 and the only thing I ever broke was the clutch . Take care, I am getting old. 63 this month.
Saw one of these engines once at a place called Ford power parts in LA Mirada CA , that store had all kinds of early Ford high performance parts , infact I bought a pumpkin ball there with a traction lock in it for my 8 " rear-end for my 63 comet wagon !
My brother.has a 67 fastback Mustaing,it was my dad's back in the 60sand 70s,has the 427 hi riser heads crossbows main, Millburn inje tion,mag ,it's pretty bad ass
Here's a tasty tid bit for you..dodge/jeep took a page from the cammers play book..check out the 4.7 v8 same design..overhead cam hemi..look where the spark plug wires are top of the heads..can't put the plugs in the center because that's where the cam is and oh my lord does it have a bottom end on it you can see a short video of it on my channel when I rebuilt my 04 H.O. engine which is a rare option on the limited grand cherokee and is standard on the overland edition between 02 and 04 such goodies as a forged steel crank,hottor cams,short run intake,larger injectors,special valves,bee hive springs,cathedral intake ports,adaptive ecu,hypereutectic pistons,cracked powder forged rods for 270 hp 330 lb tq..but that bottom end is like a 2 piece block the crank girdle is so massive..later in 08 they managed to get 305 hp 330 lb tq out of 4.7 l (285 ci) not to shabby
My next door neighbor bought a Thunderbolt and raced it in Colorado and Nebraska (where we were going to college). The car was had a 427 SOHC, and it was originally raced in California and the west coast with the name of Blue Rhonda.
I'm late on this one, but Thanks, Evan, Abe, & crew, thanks, Kurt! Excellent car & engine! Evan, have you ever interviewed the guy with the Skairlane drag car that runs a 427 Cammer engine? I bet he has an interesting story too.
The story I recall was that Ford brought one of these to a meeting with Bill France and Dodge. When Ford unveiled the Cammer the Dodge man unveiled a DOHC 426 Hemi. France threw them both out. No one knows what happened to the DOHC 426, if it was a running engine, or just a decoy that worked to get France to ban the Cammer.
The 427 Cammer never saw a NASCAR race, while the 426 Hemi did. A year before Bill France allowed this engine to participate in Nascar despite not being in a production car. The Bill France rule book stated that at least 500 of these engines must be in a production car before it would be allowed to be used in NASCAR. So my question is why did Bill France break his own rule here? The Ford guys did the same thing basically but their engine was not approved. Then I believe NASCAR added a weight requirement if a 427 SOHC engine was equipped in their stock cars. Ford said no and turned to drag racing with this great engine. In the early days of this engine the 6 ft timing chain would stretch after several quarter mile runs. This would reduce power significantly. So Ford ended up going with gear drive and that solved the problem. I grew up in Baldwin Park California and I was very fortunate enough to see this great engine in top fuel and a/fx racing in the '60s. I lived about 4 MI from Irwindale Raceway Park. It was very successful. Unfortunately by 1970 Ford halted their racing program. The engine had a lot more upgrades in it that would have made it even faster. And it was the first engine to screech down the quarter mile at 200 mph. I'll never forget the sound these engines made. There is nothing on this Earth that compares to the Golden era of 1960 through 1970 when it comes to racing. This was the win on Sunday sell on Monday Factor. And FMCO was right in the mix of all racing worldwide.
@@70stunes71 In 2015 Thom Taylor wrote an article about the 427 SOHC. Motor trend published the article. It states the history of this engine and how Ford wanted to use this engine in NASCAR, but then it ended up in drag racing. The article States that Ford's 427 Cammer was the first engine the top 200 mph. Connie Kalitta is credited with running 200 mph in an AHRA National event. This did happen in 1965. I am unable to post this article here, but if you search hard enough for it through Motor Trend you can find it.
@@randycoursey7230 You are WAY off base with 200mph 1/4 mile comment. Don Garlits (and possibly Kris Karamesines before him) hit 200mph in 1964, before this engine "screeched" anywhere.
I have always liked the styling of those Mercurys and I am a GM guy to back then considered buying one. Actually I saw a guy just down the road who has one parked in his driveway. Don't imagine it is a runner though.
Wow awesome car I had a 65 comet yrs ago original 289 but I did put a 351 in it and it was a great street car I eventually ended up sadly parting it out!
I had one of the closest one of these motors in a 69 Chelby Gt 500 Mustang with a 429 with 427 heads track car. Ninety in first gear and 190 in fourth those were the days!
Hold on guys i love this, not everyone is ford guys, however this car and engine is awesome,, I just wish ford would of spent more time on this engine, especially through the 80s and 90s.
That's pretty neat I hope the frame can stand the strain of that engine. It could be like mine did and tear the frame all the pieces and you have to start over.
This is the guy you and Abe oughta be giving them stack injections to. Had a cousin(Bongo) who had a built 289 hi po Mercury Caliente, he was a Seabee, when he came home in’70 on leave, he was a menace in the neighborhood. We loved it! That was a high revving 289 with power!
@@randycoursey7230 The Chevys lasted OK. JB Weld......Where in the Hell do you come up with this info? The Chevys lasted fine, but ultimately were not competitive with the 426 Hemi. The Ford was competitive, but the lower ends blew. This engine had tremendous potential. The reason Neighbor cast his own block was to beef up the lower end of the block. France was a jerk for letting the Hemi compete, but banning the Ford version! NASCAR had a gold mine, but it's popularity is waning due to bad decision making, running one off special bodies, etc.. Plus they won't let the manufacturers run modern Hemi, Coyote, and LS engines. I lost interest over 30 years ago......
@@milojanis4901 Chevy boy Darrell Waltrip talked about the big block Chevy and how it wouldn't last 500 miles. The FE 427 would last 500 miles, the side oiler version. The FE 427 also was a high endurance engine, they planted those engines in those FORD GT 40's that could run 24 hours straight without a major failure. This engine also proved to be a pretty good drag racing Engine as well, that's why it's one of the best all-time engines ever made, it performed in every type of racing imaginable. The SOHC 427 did very well against those 426 Hemi engines. Unfortunately by the end of 1970 Ford dropped all factory backing and this engine just like every other one of their racing engines fell by the wayside. This engine was actually designed for NASCAR to compete with the Hemi but Bill France Sr shot the engine down, it never saw a NASCAR race. That's why it ended up in drag racing. Connie Kalitta has stated that this engine had unlimited capability.
The first one I saw was in the fall of 1964 at Detroit Dragway, BOB Ford ran it and was so far over the national records he was protested. My job was to see what he was running and if necessary, take it apart. I gave him the option of getting kicked out for the rest of the year or open it up, he left.
Kurt Neighbor makes a statement in this video that his car is the very last “cammer’ (Ford 427 Single Overhead Cam engine) in competition. This is not a correct statement. Larry Knapp has two 1966 Mustang A/FX Mustangs each of which are powered by the Ford 427 SOHC engines. The first is his Stampede Mustang that he has had and raced since the mid-1960s when Holman, Moody and Stroppe modified the chassis in their Long Beach, California facility to accept the Ford 427 SOHC engine. The engine in the Stampede car was built by Earl Wade. Larry this car at several mid-west nostalgia races in the past. In addition to participating at many of the American Nostalgia West races in Southern and Central California including the annual California Hot Rod Reunion at Famosa Dragway, Bakersfield, California. Attached is a photo I took of the Stampede Mustang at the California Hot Rod Reunion. In addition to Larry Knapp’s A/FX Stampede Mustang he has also recently built a Les Ritchey A/FX tribute car that also powered by the Ford 427 SOHC engine.
I remember an argument between two guys one night at the bar.. They was talking car when one said something about the ford 427 and the other cat said oh no the 427 was a gm motor and it was on.. We tried to break them up after the table got smashed but it got dangerous when the pool balls started flying and it didnt even slow down when the cops showed up and started tazing everyone it finally came to an end when swat gassed the whole building. Good times good times!!
the motor was actually built in a crash build took only 90days, because Richard Petty started winning NASCAR in his Hemi 426ci, in1964. Nascar didn't allow it, they said it was a manufactured Race engine, it was, dual 4barrel, got 657hp.
Crazy. So calm as he talks about redesigning and casting his own blocks and heads. Blows my mind.
I was thinking the same thing, crazy
so cool
I heard that and said “Whaaaat?”
5:58 Head Shot. Lookin Good. 👍
I was wondering if I was hearing things but he said he did cast his block and heads. WoW!!
I ran that engine in a race boat. Due to the NASCAR ruling I had to run it in the unlimited class against the supercharged boats. With Hillborn Fuel injection and methanol. In the 70's at the Western Divisional at Greek Lake, I started in 2nd place behind Paul Gretchard and finished in 2nd place both heats with 3 0ther super charged boats behind me. Two of the Uncer Brothers were there and were glad to see their old motor working again.
I grew up down the street from Kurt in sagamore hills Ohio and knew his step son well. Kurt was always extremely nice and cool every time I got to talk with him.
Another legend sharing knowledge, keeping this old school tech alive is priceless
My all time favorite engine. Would love to see the full interview without cuts. He was just getting into engine details and history of nascar ban and then it was cut. Would love to hear everything he knows.
I read all the comments and will do my best to get back with Kurt for a more in-depth talk on the Cammer. Thanks for watching.
@@revanevan And maybe show us around his machine shop....
💯FORDEVER AND EVER!💯
This guy is keeping ole school fords alive! And still proves 60s tech still hangs with the new modern boys.
Now that's a serious dude
Casts his own blocks redesigns the original heads
And races his work
Mister
My hats off to ya man
That's livin the blue oval life
THANK YOU FOR KEEPING THE FORD 427 CU.IN."CAMMER" ALIVE.
Awesome!
Beautiful Comet. This gentleman should write a book and share his stories and engine experiences.
This guy is making his own blocks! Incredible. Take that all you LS swap guys! :)
So, a guy that makes that kind of HP from 376 inches of LS with out modified castings, usually a junkyard bottom end, should take this as a slap in the face? Hmmmmm. Just don't see it. Not to say what he's done isn't commendable, but I don't see any correlation to your comment!
Ford fans wet dream the side oiler 427! Modified custom casting high compression running straight Alky mech inj winding to 8k plus ONLY 800HP! TYPICAL FOMOCO FAIL and you still have guys talking shit about LS? You could hit this number with a built stock head and block BBC!
@@kevinshiley9061 I agree . This guys salty. What’s wrong with a guy on a limited budget wanting to make power and go fast for cheap ?
@@kevinshiley9061 your junk yard LS made 2600 hp ? And has lived the brutalized life this one has. 😆 🤣 😂
@@andersonsprairieviewfarm2552 it's not my LS, but Ive seen many who are making big power, and the 6 bolt main is stout. But if you blow it up theres plenty available, cheap. There's no real comparison, but when you can make big HP for about the price of one head on the custom made engine, thats what many have to do. The average Joe doesnt have the resources and money to cast there own blocks!!
I would absolutely love to hang out with this guy. Im an old hot Rodder 2, and 4 wheels. I’m a 30 yr machinist turned designer. I’ve worked as a mold maker, etc. I would love to have any knowledge this guy is willing to pass on.
Love this gentleman, met him several times at the all ford shows here in the ATL area! Now NMCA events!! Easy to talk to , very friendly, class act!!‼️🥇🥇🥇🥇
Did you ever see him at FunFord Weekend events in Commerce?
Great interview. I remember talking to Kurt back NSCA days after he had hurt that engine. I asked if he hurt the block and his reply was he had cast extras. One of my favorite cars ever.
Hey my buddy Jim Green used to have at least 50 427 sohc bought every one he could find ...he was the SoHc Man! R.I.P. Jim us hot rodders miss you ...what a great guy ...monroe Washington Jim Green Performance! That's right say his name! Yaaay
This Kurt is the mad scientists of Cammers. What a character! ...and a nice guy.
Although Ed Pink is the Guru of the Cammer.
Kurt Neighbor knows more about how to make a Ford big block make big power than the engineers who designed them.
iknklst, so does many other people as did Bob Tasca Sr who also created the 428 CJ/SCJ engines.
Kurt is simply standing on the shoulders of giants.
@@stevejones8660 .....I think Kurt IS one of those giants....the fact that he redesigned the block AND heads AND cast them says that very easily.....mere mortals dont DO THAT.
@@stevejones8660 LMAO Love the sarcasm.
I'm an engine builder. He can have all my used pistons to melt down.
This guy is what drag racing was all about back in the day. Everybody was manufacturing their own parts. I remember cruising the pits and seeing some of the strangest self made parts. Some worked, some didn't. There were no crate engines, so to speak.
Back in the day...as it were! Miss them days going to the races with my uncle and his cars. He did that made a lot of his own stuff.. Them days i miss so much now im old lol..
@@oregonman5918 we might be a little older but we still have a lot of fun with this stuff.
@@shortchange26 i wish i could short change.. My old ticker is going bad.. Im laying in the hospital right now had a heart attack again #3 so i think my racing anything is over.. But i can watch and i can yell.. Lol
Incredible! Love these types of racer/car spotlights! So unique, so cool!
Amazing stuff Evan!
Great admiration for your dedication to racing the Comet with this iconic engine. Wish you continued good luck and much fun!
Wish I was his neighbor . Pun intended . I love his choice of equipment . I never had a cammer and always wanted one . Great modifications he's made to it . Great stuff Evan 👍👍
Adding almost 750 thou to the block deck and right angling the exhaust ports....some work for sure. It's a custom DOVE with ❤️
Dean Stevenson, "DOVE" cylinder heads are for the "385" series Ford engines.
@@sergeantmasson3669 Maybe you could tell me. He said he cast his own block and heads?
And why would you have to cast your own blocks if the blocks are stock (?) FE blocks?
@@sergeantmasson3669Dove manufacturing was a Ford FE custom casting/builder company.
@@UberLummox He wanted more deck height and different angle exhaust ports.
@@UberLummox 427 SOHC is similar but not the standard 427 FE block. The oiling system is different.
I would love to see an actual 427 cammer in competition. When I was in high school my auto teacher brought one into the shop from the Wisconsin state fair. (World Of Wheels) Back in '91 we didn't have cell phones but that would've been the best Facebook post ever. So cool😎
I bought some big block ford parts feom a guy who happened to have a cammer sitting on an engine stand in his shop. He then showed me a custom intake he had made that was made to install a roots style supercharger. I guessed he would be in the 1100hp range. He said that was the target. I then asked, what are you putting that in. He said the 66 mustang fastback with a tilt front end and tube chasis. I asked what class did he intend to run in. He said oh no, not going to race it. It is his street car!
Larry Knapp has run his cammer for decades and still does. You have to add one to the list.
Very interesting how those cars represented their D.S.O. I see Atlanta, Cincinnata, and LA!
When I was a kid, my parents would sometimes take their LTD to Don Wagner Ford, in Vandalia Ohio, for service, and I would wander the entire dealership. On one visit, I saw their '70-'71 Torino stock car. Later on as an adult, I learned through old pictures, that the Torino competed in NASCAR, and was even driven by such greats as A.J. Foyt!!
That's cool how the engine setback allows the shock towers to remain in place.
Love those Cammer engine's!! Always fun to see!!
I have nothing but admiration for folks like this. I can’t even find the spark plugs in my Ford F-250.
Man I miss mine!! A. 64 Falcon 427 Tunnel Port 1150 Holley and my 65 Comet Cyclone 427 was out of 64 Shelby wrecked..
Had a 1966 Mercury Cyclone GT Holman Moody edition, 427 four speed, aluminum bumpers and fiberglass Fenders, hood and decklid. What a beast that car was.
Even a 406 with a 3/4 race cam was a mean son of a gun. A single 4bbl. 427 from Holman Moody was a hoss.
The thing with having Holman Moody parts was in order to get the best parts you had to be one of their choice drivers/teams. So for any outsiders wanting to rebuild one it was super hard to get back with them for a cam. Neighbor of mine tried to get a custom Competition Cams ground cam for his previously balanced and blue printed H/M 406 and Comp Cams couldn't get one to even make near the power he had from the HM cam.
Getting back to Holman Moody, you didn't win races unless H/M wanted you to win races....
Awesome! Thanks for this Evan. Always appreciate you getting into it with these guys. Love it!
My 65 Cyclone is the only car I will never sell. I love that these guys are keeping them alive on the strip.
God Bless u Kurt we need more ford guys like you in this country, keep it going sir, your Awesome💯💯💯
Saw the cammer in Kenz&Leslie High Country Cougar at Mile High Nationals at Thunderoad Raceway 1971. So much power at 1/3 track blew the tranny into a huge fireball. They didn't win but gave us a real show.
Ford always!
that engine was way ahead of its time jon kasse still makes parts for these engines awesome engine
Wesley Cook, Jon Kaase builds complete 427 SOHC engines, not just the parts.
Incredible. I remember when these engines first came out. Monsters!!
I remember watching Kurt race at the US NATIONALS many years ago. I can't remember the years or which car he was racing, I do know it was a Ford! ❤😎👍
What a beautiful Comet. That original big block Cammer is fantastic. This gentleman knows how to design and build classic racecars. The only SOHC big block Fords I've seen available are built by John Kaase. Thanks for sharing this very special and fast Mercury Comet.
Chrysler 300C Hemi, Ford stopped producing the 427 SOHC engine in 1967.
@@sergeantmasson3669 there’s a guy in Australia that is reproducing the blocks, heads and a few other bits to assemble one from. I think his name is Pond.
@@shakeydavesr Jon Kaase builds complete 427 SOHC engines here in the USA.
Back in '69 sohc motors were still available from Ford for $2500. And in the fall of '71 I bought my first car, a '69 Mach I, 390/auto for $1750. Don't know how long the SOHC motor supply lasted but they were available in the summer of '69 I am sure because I worked for a Ford dealer then.
@@michaeljonathan535 As I stated, Ford stopped producing the 427 SOHC engine in 1967. I don't know how many engines remained in stock or for how long. Don Garlits still has 10-12 of them. Jon Kaase builds an aluminum version but they're very expensive. Keep in mind that the 427 SOHC was an over-the counter only engine. None were ever put in a factory production vehicle.
A good friend of mine in the 80's and early 90's had a real B/FX '65 Comet in Hawaii. It had a 3 point roll bar, straight front axle with no brakes, a ladder bar/leaf spring rear with sliders, and everything but the quarters and roof were 'glass. He drove it on the street with a 6-71 blown SBC, it was his daily driver. He sold the rolling chassis to a guy in the service around '92 for $4k, and it went back to the mainland. It was blue, and had a full cage when he sold it, but it was yellow in the 80's. This video brings back memories, thanks.
Got to love when manufacturers experiment in exotic designs or ideas. I have a painfully stock unrestored 1977 F-150 Ranger XLT 4x4 farm truck. Factory 351 Cleveland stroker engine. Ford bolted 351 Cleveland heads to the 400 block. It's not a high rom engine. It's a torque monster tree stump puller and a farm tractor style engine. Coupled with the factory 4-speed four-wheel drive granny gears. Its Great for rock crawling around in the Arizona desert bone stock. The truck was sitting for 6 years in the backyard. All I did was a tune-up kit and new plug wires. Fresh fuel and fired right up. The 351 m400 engine is very underrated.
A lot of History there !
Wow!! You continue to amaze me with these Fast Ford's. If I had me a Mercery I'd drive it on down the road!!! Keep up the great work!!
Great video! Years back my friend and I went to a local engine builder to pick up my BB chev that I had some work done on. When my buddy spots a cammer sitting over in the corner and says; "What are you going to do with that" pointing to the 427. The owner replies ; "Oh that, thats a little street engine I've been working on". We all just grinned thinking about the prospect of his statement.
Love these early 60s ford/ mercs
That is one beautiful ride with my favorite engine of all time! Thanks for the content Evan!
Great video. Mercury lives!! SOHC still at the top of the food chain.
When properly built the cammer is a great engine.
Ford's Fe engines were always torque monsters... And you know that can't be bad
AWESOME MAN & AWESOME CAR!!!!! Years ago attended a car show in Tamaqua, PA where there was a 427sohc & a Boss 429 powered Fairmont, often wondered what became of those cars? Incredible engines BOTH!!!
I think l would have enjoyed growing up around this man.
Learning and experimenting with automotive technology. 😁👍
This gentleman has been at it for a while, and still smiling.
Yes very smart guy!
I used to watch driver Billy Lawton and his Tasca Ford "Mystery 8" Mustang at the old Connecticut Dragway blow away everyone who challenged him.....EVERYONE! I'm pretty darn sure that mystery 8 was a cammer, though carbureted, not F.I. He offered $1,000 to anyone who could beat him, even some that were in a higher class, with appropriate handicapping. Billy went back to Tasca at the end of the day with a smile on his face and the $1,000 still in his pocket! They had a great bumper sticker back then that simply read "All Fords are Created Equal....Tasca Makes the Difference." Long live Tasca Ford!
Wow this guy is awesome, I could listen to him talk tech all day, very interesting stuff, I’ve always wanted an old camper to put in my 55 Chevy, good stuff, got you a new sub
What a wonderful piece of History of the 1960s Super Stock glory days, to see such a Rare bib block 427. Did Don Nicholson in his many successful Drag Cars run an engine like this.?
He had a falling out with GM Chev, an went to Ford, 1964 he raced a Comet, medium riser engine,
By 1965 He had the Cammer, 1966, he was unbeatable with that motor,
Funny cars started 1966.
Years ago me and a friend had a flat bottom v drive with a small block chev in it . We were in our early 20s . We got in a race with a pickle fork v drive that had a 427 Ford cammer motor . We were out gunned in many areas . I think we could manage about 80 turning the small block around 7800 but the Ford was fast not even a race lol . This was on PK lake i think around 77 78
Cool. My dad and his buddy custom made heads and did wild block work and it's wild stuff this is sweet beautifull .
Back in 1981 I had the chance to buy a 427 cammer still in the crate from Ford from a long time Ford racer for $4500. I have regretted not buying that engine ever since.
A Real Engine builder! Casting his own block and heads. Who does that? Absolutely Amazing!
Cool to see this. Kurt is certainly a good Ford man and FE diehard. I met him at Ford Expo86 at Columbus when he had the funny car he mentioned.
This is the most awesome car ever. Great to run into you Tom. I don’t understand why I am permanently banned. I am working on a. 900-1000 hp Turbocharged 410 with a VS7875 under the car right behind the headers with the intercooler up front. It’s a 105 block that according to a sonic can be bored to 4.16,but I m only going to bore it to 4.09 X 3.91. The thicker the better! Take care sir. I miss you all. I don’t understand it I am seeing a shrink .
Is Jay still running his Cammer? That is a car. Also I don’t have any way to contact him. I’d really like to have one of his Cleveland intake adapters , even his ugliest blem that is useable. What does he get for one? I want to use a Funnel Web 2x4 with Gorrjla type intake and TB with EFI on the 410. I’m almost going to have to regear an NP435 to get a manual to hold up. I used to bang shift mine in my truck at 7000 and the only thing I ever broke was the clutch . Take care, I am getting old. 63 this month.
I am 50 years old and when I grow up I want to be like him💪🏽💪🏽❤️💯
Remember Kurt at the PFCA meets at Nat Trails in the 80s with the comet.
Kurt did not have this Comet in the 80’s. He did have a Mustang Funny Car with a SOHC. You may be thinking if that car.
Saw one of these engines once at a place called Ford power parts in LA Mirada CA , that store had all kinds of early Ford high performance parts , infact I bought a pumpkin ball there with a traction lock in it for my 8 " rear-end for my 63 comet wagon !
Great as always! Thats a smart man, so much knowledge! Beautiful Comet.
That just pegged the cool meter! Awesome channel 👍
Wow! I loved it. I wish he lived nearby.
Bad Ass Ford Cammer History! I hope I see this car and Kurt for as many drag races as I go to.
My brother.has a 67 fastback Mustaing,it was my dad's back in the 60sand 70s,has the 427 hi riser heads crossbows main, Millburn inje tion,mag ,it's pretty bad ass
Here's a tasty tid bit for you..dodge/jeep took a page from the cammers play book..check out the 4.7 v8 same design..overhead cam hemi..look where the spark plug wires are top of the heads..can't put the plugs in the center because that's where the cam is and oh my lord does it have a bottom end on it you can see a short video of it on my channel when I rebuilt my 04 H.O. engine which is a rare option on the limited grand cherokee and is standard on the overland edition between 02 and 04 such goodies as a forged steel crank,hottor cams,short run intake,larger injectors,special valves,bee hive springs,cathedral intake ports,adaptive ecu,hypereutectic pistons,cracked powder forged rods for 270 hp 330 lb tq..but that bottom end is like a 2 piece block the crank girdle is so massive..later in 08 they managed to get 305 hp 330 lb tq out of 4.7 l (285 ci) not to shabby
My next door neighbor bought a Thunderbolt and raced it in Colorado and Nebraska (where we were going to college). The car was had a 427 SOHC, and it was originally raced in California and the west coast with the name of Blue Rhonda.
I'm late on this one, but Thanks, Evan, Abe, & crew, thanks, Kurt! Excellent car & engine!
Evan, have you ever interviewed the guy with the Skairlane drag car that runs a 427 Cammer engine?
I bet he has an interesting story too.
That’s incredible that he cast his own parts
That guy looks familiar. I wonder if he raced Fun Ford Weekend events?......not in that car, but one of his others looked familiar.
Wow. Dude casts his own head and blocks.
What is his background that he learned to do that?
Most likely started with the statement; well guys, we're out of blocks. Secondly we're low on heads.
In addition to Larry Knapp’s A/FX Stampede Mustang he has also built a Les Ritchey A/FX tribute car that also powered by the Ford 427 SOHC engine.
The story I recall was that Ford brought one of these to a meeting with Bill France and Dodge. When Ford unveiled the Cammer the Dodge man unveiled a DOHC 426 Hemi. France threw them both out. No one knows what happened to the DOHC 426, if it was a running engine, or just a decoy that worked to get France to ban the Cammer.
The 427 Cammer never saw a NASCAR race, while the 426 Hemi did. A year before Bill France allowed this engine to participate in Nascar despite not being in a production car. The Bill France rule book stated that at least 500 of these engines must be in a production car before it would be allowed to be used in NASCAR. So my question is why did Bill France break his own rule here? The Ford guys did the same thing basically but their engine was not approved. Then I believe NASCAR added a weight requirement if a 427 SOHC engine was equipped in their stock cars. Ford said no and turned to drag racing with this great engine. In the early days of this engine the 6 ft timing chain would stretch after several quarter mile runs. This would reduce power significantly. So Ford ended up going with gear drive and that solved the problem. I grew up in Baldwin Park California and I was very fortunate enough to see this great engine in top fuel and a/fx racing in the '60s. I lived about 4 MI from Irwindale Raceway Park. It was very successful. Unfortunately by 1970 Ford halted their racing program. The engine had a lot more upgrades in it that would have made it even faster. And it was the first engine to screech down the quarter mile at 200 mph. I'll never forget the sound these engines made. There is nothing on this Earth that compares to the Golden era of 1960 through 1970 when it comes to racing. This was the win on Sunday sell on Monday Factor. And FMCO was right in the mix of all racing worldwide.
@@randycoursey7230 .. actually Don Garlits was the first to go 200 mph in the quarter mile in 1964
@@70stunes71
No, that's not what I have read.
@@70stunes71
In 2015 Thom Taylor wrote an article about the 427 SOHC. Motor trend published the article. It states the history of this engine and how Ford wanted to use this engine in NASCAR, but then it ended up in drag racing. The article States that Ford's 427 Cammer was the first engine the top 200 mph. Connie Kalitta is credited with running 200 mph in an AHRA National event. This did happen in 1965. I am unable to post this article here, but if you search hard enough for it through Motor Trend you can find it.
@@randycoursey7230 You are WAY off base with 200mph 1/4 mile comment. Don Garlits (and possibly Kris Karamesines before him) hit 200mph in 1964, before this engine "screeched" anywhere.
I have always liked the styling of those Mercurys and I am a GM guy to back then considered buying one. Actually I saw a guy just down the road who has one parked in his driveway. Don't imagine it is a runner though.
I'm not a fan of these cars. But this man knew everything he has there. So much knowledge of his car . 👏👏👏.
Wow awesome car I had a 65 comet yrs ago original 289 but I did put a 351 in it and it was a great street car I eventually ended up sadly parting it out!
And this is how Legends are made
That car & spec numbers is exactly on par with my skillset level. Love to make a couple passes. Old School Rules🤘Old Cars & Old Guys👍🤘
I had one of the closest one of these motors in a 69 Chelby Gt 500 Mustang with a 429 with 427 heads track car. Ninety in first gear and 190 in fourth those were the days!
fantastic engineering. Plus I love the over and under headlight body.
That is one BADASS dude!!!!! Man is he smart.
Hold on guys i love this, not everyone is ford guys, however this car and engine is awesome,, I just wish ford would of spent more time on this engine, especially through the 80s and 90s.
That's pretty neat I hope the frame can stand the strain of that engine. It could be like mine did and tear the frame all the pieces and you have to start over.
Raced with him a few years ago. Saw him at the Baby Gators. Nice guy.
This is the guy you and Abe oughta be giving them stack injections to. Had a cousin(Bongo) who had a built 289 hi po Mercury Caliente, he was a Seabee, when he came home in’70 on leave, he was a menace in the neighborhood. We loved it! That was a high revving 289 with power!
Kurt is a great guy go get those CHEVY BULLY'S Kurt!!!!!
Not a ford guy but this is sweet and his work on the block is absolutely awesome
Wonder if He adjusted the timing on the right camshaft the way Ed pink did...
Great video Ryan!
I just found your channel and will be subscribing.
I used to read all your stuff in Muscle Mustang Magazine..
I know the "regular" 427 block can handle about 750 horses before it starts having issues. How did they get the Cammer Block to handle 2,000+??
Jb weld
@@tylerbonser7686
That's exactly what Chevy used for their 427 cubic inch engine in NASCAR. Unfortunately they still wouldn't last.
Probably cast from an alloy closer to steel than cast iron.
@@randycoursey7230 The Chevys lasted OK. JB Weld......Where in the Hell do you come up with this info? The Chevys lasted fine, but ultimately were not competitive with the 426 Hemi. The Ford was competitive, but the lower ends blew. This engine had tremendous potential. The reason Neighbor cast his own block was to beef up the lower end of the block. France was a jerk for letting the Hemi compete, but banning the Ford version! NASCAR had a gold mine, but it's popularity is waning due to bad decision making, running one off special bodies, etc.. Plus they won't let the manufacturers run modern Hemi, Coyote, and LS engines. I lost interest over 30 years ago......
@@milojanis4901
Chevy boy Darrell Waltrip talked about the big block Chevy and how it wouldn't last 500 miles. The FE 427 would last 500 miles, the side oiler version. The FE 427 also was a high endurance engine, they planted those engines in those FORD GT 40's that could run 24 hours straight without a major failure. This engine also proved to be a pretty good drag racing Engine as well, that's why it's one of the best all-time engines ever made, it performed in every type of racing imaginable. The SOHC 427 did very well against those 426 Hemi engines. Unfortunately by the end of 1970 Ford dropped all factory backing and this engine just like every other one of their racing engines fell by the wayside. This engine was actually designed for NASCAR to compete with the Hemi but Bill France Sr shot the engine down, it never saw a NASCAR race. That's why it ended up in drag racing. Connie Kalitta has stated that this engine had unlimited capability.
As a Bow tie guy you have to love the CAMMER!!
As a MoPar man I’d have to agree…!!!👍🏻
Aren't you forgetting Jay Brown? He races his 64 Galaxie fastback with a SOHC in it.
Very Cool Car Guy and Story... Thanks for Sharing
The first one I saw was in the fall of 1964 at Detroit Dragway, BOB Ford ran it and was so far over the national records he was protested. My job was to see what he was running and if necessary, take it apart. I gave him the option of getting kicked out for the rest of the year or open it up, he left.
Now that was cool 😎
Thanks for sharing !
Kurt Neighbor makes a statement in this video that his car is the very last “cammer’ (Ford 427 Single Overhead Cam engine) in competition. This is not a correct statement. Larry Knapp has two 1966 Mustang A/FX Mustangs each of which are powered by the Ford 427 SOHC engines. The first is his Stampede Mustang that he has had and raced since the mid-1960s when Holman, Moody and Stroppe modified the chassis in their Long Beach, California facility to accept the Ford 427 SOHC engine. The engine in the Stampede car was built by Earl Wade. Larry this car at several mid-west nostalgia races in the past. In addition to participating at many of the American Nostalgia West races in Southern and Central California including the annual California Hot Rod Reunion at Famosa Dragway, Bakersfield, California. Attached is a photo I took of the Stampede Mustang at the California Hot Rod Reunion.
In addition to Larry Knapp’s A/FX Stampede Mustang he has also recently built a Les Ritchey A/FX tribute car that also powered by the Ford 427 SOHC engine.
Thanks for the update.
I think he means in standard competition. Not nostalgia events.
@@rickstorm4198 it is the only cammer in regular racing competition. Runs Nostalgia Super Stock with the NMCA.
God Bless these old Gearheads Amazing Man
I remember an argument between two guys one night at the bar.. They was talking car when one said something about the ford 427 and the other cat said oh no the 427 was a gm motor and it was on.. We tried to break them up after the table got smashed but it got dangerous when the pool balls started flying and it didnt even slow down when the cops showed up and started tazing everyone it finally came to an end when swat gassed the whole building. Good times good times!!
Getting tazed and maybe losing a tooth or 2 are the NOT my definition of a good time.....
the motor was actually built in a crash build took only 90days, because Richard Petty started winning NASCAR in his Hemi 426ci, in1964.
Nascar didn't allow it, they said it was a manufactured Race engine, it was, dual 4barrel, got 657hp.