I want to build a Chevy 327 - need tech help

[naphtali5725]

Hello all (Keith can you chime in man),

I would like to build a 327 for my 67 GMC stepside with 3 on the tree.
I know a lot of folks are going to say go with a 350, 383, ad infinitum...
I want a 327, so...
Is it possible to build one out of a 350 block with a one piece rear main seal? If yes, what would I need to do to achieve it, what are you guys opinions on crank/rods/pistons?
If not, I know 327 blocks are scarce usually, and I'd rather have a 4 bolt main block so the 350 two piece rear would be my second choice. Again, what are you guys opinions on crank/rods/pistons?
If you tell me to just search search search etc. then that's not the point of asking the experts here for technical help, so only sincere opinions would be very much appreciated.

Kindest regards

[b454rat]

327 and 350 blocks are the same, so making one wont' be hard. But it will be more expensive with a 1 piece seal, as they never were made. If your not building a race motor, stock rods with ARPs would be fine, and cast pistons as well. No need spending money on race parts if your not gonna race it...

CompetitionProducts.com has good parts and decent prices...

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

Also you can use a 307 crank with a 350 block. Often times you can by both cheaper then a 327 to start.

[INSIDIOUS '86]

See if scat has a crank that has the correct stroke and one piece rear. IMHO the one piece rear and two piece rear blocks do look a lil different outside depending on how hard you want it to look like a 327. Some 6in rods and hypereutectic pistons and camel humps with a performer eps with a fill tube will pull of the look real good
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[naphtali5725]

Originally Posted by INSIDIOUS '86

See if scat has a crank that has the correct stroke and one piece rear. IMHO the one piece rear and two piece rear blocks do look a lil different outside depending on how hard you want it to look like a 327. Some 6in rods and hypereutectic pistons and camel humps with a performer eps with a fill tube will pull of the look real good
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i'm not trying to fool anyone into thinking it's a 60's motor, just always wanted a 327. i'm going to use a 2 piece and be done with it... and no i'm not crazy if anyone is asking why i want a 327 my dad's old truck had one,and it was a beast no matter if it is smaller in cubic inches. I have a 455 in my other truck if i want cubes...

[naphtali5725]

anyway i have posted on a couple of sites looking for the same info on building a 327...
as usual i got all kinds of posts that say i'm dumb for wanting to build a 327, said i'm wasting my time, i should build a 350, or 383, or more. i never understand why people think you're crazy for wanting what you like... what a crock

[MB84C10]

My dad built a few 327s over the years just 350 block with 283 or 307 crank I believe.. the advantage is you can rev the crap outa them compaired to a 350 shorter stroke..
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[Desert1957]

Originally Posted by b454rat

327 and 350 blocks are the same, so making one wont' be hard.

Sorry but they are NOT the same 63-68 blocks were all small journal , 69 was the ONLY large journal . All were two bolt mains.

Build it and LOVE it! I still race a 67 327 makes great power , but be prepared for some high rpm fun!

Desert

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

Originally Posted by naphtali5725

anyway i have posted on a couple of sites looking for the same info on building a 327...
as usual i got all kinds of posts that say i'm dumb for wanting to build a 327, said i'm wasting my time, i should build a 350, or 383, or more. i never understand why people think you're crazy for wanting what you like... what a crock

They are trolling or E-thugging.

I have considered a 327 myself along with a bunch of other motors. Most of which never came in a truck to get the best combo of power, and mpg for my truck.

[MB84C10]

Hmm now I'm currious I have a 68 block and crank don't remember what it was out of wanna say it was a camaro 327.. but didn't know journals were smaller. Now I wanna pull it out n measure it up to see what it is exactly.. know it was a 68 motor with 4" bore
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[rs74]

I say build it. I have a 67 327 with double humps set aside for when my 66 El Camino gets its turn. You don't see alot of guys running them anymore. I have also got a 66 283 but think I will go with the 327. Do what you want and forget about the rest of the nay sayers. We can't help but want what we want.

[naphtali5725]

hey man, how is your build going??

yep i'm going to build me a 327, yeah i know i could do all kinds of stroking to get more cubes blah blah, but i want a 327 it was/is an excellent engine, that's why i want one


anyone have a 327 to get rid of

Originally Posted by rs74

I say build it. I have a 67 327 with double humps set aside for when my 66 El Camino gets its turn. You don't see alot of guys running them anymore. I have also got a 66 283 but think I will go with the 327. Do what you want and forget about the rest of the nay sayers. We can't help but want what we want.

[meter swinger]

do it. My 59 has a 327 in it. Stock w mild cam rams horns, all the early 60's factory looking crap on it. I Love that motor.
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[naphtali5725]

Originally Posted by meter swinger

do it. My 59 has a 327 in it. Stock w mild cam rams horns, all the early 60's factory looking crap on it. I Love that motor.
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i'm going to research the best cams for the 327, i'm going solid lifters on it as well. may do a solid roller cam-lifters kit on it.
i'm trying to decide what heads to use on it... anyone have head opinions for the short stroke 327? maybe vortecs?

[meatwagon83]

350 block and a large journal 327 crank?

[naphtali5725]

Originally Posted by meatwagon83

350 block and a large journal 327 crank?

yeah, or 307 crank

[Tx Firefighter]

I built one for my 63 truck about 3 years ago.

I used a 78 model 350 block and a 307 crank from the local parts store. The pistons are just 327 replacement pistons from Speedpro. I did have the machine shop balance it since the 307 crank was not balanced for the larger 4 inch bore 327/350 pistons originally.

It all went together just like any small block. Ran well too.

327s have their own personality. I consider them like a redhead woman. They can be tame, but when you spool one up, they can bite like hell too.


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[naphtali5725]

I agree 100% I know the big cubes are the rage, and everyone says they make the most sense because it's more cost effective etc. etc.
so f'ing what. I love the 327, so thank's for the input. awesome looking motor, I hope it ran well!

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

I built one for my 63 truck about 3 years ago.

I used a 78 model 350 block and a 307 crank from the local parts store. The pistons are just 327 replacement pistons from Speedpro. I did have the machine shop balance it since the 307 crank was not balanced for the larger 4 inch bore 327/350 pistons originally.

It all went together just like any small block. Ran well too.

327s have their own personality. I consider them like a redhead woman. They can be tame, but when you spool one up, they can bite like hell too.


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[Tx Firefighter]

Pistons were the same price for 327 or 350. I bought them from one of those eBay power seller places.



For the crank, I just went to O Reilly Auto Parts and bought one of their exchange cranks for a 307 and paid the core since I didn't have a 307 crank core to turn in. With core charge, it ran somewhere around 140-150 dollars and the crank came with rod and main bearings.



Good heads and good cam make good power.




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[LynnJr]

naphtali5725
In a two piece block you can use bearing spacers/inserts so a small journal crank will fit right in a 350 block.Alot of 283 cranks in 350 blocks to make a poor mans 302 chevy.
On E-Bay alot of the cranks with 3.250 stroke are from Nascar teams and have big block chevy snouts and Honda sized rod throws so be very careful when reading those ads.
I would check with your local wrecker first as shipping will be the biggest drawback in buying a 327 from someone on the internet.
We used to buy shortblocks that needed rebuilding for $50 out here but most have been scrapped out by now.

[naphtali5725]

Thanks Tx Firefighter, what harmonic balancer should I use on my motor when I build it?

[Tx Firefighter]

I use the Summit Racing brand ones. I'm sure the higher dollar ones are better in some manner or the other, but the Summit ones are nice new replacement ones that fit my budget.


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[mccurrkm]

I like the idea of a 327 just because it is different. I like it when you see something that is not as common. A friend of mine had an S10 with a V8 and never would tell what it was. After getting to know him a little better, he finally told me what it was...one of the rare 67-69 GM 302...that made it that much cooler to me!

[DesertCat]

Originally Posted by naphtali5725

anyway i have posted on a couple of sites looking for the same info on building a 327...
as usual i got all kinds of posts that say i'm dumb for wanting to build a 327, said i'm wasting my time, i should build a 350, or 383, or more. i never understand why people think you're crazy for wanting what you like... what a crock

These are the same idiots that might say "why do you waste your time with romance when you can have porn" ... because it's just better this way!

I love the 327 and in fact bought one to build for myself (but a fresh 355 with fuelies fell in my lap cheap). They are out there - the guys saying to build the stroker motors are the ones selling them.

Do your homework on journal sizes and casting numbers when you go shopping it's all pretty easy

[naphtali5725]

thnks... what about that front pulley in the pic?