Power Nation Builds Beastly 427-Powered Thunderbird

By Cameron Vanderhorst - December 9, 2019

Big-block power in a small-block package should make this heavy Thunderbird move out with the best of them.

Look, we know this is Mustang Forums, but occasionally, we like to venture outside the stable and see what else the Blue Oval has to offer. Today, we’re checking out this Power Nation video featuring an MN12 Thunderbird.

Honestly, we really like these cars. They’re big, they’re comfortable, and they have an independent rear suspension. They may be heavy, but they can still be fast. However, the car in question doesn’t really matter. The reason we’re here today is what’s going under the hood.

Breaking Down the Build

Windsor-based 427 builds have intrigued us for quite a while. Big-cube power in a small package? What’s not to love?

The Power Nation gang must agree with us, because that’s exactly what they intend to stuff into this Thunderbird. Starting with a Ford Performance BOSS block, host Joe Elmore breaks down the high-performance recipe.

The short block includes a forged Scat crank and H-beam connecting rods. Elmore points out that Ford Performance sells a ready-made BOSS crate engine utilizing this same short block. “It’s rated at 535 horsepower. We’ve got to meet or beat that.”

Enter the Heads & Cam

Elmore went with Trick Flow aluminum heads, paired with a Trick Flow Track Max hydraulic roller camshaft. The first steps of the assembly are to install the cam and timing gear, and to degree the cam. Mike Galley handles this, while Elmore sorts out the oiling system.

With the oil pump and pan installed, Galley installs the harmonic balancer. With the bottom end buttoned up, it’s time to head back up top. Elmore and Galley first assemble the heads on the table before installing them to the engine with ARP head studs — always a good choice. They’re helped out by John Bouchard, a Marine veteran who recently joined the team.

427 Max Power

With the heads and valvetrain installed, it’s time for the intake to be installed. They went with an Edelbrock Victor Jr., a decision Elmore called “a no-brainer for this combination.” A handsome set of Cobra valve covers, and this engine is ready for the moment of truth. The team eagerly heads to the dyno room.

With a 10:1 compression ratio, and fed by an 850 CFM Quick Fuel carb, the 427 makes an incredible 610 horsepower and 587 lb/ft of torque. We’re eager to see just how that Thunderbird moves once this beast is sitting between the fenders.