Mild performance build of my original 327 for my 1964 Corvette

[RevTheory]

Imo, the difference in low speed grunt will be VERY noticeable, and along with that the perception about how “hot” the car is.

There is no way you won’t notice the loss of power........ and not by a little bit.

My suggestion would be to replace the top end of the 383 instead.
New TF double bump heads, stock intake, nostalgia cam.

Leave the 327 under the bench.

I'll second this opinion as well.

[Carnut1]

The factory compression was 10.25, supposedly. Likely more like 9.75. That Nostalgia plus cam is similar to their Extreme Energy cams and is a more modern take on the old 350 HP cam. What about going with a similar hydraulic roller? More expensive, but supposed to be more reliable.

I am a fan of hydraulic rollers. The one in the old work truck is from the early 90's and has been in two different engines. It is a worthy up grade but needs cam, lifters, springs, locks, retainers, cam button, push rods, decent rockers, heads machined for studs and guide plates. Etc. Yes a hot hydraulic needs much of the same. I have no issues spinning hydraulic rollers to 7000 rpm but that is my cut off. Thanks, Charlie

[Carnut1]

No argument guys. The easiest power is take the 383, freshen it with a decent hydraulic roller cam. Put some time into the trick flows and see how tough that vette rear is.

[bosco]

There is no issue with the 383, it probably has no more than 2000 miles on it despite being ten years old. Maybe I should leave well enough alone and keep the 327 under the bench as others suggest. The car at about 2900 # hauls ass with the 383. It has a Richmond super T10 close box in it as well and the oil pan is the Canton road race version. You could probably put vintage race tires on it and win most SCCA vintage road races. It stops well also with the Wilwoods.

[Carnut1]

As a rule hot rodders can't leave well enough alone.

[Carnut1]

There is no issue with the 383, it probably has no more than 2000 miles on it despite being ten years old. Maybe I should leave well enough alone and keep the 327 under the bench as others suggest. The car at about 2900 # hauls ass with the 383. It has a Richmond super T10 close box in it as well and the oil pan is the Canton road race version. You could probably put vintage race tires on it and win most SCCA vintage road races. It stops well also with the Wilwoods.

We need a pic.

[bosco]

[imghttps://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1021880 ... =3&theater][/img]

I owned her from 1988-2001 and sold her to my best buddy. He passed recently and I just bought her back from his estate.

[rfoll]

As a rule hot rodders can't leave well enough alone.

resistance is futile

[RevTheory]

If that's numbers-matching engine, I wouldn't touch it for the world. At least not be subjecting to any abuse.

[Carnut1]

If that's numbers-matching engine, I wouldn't touch it for the world. At least not be subjecting to any abuse.

Oh Rev. I would run the snot out of it.

[PRH]

If that's numbers-matching engine, I wouldn't touch it for the world. At least not be subjecting to any abuse.

I agree.
There’s really no “upside” to using it.

[RevTheory]

If that's numbers-matching engine, I wouldn't touch it for the world. At least not be subjecting to any abuse.

Oh Rev. I would run the snot out of it.

You're asking for a lantern and pitchfork mob if you destroy a numbers-matching 327 for a split-window 'vette when you've got a sacrificial 383 sitting right there

[GARY C]

I have a nice 1964 Corvette roadster with a stout 383 stroker with old Trick Flow 23 degree heads. It makes about 425 HP and similar torque. I have the original 327/300 motor with 461 heads available. I would like to put the 327 back in with a few upgrades: Comp Cams 350 HP Nostalgia plus cam, L79 Aluminum intake, Bo Laws 650 or 750 Holley and maybe some mild porting on the heads. It has Hooker shorty headers into the sidepipes.


I want the original motor back in the car but without too much drop off in performance. Would the 327 at about 10.5 compression, and with the above mentioned upgrades approach 400 HP and say 375 torque?

The car looks near stock with the exception of 65 sidepipes, American 200 S Wheels. It does have Wilwood 4 wheel discs, and the F41 suspension. It handles and stops far better than original and I am not concerned about making it some 99 point show car, and will never sell it. Just kinda would like to say it has the original 327...BUT I NEED MORE SMOKE.

Thanks for you ideas and opinions

Here is a 9.5:1 331 from some years back with mild ported ProTopline 180 cc heads, performer intake, Bullet solid flat cam around 242 @.050 on a 109 LSA.

[cardo0]

I have a nice 1964 Corvette roadster with a stout 383 stroker with old Trick Flow 23 degree heads. It makes about 425 HP and similar torque. I have the original 327/300 motor with 461 heads available. I would like to put the 327 back in with a few upgrades: Comp Cams 350 HP Nostalgia plus cam, L79 Aluminum intake, Bo Laws 650 or 750 Holley and maybe some mild porting on the heads. It has Hooker shorty headers into the sidepipes.


I want the original motor back in the car but without too much drop off in performance. Would the 327 at about 10.5 compression, and with the above mentioned upgrades approach 400 HP and say 375 torque?

The car looks near stock with the exception of 65 sidepipes, American 200 S Wheels. It does have Wilwood 4 wheel discs, and the F41 suspension. It handles and stops far better than original and I am not concerned about making it some 99 point show car, and will never sell it. Just kinda would like to say it has the original 327...BUT I NEED MORE SMOKE.

Thanks for you ideas and opinions

Can't identify what you want to do but it reads like you want to build a 327 to match a 383 c.i. motor. Algebra tell's me that's a 15% mismatch. While there are improvements you can make blueprinting the motor yourself it would be unexpected to match the 50 something ft-lbs of torque the greater stroke provides.

Now on the other hand I met a corvette owner with his 9sec car running a 327 and before that a Nova owner running in the 10's with his 327. So they can be made to go fast, almost to fast for the street.

Hey it's a sbc and the combinations are nearly endless. When you are ready to choose how much stroke, can duration, head porting $$$ or want use/spend we could be more helpful.

Just as a note I'd have to mention what one person considers fun to drive is not going to be the same for everyone else. Throttle response and high rpm's power band could be more fun than spinning tires in every gear for some though not everyone.

[GARY C]

Yes, all things being equal the 383 would always produce more and be more manageable on the street doing it. You can virtually bolt together a pump gas 500 hp 500 tq 383 with the parts available today.