It all began in 1965 ... well, 1961. At that time, Chevrolet called it the Z-11. Some people called it the "Mystery Engine," and later they called it the offshoot that produced the 348 "truck" engine.

Over the years, the 427-cubic-inch crate engine has taken many forms. Originally, the 427 was offered as a big block engine by both Ford and Chevrolet. In the 1960s, Ford's 427 big block dominated ...