68 427 Exhaust Manifold Fastener/French Lock

[Kurt B.]

In 1968, did the 427 engine use the French Locks on the Exhaust manifold bolts like the small block motors did?
Accordign to the 1968 NCRS Judging Guide Third Edition page 49, I think not isnc eit only refers to the French Locks on the small block motors and says nothing about them on the big block.

Can somoen confirm as I am trying to help a friend with a 68 427 and my 68 has the small block L79 so I can't use my car as a valid guide.
Thank you,
Kurt # 26406

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 427 Exhaust Manifold Fastener/French Lock

Kurt-----

1968 big blocks did not use French locks on the exhaust manifold bolts. Instead, 1968-74 big blocks used special locking bolts on the end runner bolt positions (8 total both sides). These bolts were a flanged head design and could not even be used with French locks. The other manifold bolts were the same as those used earlier and were conventional hex head. Some 1967 big blocks may have used the locking bolts on the end runner positions, too.

[Joe L.]

Addendum

One other thing although it's probably not relative in this case. From at least 1968-onward the locking bolts were supposedly used for all big blocks. However, personally, I wouldn't use them on an aluminum head engine. They just "make me nervous" in that application. So, for aluminum head applications, I'd just use French locks, correct or not.

[Kurt B.]

Thank you, Joe *NM*