327 or 350 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Sicboy · 08-19-2009, 10:20 AM

Over the weekend, I broke a piston skirt in my '66 chevy c-10's 327 and damaged the cylinder wall. So rather than try and rebuild my engine, i'd rather drop in a reman or new engine. I have the choice of a remanufactured 327 with dbl hump heads and performance cam, 100000 mile/7 yr warranty or a new gm goodwrench 350. The 327 is $1350, which includes shipping and core charge, and the 350 is $ 1650 and is at my local dealer. Id love to keep a 327 in the truck but the thought of a new engine is appealing too. What are y'alls thoughts and/or recommendations? 327 or 350?

MacAttack · 08-19-2009, 10:24 AM

Having done both - I'd go with the Mr. Goodwrench crate motor.

Mac.

1Bad62Pro/Street · 08-19-2009, 11:51 AM

327 with dbl hump heads and performance cam, 100000 mile/7 yr warranty!
Engine & Drivetrain
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/f...splay.php?f=24
327 Large Journal Crank?

The 327 was only in production for eight years, but in that time the engine would become a legend among small-block aficionados. What made the 327 so efficient was its large (for a small-block), 4-inch bore that readily accepted big-valve heads, combined with the relatively short 3.25-inch stroke. With standard small-block 5.7-inch rods, the combo yielded a 1.75:1 rod/stroke ratio, very close to the 1.80-1.85:1 ratio considered by many professional engine builders as optimum for an acceleration engine. Unlike with the later, longer-stroke small-blocks, installing longer aftermarket rods does not severely compromise piston design. In terms of cylinder feeding versus displacement, the 327-inch engine size seemed to dovetail perfectly with available cylinder-head port volumes and camshaft designs.

For all these reasons, many believe that, with the possible exception of the even rarer '67-'69 Z/28 302, the 327 has the most horsepower-per- cubic-inch potential of any small-block. That's important if you're racing in a class based on pounds per cubic inch; otherwise, raw inches are still king. And good luck finding a rebuildable core that'll clean up at 0.030-inch over.
http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles...ock/index.html

jchav62 · 08-19-2009, 01:02 PM

I'm partial to nostalgia...283's and 327's. Especially in these trucks. It's all up to you, but the 327 is a little cheaper, and that's not a bad warranty at all.

You'll have more power potential with the 350, if that's what your after...but my vote is for the 327...

SIR · 08-19-2009, 01:35 PM

..I went the "crate" route and it worked out very well (I.M.H.O.) there's no sin in updateing your engine,you just can't beat a new engine for reliability,and it's easy to put the extras on it intake,headers,surpintine system..etc

61TWUK · 08-19-2009, 01:42 PM

I have a built 327 in mine and I love it... low oil pressure... but I love it..

BTCHN 1963 · 08-19-2009, 03:28 PM

I would go with the 327 because it sounds like it is higher performance than a stock crate 350. I put in the stock crate 350 and was very dissapointed with the performance. Beside if they were built equally you would not notice much seat of the pants difference.

Eagar1 · 08-19-2009, 06:14 PM

Stick with the 327.

If you are wanting an upgrade, then you may as well go all the way to a 383.
they are great especially for a stump pullin truck cause of the longer stroke, thus better torgue to get your iron monster moving.
I am putting a take out 350 in mine while I build my 383.

1Bad62Pro/Street · 08-19-2009, 06:24 PM

I would love to have the '67 325hp (offered in the Chevelle and Nova). The 327 (L79) featured an aluminum intake manifold, larger valves, a high-lift hydraulic camshaft, and dual exhaust. ( This package is very rare. ) Most other four-barrel 327 engines in '67 were of the 275hp variety. God I love 283's-302's-327's! They will rev like crazy with those short strokes! My dad took the his 383 stroker out of his rambler and is putting a 283 in her. Now its the rare 283 with the 327 tooling. He is going to bore it out to make a 302 out of it. Why go from a 383 stroker to a 302? Longevity and nostalgia. Strokers are good, but they wear out quick. Longer stroke more wear on the engine! Gonna build that 302 for HO!

Eagar1 · 08-19-2009, 08:49 PM

I agree on the 283/302/327, vs 350, and the strokers can take a little more wear, but I m going to covert mine to 383 cause she is only gonna be used for camping towing etc, so it will likely out last me.

bubba327 · 08-19-2009, 06:12 PM

I am running the 327 in my chevelle and had 2 other 327 in years past. The 283 and 327 are a fast revving motor -very quick off the line and fast acceleration. have been reliable, just a little hard to find a good block these days.
But as the racers say there is no substitute for cubic inches, That makes it your decision. It is hard to tell the difference when installed. Put in the 350 but dress it up old school .

markeb01 · 08-19-2009, 09:32 PM

I'd suggest it's all a matter of who rebuilt the 327. If it's a local engine building specialist that you know and trust with a good performance reputation, the 327 would have my vote. If on the other hand it's from one of the national auto part chains, it's a different story. I believe there are two primary national engine rebuilders - Recon engines and another one I can't remember. I was inspired to take this low dollar approach after watching an episode of Horsepower TV. Then I did some research. There are as many horror stories as satisfied customers. Do a Google search to arrive at your own decision.

As for me, if I can't afford a custom built high performance engine from a custom engine builder, I'd stick with a crate motor from Chevy. I'm on my second Targetmaster/Goodwrench 350. The 1st one had 135k when I sold the car and the one in my 60 GMC has 165k on the clock and still works fine.

198plus · 08-19-2009, 10:16 PM

I would just rebuild the 327 engine you have........Lot of people may argue but I'd put a sleeve in that engine and a good cam and spring upgrade and call it a day.

toms84ss · 08-19-2009, 10:57 PM

I wont jump in on the 327 VS 350 debate. But I will point out the 327 will need to be shipped someplace to have any warranty work done correct? The 350 is at the local dealer and is good at any other GM dealer. A nice plus if your on the road. The GM warranty used to cover parts and labor for swapping the engines also. So all your gaskets and fluids here included if you had problems. Not sure what the fine print reads these days.

65ona90 · 08-23-2009, 10:37 PM

I run a engine machining / rebuilding shop in southeastern michigan, so having that said i am not a fan of crate motors, it puts us small guys out of buisness. But all that aside, between the two options your contimplating the 327 sounds like more bang for your buck. As long as the camelback heads are the 2.02 intakes and not the 1.94 valves, and a descent RV cam, it should be good for around 300-325 h.p. with a 4 barrel. The Goodwrench 350's are good engines, but if your not buying a ZZ4 or better, the power output would only be in the mid to high 200's. I personally think the 327 would be the most satisfying choice, for both power and nastalgic purposes. Good luck with your decision!

Sicboy · 08-23-2009, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 65ona90

I run a engine machining / rebuilding shop in southeastern michigan, so having that said i am not a fan of crate motors, it puts us small guys out of buisness. But all that aside, between the two options your contimplating the 327 sounds like more bang for your buck. As long as the camelback heads are the 2.02 intakes and not the 1.94 valves, and a descent RV cam, it should be good for around 300-325 h.p. with a 4 barrel. The Goodwrench 350's are good engines, but if your not buying a ZZ4 or better, the power output would only be in the mid to high 200's. I personally think the 327 would be the most satisfying choice, for both power and nastalgic purposes. Good luck with your decision!

I'm going with having my 327 rebuilt by a local highly recommended machine shop. $1500...includes .262 duration Comp Cam kit and my newly aquired 461 heads. Couldn't stand the thought of not having the nostalgic 327 in my truck or the thought of buying from some unknown remanufacturer. Thanks for all the responses.

1Bad62Pro/Street · 08-24-2009, 06:52 PM

That's what I'm talking about Sicboy!
THIS IS ALL YOU RIGHT HERE BUDDY!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5SSqVfx_tc

327 Small Block Chevy........... SHORT STROKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I be strokin' Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!
I be strokin'
I stroke it to the north
And I stroke it to the south

I be strokin'
I be strokin' Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!
I be strokin', Yeah!
I be strokin'

Sicboy · 08-24-2009, 09:47 PM

I don't stop until I know she's sas-ified
And I can always tell when she gets sas-ified
'Cause when she gets sas-fied she start calling my name
She'd say: 'Clarence Carter, Clarence Carter, Clarence Carter
Clarence Carter, ooooh sh1t, Clarence Carter'

08-19-2009, 10:20 AM	#1
Sicboy Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Eugene, OR Posts: 200	327 or 350 Over the weekend, I broke a piston skirt in my '66 chevy c-10's 327 and damaged the cylinder wall. So rather than try and rebuild my engine, i'd rather drop in a reman or new engine. I have the choice of a remanufactured 327 with dbl hump heads and performance cam, 100000 mile/7 yr warranty or a new gm goodwrench 350. The 327 is $1350, which includes shipping and core charge, and the 350 is $ 1650 and is at my local dealer. Id love to keep a 327 in the truck but the thought of a new engine is appealing too. What are y'alls thoughts and/or recommendations? 327 or 350?

08-19-2009, 10:24 AM	#2
MacAttack 283 Drama Queen Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Surf City, CA Posts: 2,435	Re: 327 or 350 Having done both - I'd go with the Mr. Goodwrench crate motor. Mac. __________________ For about 12 years of my adult life I had a severe speech impediment. My ex-wife never let me get a word in edgewise.

08-19-2009, 11:51 AM	#3
1Bad62Pro/Street "Where were you in '62?" Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Cleveland County, North Cackalacky Posts: 5,013	Re: 327 or 350 327 with dbl hump heads and performance cam, 100000 mile/7 yr warranty! Engine & Drivetrain http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/f...splay.php?f=24 327 Large Journal Crank? The 327 was only in production for eight years, but in that time the engine would become a legend among small-block aficionados. What made the 327 so efficient was its large (for a small-block), 4-inch bore that readily accepted big-valve heads, combined with the relatively short 3.25-inch stroke. With standard small-block 5.7-inch rods, the combo yielded a 1.75:1 rod/stroke ratio, very close to the 1.80-1.85:1 ratio considered by many professional engine builders as optimum for an acceleration engine. Unlike with the later, longer-stroke small-blocks, installing longer aftermarket rods does not severely compromise piston design. In terms of cylinder feeding versus displacement, the 327-inch engine size seemed to dovetail perfectly with available cylinder-head port volumes and camshaft designs. For all these reasons, many believe that, with the possible exception of the even rarer '67-'69 Z/28 302, the 327 has the most horsepower-per- cubic-inch potential of any small-block. That's important if you're racing in a class based on pounds per cubic inch; otherwise, raw inches are still king. And good luck finding a rebuildable core that'll clean up at 0.030-inch over. http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles...ock/index.html __________________ PROJECT: "FULL METAL YELLOW JACKET" 1962 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed Nostalgia Pro/Street Pickup Truck PROJECT: "FULL METAL YELLOW JACKET Build Thread What Are You Workin' On? - 1Bad62ChevyPickup PROJECT: "TYRANNORAMBLER REX" 1969 AMC Rambler American Nostalgia Pro/Street Youtube Channel: Father Son Projects Youtube Channel: 2TIMOTHY2FITHTEEN "North and South Carolina Folks Click Here!" (((( ~ I have Parts For Sale & Miscellaneous Stuff ~ )))) "Well being as there's no other place around the place, I reckon this must be the place, I reckon...Nyuk Nyuk Nyuk" -Curly Howard Ph.D. Last edited by 1Bad62Pro/Street; 08-19-2009 at 11:53 AM. Reason: http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/chevy_327_small_block/index.html

08-19-2009, 01:02 PM	#4
jchav62 1962 C-10 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Las Vegas, New Mexico Posts: 4,978	Re: 327 or 350 I'm partial to nostalgia...283's and 327's. Especially in these trucks. It's all up to you, but the 327 is a little cheaper, and that's not a bad warranty at all. You'll have more power potential with the 350, if that's what your after...but my vote is for the 327... __________________ Joseph Chavez "See the USA in a Chevrolet!!" ......................_____ .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(O)___//___/__(O)_/ 1962 C10 Shortbed Fleetside 327/th350 GV overdrive 1974 C10 Longbed Fleetside 350/th350 "The Trash Truck" 1999 Chevy 2500 OBS, Longbed 5.7/4L80E 4x4 2015 GMC Sierra SLE 1500 4x4 Last edited by jchav62; 08-19-2009 at 01:02 PM.

08-19-2009, 01:35 PM	#5
SIR SIR Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: grants pass oregon,usa Posts: 658	Re: 327 or 350 ..I went the "crate" route and it worked out very well (I.M.H.O.) there's no sin in updateing your engine,you just can't beat a new engine for reliability,and it's easy to put the extras on it intake,headers,surpintine system..etc Attached Images __________________ 66long low fleet http://community.webshots.com/user/LVNR66

08-19-2009, 01:42 PM	#6
61TWUK Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Charleston SC Posts: 290	Re: 327 or 350 I have a built 327 in mine and I love it... low oil pressure... but I love it..

08-19-2009, 03:28 PM	#7
BTCHN 1963 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: mount angel, oregon Posts: 42	Re: 327 or 350 I would go with the 327 because it sounds like it is higher performance than a stock crate 350. I put in the stock crate 350 and was very dissapointed with the performance. Beside if they were built equally you would not notice much seat of the pants difference.

08-19-2009, 06:14 PM	#8
Eagar1 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 169	Re: 327 or 350 Stick with the 327. If you are wanting an upgrade, then you may as well go all the way to a 383. they are great especially for a stump pullin truck cause of the longer stroke, thus better torgue to get your iron monster moving. I am putting a take out 350 in mine while I build my 383.

08-19-2009, 06:24 PM	#9
1Bad62Pro/Street "Where were you in '62?" Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Cleveland County, North Cackalacky Posts: 5,013	Re: 327 or 350 I would love to have the '67 325hp (offered in the Chevelle and Nova). The 327 (L79) featured an aluminum intake manifold, larger valves, a high-lift hydraulic camshaft, and dual exhaust. ( This package is very rare. ) Most other four-barrel 327 engines in '67 were of the 275hp variety. God I love 283's-302's-327's! They will rev like crazy with those short strokes! My dad took the his 383 stroker out of his rambler and is putting a 283 in her. Now its the rare 283 with the 327 tooling. He is going to bore it out to make a 302 out of it. Why go from a 383 stroker to a 302? Longevity and nostalgia. Strokers are good, but they wear out quick. Longer stroke more wear on the engine! Gonna build that 302 for HO! __________________ PROJECT: "FULL METAL YELLOW JACKET" 1962 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed Nostalgia Pro/Street Pickup Truck PROJECT: "FULL METAL YELLOW JACKET Build Thread What Are You Workin' On? - 1Bad62ChevyPickup PROJECT: "TYRANNORAMBLER REX" 1969 AMC Rambler American Nostalgia Pro/Street Youtube Channel: Father Son Projects Youtube Channel: 2TIMOTHY2FITHTEEN "North and South Carolina Folks Click Here!" (((( ~ I have Parts For Sale & Miscellaneous Stuff ~ )))) "Well being as there's no other place around the place, I reckon this must be the place, I reckon...Nyuk Nyuk Nyuk" -Curly Howard Ph.D.

08-19-2009, 08:49 PM	#10
Eagar1 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 169	Re: 327 or 350 I agree on the 283/302/327, vs 350, and the strokers can take a little more wear, but I m going to covert mine to 383 cause she is only gonna be used for camping towing etc, so it will likely out last me.

08-19-2009, 06:12 PM	#11
bubba327 HOW long until spring?? Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Star Idaho Posts: 1,413	Re: 327 or 350 I am running the 327 in my chevelle and had 2 other 327 in years past. The 283 and 327 are a fast revving motor -very quick off the line and fast acceleration. have been reliable, just a little hard to find a good block these days. But as the racers say there is no substitute for cubic inches, That makes it your decision. It is hard to tell the difference when installed. Put in the 350 but dress it up old school . __________________ 69 chevelle convertible 71-C-10 short-wide and low 64 C-10 custom shortbox "Bubba"s Recycling project"

08-19-2009, 09:32 PM	#12
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Re: 327 or 350 I'd suggest it's all a matter of who rebuilt the 327. If it's a local engine building specialist that you know and trust with a good performance reputation, the 327 would have my vote. If on the other hand it's from one of the national auto part chains, it's a different story. I believe there are two primary national engine rebuilders - Recon engines and another one I can't remember. I was inspired to take this low dollar approach after watching an episode of Horsepower TV. Then I did some research. There are as many horror stories as satisfied customers. Do a Google search to arrive at your own decision. As for me, if I can't afford a custom built high performance engine from a custom engine builder, I'd stick with a crate motor from Chevy. I'm on my second Targetmaster/Goodwrench 350. The 1st one had 135k when I sold the car and the one in my 60 GMC has 165k on the clock and still works fine.

08-19-2009, 10:16 PM	#13
198plus Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Loganville, Ga. Posts: 1,408	Re: 327 or 350 I would just rebuild the 327 engine you have........Lot of people may argue but I'd put a sleeve in that engine and a good cam and spring upgrade and call it a day.

08-19-2009, 10:57 PM	#14
toms84ss Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 121	Re: 327 or 350 I wont jump in on the 327 VS 350 debate. But I will point out the 327 will need to be shipped someplace to have any warranty work done correct? The 350 is at the local dealer and is good at any other GM dealer. A nice plus if your on the road. The GM warranty used to cover parts and labor for swapping the engines also. So all your gaskets and fluids here included if you had problems. Not sure what the fine print reads these days.

08-23-2009, 10:37 PM	#15
65ona90 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chelsea, MI Posts: 19	Re: 327 or 350 I run a engine machining / rebuilding shop in southeastern michigan, so having that said i am not a fan of crate motors, it puts us small guys out of buisness. But all that aside, between the two options your contimplating the 327 sounds like more bang for your buck. As long as the camelback heads are the 2.02 intakes and not the 1.94 valves, and a descent RV cam, it should be good for around 300-325 h.p. with a 4 barrel. The Goodwrench 350's are good engines, but if your not buying a ZZ4 or better, the power output would only be in the mid to high 200's. I personally think the 327 would be the most satisfying choice, for both power and nastalgic purposes. Good luck with your decision! __________________ '65 C10 Body/'90 C3500 Driveline '69 Chevy Nova SS (restored street/strip) '66 Chevy II/Nova Gasser (work in progress) '53 Chevy 210 Sled '79 Chevy K5 Blazer (work horse) '05 GMC Canyon It's worth putting money into as long as it wears a bowtie



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

08-24-2009, 09:47 PM	#18
Sicboy Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Eugene, OR Posts: 200	My 327... I don't stop until I know she's sas-ified And I can always tell when she gets sas-ified 'Cause when she gets sas-fied she start calling my name She'd say: 'Clarence Carter, Clarence Carter, Clarence Carter Clarence Carter, ooooh sh1t, Clarence Carter' Last edited by Sicboy; 08-24-2009 at 09:47 PM.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.