327 crank in 283 block??

[Mike Gleason]

I have a #9935 bare block cast June 12 61. I have been told that I can install a
#2680 327 crank (I have a good one). Looks to me like the 327 counterweights are way too big to install w/o serious machine work to the block. A reliable local machinist (Fairfax VA) said he wouldn't do it (too much machine work). Anyone have any experience with this combination?? How much block machining is necessary? (cut the crank counterweights??) Cost?

Objective here is to build a high torque output motor that will rarely see 6500 rpm, but pull like a tractor and still retain the original block.

Thanks in advance for any and all advice.

Mike Gleason
NCRS #16176

[Joe L.]

Re: 327 crank in 283 block??

Mike-----

Once-upon-a-time, from 1968 to 1973, Chevrolet manufactured an engine of just the bore and stroke configuration which you propose. That engine, the 307 cid, was used in many base engine passenger cars. It was never considered a performance engine and very few folks built up an engine of this configuration into a performance-type engine.

307 blocks were not the same as 283 blocks, though. All used the large, post 67 main bearing size. Basically, they were the 68+ style 327 blocks which were cast differently to accomodate the smaller bore size. Although the same crankshafts were used in post-67 307 and 327 engines, the specific block castings were different for the 2 different size engines.

Personally, I don't think that modifying a 283 block to accomodate the 3.25" stroke is worth the trouble. Instead, I'd store the original engine and install a pre-68 327.