i debated this same point when i was looking to purchase my boat 6 years ago. will you be able to walk into a worst marine or pep boys and buy parts? most likely not, althought the looks you get from the clerks are entertaining. (are you sure it's not a 427 chevy?) but with help from sites like this and others you will get everything you need delivered to you're door. big ticket items like risers and manifolds can also be found, but will cost you more than the typical 454 chevy parts. if you don't do the work yourself another point to consider would be finding a mechanic familiar with the 427's. hope this helps