Crazy 307ci build.

[Lugnutz65]

I bought a rebuilt 307ci as part of a package deal. It was sitting in a trailer for a number of years and the price was very low. It had been run one time by the seller’s father and then put into storage.
The engine was full of rust in several cylinders when I looked with a borescope. So I tore it apart. I think the source of the moisture in the oil and rust in the cylinders above the piston was due to a head gasket leak that was not recognized when they ran it that first time. Then it sat for 8+ years. Some cylinders looked great.

Before you criticize me for buying an engine that I didn’t test, you must understand that I have a good relationship with the seller and that he is going to make things right.

The seller’s father had the engine built and has passed on. The seller didn’t know much about the build. The detective work has been fun.

Here’s what I know.
1968 Chevelle 307ci block
a 327 crankshaft (same as all other 307s)
a General Kinetics GK-930 camshaft (specs listed in pic below)
+0.060 TRW L2302 forged domed pistons
new hydraulic lifters
single plane Edlebrock Performer intake
SBC 333882 fuelie heads with 76cc chambers (likely rebuilt heads)
new roller rockers and pushrods

It’s a real shame there was rust in the engine. For my purposes it really wasn’t gonna be a great engine to use on the street anyway, so there’s that.
I’ll save parts that can be useful, but I’m not gonna spend money to bring this 307ci back to life. Pics are for your entertainment.

[Lugnutz65]

Pics

[mattfranklin]

I think it's possible you got way more than you bargained for.
Those pistons are for a 283 with a 3" stroke. They wouldn't fit the longer 3.25" stroke of a 327/307 crank.

Also, and more importantly, the forging number on your crank, 1178, indicates it's for a 302.
I think that means you have a rare 3" stroke, large journal, Z-28 crank.
Kind of an unusual combination, but kind of cool.
A collector might go crazy over that crank.

EDIT: for reference, a 0.040/0.040 undersize crank with same forging number is selling for $700 plus shipping on eBay. If yours is less worn it could be more valuable.

[Lugnutz65]

Well now that would be super cool. If that’s true, the seller can feel good about this deal and so can I. Thanks for the heads up. I was assuming it was a 307 crank.

[Tom]

As a 307 this is a wierd engine to build. As a 283 it makes way more sense. Neat.

[Lugnutz65]

Originally Posted by Tom

As a 307 this is a wierd engine to build. As a 283 it makes way more sense. Neat.

Get this! The same package deal included a Jasper rebuilt 283ci 1966 block +0.40 with zero miles still bolted to the shipping crate. Bore scope looks fine. It has mismatched heads. One is power pack and other a 283 correct but a 70cc chamber lower compression head. I’m awaiting arrival of a fresh matching power pack head.

[mattfranklin]

Nice score. If I were you, I'd keep shopping that that store. ;-)

[Lugnutz65]

Originally Posted by mattfranklin

Nice score. If I were you, I'd keep shopping that that store. ;-)

Here’s the confirmation that the stroke is 3”. This is good news. I can’t thank you enough for helping me solve this mystery.

[fourspeedwagon]

You may be quite surprised at what those anodized Moroso valve covers are selling for also.
I just sold a pair for more than I’ve ever paid for a complete/running 307.

Good job on the package deal too. I love to buy parts in bulk. Must be overwhelming for some people because seems like the more stuff there is the lower the price. I’ve bought 5 “package deals” each with 4 or more vehicles and mounds of parts. It’s good to have extra space (and a forklift)

[franken]

I'd ask what's the cost/performance difference between x SBC engine and a 383+ (often 400+ CI) engine. I'm pretty sure the ~+100CI is going to be more fun for not so many dollars.
Or go LSx...

[Tom]

Originally Posted by franken

I'd ask what's the cost/performance difference between x SBC engine and a 383+ (often 400+ CI) engine. I'm pretty sure the ~+100CI is going to be more fun for not so many dollars.
Or go LSx...

He hasn't stated anywhere that he wants a built engine. He's buying powerpak heads instead of performance castings for the usable engine. What would make you think he wants to build up a big cube engine or do an LS swap when he has a usable, new engine ready to go?

[Lugnutz65]

I plan to start another thread about the 283ci. It’s unusual to find a rebuilt 283 sitting on the shipping crate for such a good price. I bought a matching power pack head and will pick up the remaining pieces to complete the 283 in July when I’m in TN.
More later.

PS - I already have a 5.3 ready to install. The 283 is just one of many fun projects.

[Tom]

You crazy kids and your LS's