Quote:
Originally Posted by 68Stepbed
That left a multitude of 283 blocks (3.875" bore) and 327 cranks (3.25" stroke). They were put together, and with a set of wheezy heads, they were thrown into base and low option modeled cars and trucks.
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I don't know if the 307 was built to get rid of parts, or simply to make more torque than a base 283 in the new longer, wider, heavier cars.
All 283 blocks were small journal, and all 307 blocks were medium journal, right? I guess the raw block castings could have been machined for larger main bores. But the real question is how would GM have changed the casting number in a leftover block that was cast for a 283?
Also, the 307 crank was a different animal. It had lighter counterweights than the 327 crank. Again, it could have been the same raw casting but just machined differently. It would be interesting to talk to a Chevy powertrain engineer from back in the late 60s.
I think you overestimate the number of 302 engines produced. I mean, they were available only in the Camaro Z28, and only for 3 years. Whereas 283 and 327 engines were available in virtually any car or truck. I'd bet there were easily 50 times more 327s sold than 302s during those years. When I was a kid slobbering over hot new Chevys that I couldn't afford, I would see dozens of 327 emblems every day, even in 4-door sedans. Z-28 302 emblems? MAYBE a couple per month.
***I love your stepside!