427 Mystery Engine

[Dog427435]

For drag racing the 1963 Chevys came with the new RPO-Z-11, the hot 427 that looked like the 409.
But the NASCAR 409 was dumped for a new engine that was not an RPO item, it was dubbed the Mk II. It was an all new everything, staggered-valve competition engine. The splayed-valve heads soon became known as the "Porcupine Heads". The engine was unique and required all new castings poured at the engine plant in Tonawanda, NY. The Mark II displaced 396 cubic inches. But due to a rule change by NASCAR in November 1962 which increased to a new limit of 7 liters the engine was redesigned to a longer stroke producing 427 cubic inches. This engine became known as the Mark IIS. The Mark IIS later became the Mark V introduced in 1965 as the 396 big block.
My father was very into NASCAR and was friends with Louis Clements, who was partners with NASCAR driver Rex White. Rex was the only driver to have a super speedway win with the 409, the Dixie 400 at Atlanta. Rex was one of four drivers in the 1963 Daytona 500 with the 427. Rex finished 14th six laps down. He ran the 427 through the World 600 finishing second. Due to Chevrolet being in and out of racing and a total lack of parts he then switched to Mercury to finish the season.
On a trip to visit the Clements imagine this 15 year old car nuts thrill to be able to go to Rex and Louis's garage to look at his cars!! The Mercury did nothing for me, it was the beat up Chevy with the mystery engine that I fell in love with. I have always been into big blocks since, love the sound of a high revving small block - but sorry no comparison!
I hate to think what happened to this car, probably short tracked to oblivion.

[b] Rex White Garage



The Car - left out, just an old race car!!



Check out the high dollar for the time tow rig




At the Track



David Pearson drove the #6 Hemi Dodge out of Cotton Owens Garage

[SS427]

You photo collection is amazing!!!
Rick

[PeteLeathersac]

Unfrigginbelievable pics Dog!!!.

~ Pete

[Z-11GUY]

Great photos, just amazing history on these cars. Did you ever see the Bubba (Marion) Farr 1963 car as well? I know out of the 5 1963 mystery motor cars that qualified his was by far the slowest due to 427 reliablity issues. As I recollect the only 1963 427 Chevrolet that finished had been Smokey Yunick/Johnny Rutherford who placed 9th place at Daytona. I'm sure he would of won had it not been for that back stretch wipe out on turn #2. I think AJ Foyt ran the car afterwards briefly for Smokey. I recollect Rex White having head gasket/cooling issues with his '63 as well, and Junior's waterpump went out as well. I'm not sure what happened to teammate GC Spencer's car nor Bubba Farr's either during the 1963 Daytona 500, great photos again, thanks.

[Verne_Frantz]

Raj,
This is from a friend of mine who is a NASCAR historian:

Rex White is shown as finishing 14th at Daytona and still running. Smokey's car is shown: 3/17 driven by AJ on at Atlanta--- not finishing (Trans)......6/2 driven by Banjo Matthews at Charlotte---not finishing (diff.).....7/4 driven by A.J at Daytona firecracker 400---not finishing (engine).......9/2 driven by Buck Baker at Darlington--- finishing 10th........ 10/3 driven by Bobby Isaac at Charlotte not finishing (crash). There may be others I missed. Rex White switched to Mercury at least by 7/4.
The G.C Spencer/Ray Fox car is listed as out (engine) and the Bubba Farr/W M Harrison out (fuel pump).

Verne

[Dog427435]

[b] Came across this article in the May 1963 issue of Hot Rod
Check out the Prestolite battery

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[Tarrytown SS427s]

Nice pics Glen, did you happen to get a shot of the 427 in the 63?
Steve

[Mr70]

M
+
H....

[njsteve]

Check out the altered wheelbase on the Dodge. The front wheels were moved forward a couple inches. Same result as moving the engine back. If you aint cheatin' you aint trying!

[Dog427435]

Nice pics Glen, did you happen to get a shot of the 427 in the 63?
Steve

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Steve

Thanks - I know I had some,unfortunately I have not run across any photos of the engine - if I do I'll definitely post it

Glenn