Almost a 327

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vht

Well-known member
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Oct 1, 2014
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362
I had a friend that had an old sbc engine in his barn that belonged to his Dad. His Dad told him it was a 300 HP 327. He brought it to me since he had no use for it, I put it on a stand and didn't get to much time to check it out but I did get the numbers off the heads and block. It had a spin on oil filter and a bolt in the crank snout so I was figuring 68, 69. Well the double hump heads were done in April 15, 1966, they are the 462's, the block 3970020 is a 69-73 307. That was a bummer. It's got a factory cast iron 4bbl intake with a Carter 4 BBL. Looks like an old 6 in Cal Custom used to be chrome air cleaner. I wish the short block had matched the heads.
 
Ahhh, snookered by the ol' mystery engine switcheroo ! Until you do a numbers check, it could be anything from a 283 to a 400 - at least you didn't have to lighten your wallet for it....
 
still a 307 is a lot better then a 305.

I hear that and heard that about the 307. As someone running a slightly smoky at idle (typical weak valve seals) 1978 305. May possibly have a high torque cam from the way it runs and what the PO told me. Who knows. This engine seems a bit tired.

I would like to get a 327 and I know where to find a couple even if it is stock. But my pockets are inside out right now as far as cars go. As long as it rolls its all good for now.
 
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I got the rest of the story today. My friends Dad got an old drag racer to build him this engine for his 70 chev truck. They took the 307 and built a 327. Bored it, new pistons and all, and if I remember correctly, that's .125 over. They reworked the 66 heads and added the 4 BBL carter and intake. Motor turns over great and the carb isn't froze up after all these years.
 

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Grab a 350 block and throw the 307 crank in it and you will have the 327. Never knew the 307 would go .120 over but did know some of the old 283's could. The heads are worth as few bucks but most folks go buy new heads with hard seats and no cracks.
 
Few persons (in my corner of the world) give a damn for "old school" performance, unless they need a numbers correct restoration... or, run NHRA Stock classes where the casting numbers have to jive with the year and model.

There are freaks (like me) who love old technology, but we're a dying breed. Your 462's are somewhat desirable, but have little value in this world of aluminum heads and LS conversions. Sad, but true...

.
 
That's what I thought, you can buy alum heads for $650 and up. I've heard of people taking a 307 that far but they had it sonic checked. This one went several miles with no problems. I just like the old stuff and it's even better if it has a story.
 
307 was just a 327 with a 283 crank, or was it a 283 with a 327 crank? I have forgot with age. I know one made the 302, the other the 307.

Anyway, a 327 crank should be a steel forging, = strong. That was one reason they ran so good, even stock, very little flex.
 
307 was just a 327 with a 283 crank, or was it a 283 with a 327 crank? I have forgot with age. I know one made the 302, the other the 307.

Anyway, a 327 crank should be a steel forging, = strong. That was one reason they ran so good, even stock, very little flex.
307 had the 327 crank and rods but 283 bore, or similar I believe. The 327 and 350 have the same bore.
 
The 307 with the number 412 or 417 (don't remember which) under the timing cover can be bored to 4" which is the stock bore for a 327, with no problem.
A friend of mine did that to his engines to run in his stock cars.
 
283 and 307 3 7/8" bore 302 327 and 350 4" bore. 305 uses the 3 .480 (350 crank) and 3.736 bore.
 

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