Got another question for everyone.... My last post on NCRS was about the possibility of a crate engine for replacement in my RED 1960. Thought originally the car engine was a 283, should have been, but the 1960's never listed my block stamp as one of the possibilities. Looked for the block stamp itself, and find the car has (had, it is in pieces right now in my garage, along with much of the rest of the car) a 327 CID block in it. I DO want a more powerful engine, but not sure how much and how to go about it. Remember, the block I have now is a 327, likely 1964-67 model year, and obviously NOT numbers matching for the 1960. Not really worried about keeping the engine stock/original to the car at this point. Here's the question...the block looks just fine, no cracks, etc., just needs some basic machining. In 1966, the Corvette came with a L36 engine option on a 327 base block, 4.25 inch bore, 3.76 inch stroke, 10.25:1 compression, 1X4 carb, and was supposed to make 390 HP (don't know the Ft/Lbs rating). Can I get my block to match or exceed this? What else needs to be done to get the engine to run numbers like that? What kind of heads? What kind of cam grind, lifters, rockers, etc. By the time I put together all the components to make my 327 block a 390 HP engine, would it have been less to buy the 383 crate for $5,500.00?
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Re: 327 possibilities
The L-36 was a 427 cu in MK IV big block engine. Just a tad bigger and heavier than your 327. If you put one of those in your 60, you're gonna have some people around here start to cry.
BL -
Re: 327 possibilities
I had the 327 rebuilt recently for my 63. With 202 valves and a change in the cam you can get 325 to 350 HP. The higher the horsepower the rougher the engine will run. You can probably get 400 HP if you try but it will not be street frendly. Higher compression might need aircraft fuel. Why not sell the vette and find an old chevelle SS 454. Add a blower and have a great time with it.Comment
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Re: 327 posibilities
Rick I had the same dilemia with my 62 25 years ago when my original engine threw a rod thru the side of the block. I choose the crate motor route.( 327 - 300 hp
low compression pistons) This choice affords good power, good idle, and is
a lot easier to live with. The motor you want to build (327- 350 hp) has 11-1 compression which probaly will mean you will need 100 octane gas.Kinda hard to find in a unleaded era.After spending so much time, money and effort restoring your C-1 I dont think extreme performance will be a priorty. Just my opinion.Comment
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Re: 327 posibilities
Rick: There was a very interesting story in Chevy High Performance this month about a rebuild of an original L-79, which is a 327-350 horse small block. It used the original heads with pocket porting and a 3 angle valve job. The cam was a hydraulic roller and it used an aftermarket intake. The 11:1 pistons were canned in favor of 9:1 units, which make it able to run on pump gas. It dynoed at 408 hp. It would be very streetable, look original, and make your 60 run like a scalded dog.
BLComment
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Re: 327 posibilities
I get CHP magazine, didn't see that yet...the last issue I have is October, has the article about Mail-order HP on the front and the article about the "57 vette . Will be watching though if it is in Nov.
RickComment
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Re: 327 posibilities
Rick-----
One thing to be cautious of here is this: if you build up your 327 block to approximately 400 hp level, you will need to invest quite a bit into it in machining services and parts. You'd be amazed at how fast this adds up. For about $3,900 you can purchase a brand new, GM "383 Fast Burn" 350 cid engine. This engine, GM #12496769, will provide a nearly completely assembled, ready-to-run unit. You'll only need to replace its long snout water pump with a short snout, add a carburetor, starter, and alternator and you'll be about ready to go.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: 327 posibilities
Rick when you get your Dec CHP issue there is also an article about the 350/330 HP crate engine. It comes two ways, long block, and with carb and intake almost ready to run out of the crate. Now that an TBI manifold is being manufactured for the fast burn heads available through Scroggin-Dickey, a TBI system would really be nice on your car if it would fit under the hood.Comment
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Re: 327 posibilities
It's the Dec 02 issue. THe cover will catch your eye. A beautiful, big-bosom gal standing next to a BB engine on a stand. You can tell that the engine has #858 heads.
BLComment
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Re: 327 posibilities
The short water pump doesn't fit the crate engines without some grinding at the back of the pump (passenger side) also the crate engines have the oil dipstick on the opposite side of the 327 and the crate engines do not have a port for the "road tube" crankcase ventilation. With the plethora of inexpensive heads, carbs and cams you can get some pretty respectable HP from your short block without going broke.Comment
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Re: 327 posibilities
Try these people,
Cut and paste the whole line, the link didn't work past the html.
$3052.00
This motor was a $1000 bucks cheeper (from them) than my local GM dealer. Maybe your dealer likes you better than mine.
Complete and ready to go. Carb to oil pan. I'm going to use one this winter in my truck.Comment
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