Gimme1MoreC1

I did it, and really happy with the results. Someone in the past had installed 2.02 intake valves, but left the stock 1.50 exhausts, so my good friend who owns a local machine shop (yes, a a good friend to have) discovered this, the decision was easier. I got an L79 cam, he put in Keith Black 11:1's and 1.60 exhaust valves. I located a nice 490 intake and 8" harmonic balancer (you will need a new timing chain cover). I used 1965 2-1/2" exhaust manifolds. I never totaled the cost, but $2000 tops. The biggest problem I have is worrying about blowing it up, because it is, like yours, the original motor, and the temptation to wind it up is irresistible. I am now considering building another SB, in order to save this for the future, whenever somebody wants to restore it. One thing is for sure, I will install a 5-speed. I still kick myself for not doing it when I did the motor 2 years ago. Yes, I kept all of the stock parts. Good luck on the build.

highschool67

Don't you think a crate 350/350 ZZ4 would be a better purchase. By the time you get all those parts in the original block you will have almost as much as a crate bow tie and your original numbers matching numbers motor is now bastardized.


Sorry.... didn't realize I was being redundant.

Donny Brass

no, actually I don't


there is something magical about the 327... the 302... the 409... the 427

it's just a hot rod engine. the 350 is a great motor, the 383 and 406 give you much more usuable power, but there is no romance in the displacement. and to me, that counts for something.

just one man's opinion

tach drive 61

i just completed a 1963 327 NOS 3959512 CE /standard bore short block.forged small journal crank,balanced/ I used the 151 cam with flattops and 340hp alum intake .for the buck the 350 we took out had more power .if you do it use all the right parts> domed pistons etc and heads , a good after market head will do the trick !ignition system up grade and even better but more $$$ roller cam , as stated above these cams like high RPM`s running low gears completes the package , but there goes any hyway use . good luck with your build .the 327 will give you stock pcv set up for the look a new GM crate motor is the other good option

Vette5.5

I agree with some of the above post's to pull the original drivetrain, set it aside and work your imagination. Heck, go with a Keisler 5 or 6 speed tranny while you're at it. It's all reversible for possible best resale if needed. Don't hack into the original wiring harness though. Best to enjoy the hobby the way want it now, rather than worry about other thing's you may not even be around for later.

wallysolvette

No one has mentioned advancing the "151" camshaft. In several other forums, it has been advised to advance the cam 4 degrees to give the cam more low end. This would seem to work with the 300 HP set up without changing anything else. Just my thoughts.
Walt

MikeM

The 151 cam has plenty of low end.

NOM61

Don't mess with your tranny or rear end.
You have the perfect combo!
An M20/3.36 has a lower final ratio in first than a close ratio M21/3.70 combo, and in 4th it's actually usable on the freeway.
If you do the math, the M20/3.36 is the same as an M21/3.90(if Chevy made one) in first.

DT

Gimme1MoreC1

I agree that the 3.36 is a good combo with the M20...but 4th gear will always be 1:1. You can't beat the OD if you're going to cruise at highway speeds over 70. Plus you would benefit with a new first gear that would be something like a stump-pulling 4:36. You have to love the extra gear.

highschool67

I agree with the romance hence my answer. His 327 stock motor has the romance and will have that romance sitting in the corner of the garage unmolested waiting to be reunited with it's original body. I too love the romance. There is nothing better than the roar and acceleration of an original LT1 350 motor even though the displacement has lost the romance due to the number of years in production.

To this day I think the 327 motor is the best combination of bore and stroke GM ever produced. Any 327 I had back in the day was a joy to drive regardless of the horsepower.

I am swapping out a non stock and tired 350 in my 66 for a 468 BB motor. It's been a while since I had that much horsepower and like the original poster, I'd like a little (or a lot) more zip in the old vette.
I also have a 427 sitting on an engine stand waiting for the right car or perhaps a swap in my 67 Camaro.

I love all the flavors of old Chevy iron.


On a side note. A close friend in town does a lot of LSx swaps in mid years and late model vettes. I'm starting to warm up to the LS motors these days.

327carguy

A PM sent with an alternate possibility.
327carguy

mrruffhouser

I don't think I read that a good solid lifter cam would give the higher rpm's that it sounds like your looking for that SBC sound and feel. Lots of good suggestions have been made that combined with this one would do the job.