327 performance question

Melrose RS · Feb 24, 2010

Shop carefully on those Vortecs. While the heads may be $600 you still need a compatible intake manifold. I think Vortecs use self-aligning rockers also so the total cost is going to be higher than $600. Closer to $1k all in/all done from what I've seen. Plus you can't use your first gen valve covers without adapters and those cost too.

brewcity · Feb 24, 2010

sschevellefan said:
Ok, knowing that I would forget the 291 heads. They cost to much to rebuild. you can get brand new vortecs from chevy for less than $600. Then get a Crane 274HO6 cam or Elgin equivilent, performer rpm and a 650dp carb and have some fun. It won`t take much to reach what your looking for.

On the crane cams website, they have two part numbers for the 274 HO6 cam:

http://cranecams.com/index.php?show...hicle_Type=Auto&Cylinders=8&Engine_Make=CHEVROLET&Year=1968&Engine_Size=262-400 C.I.

Which one do I need, or are they basically the same cam?
Do I need to order anything else to go along with it besides a 2500+ torque converter ?
Thanks again!!

sschevellefan · Feb 24, 2010

brewcity said:
OK...thanks so much! What if I could get some 291's in excellent/almost unused condition for $500? Would that be a good fit, or should I still go with the vortecs for an extra $100?

The vortecs will make more power but if the 291`s are ready to go they are good heads and pointed out above, the standard intake and valve covers will go on with no issues.

Melrose RS said:
Shop carefully on those Vortecs. While the heads may be $600 you still need a compatible intake manifold. I think Vortecs use self-aligning rockers also so the total cost is going to be higher than $600. Closer to $1k all in/all done from what I've seen. Plus you can't use your first gen valve covers without adapters and those cost too.

The rockers can be stock stamped steel that you can get cheap. Intakes are cheap as well especially if you get a good used one. The adaptors can be found cheap to but there are alot of centerbolt style valve covers that look good and have classic styles to match the style of the car.

brewcity said:
On the crane cams website, they have two part numbers for the 274 HO6 cam:

http://cranecams.com/index.php?show...hicle_Type=Auto&Cylinders=8&Engine_Make=CHEVROLET&Year=1968&Engine_Size=262-400 C.I.

Which one do I need, or are they basically the same cam?
Do I need to order anything else to go along with it besides a 2500+ torque converter ?
Thanks again!!

I honestly don`t know what the difference is. I saw the 2 listings and they are only 1 number off so maybe one is for a cam and the other for cam/lifters? Here is a link to how that cam sounds in a stock 350, will sound a little rougher in your 327. I think I`m going to go with it for my engine too.

OK69 · Feb 24, 2010

With a BBC and street tires you will likely not hook up, so go with the small block. A 500 inch motor does no good when it can't be applied.

brewcity · Feb 24, 2010

Melrose RS said:
Shop carefully on those Vortecs. While the heads may be $600 you still need a compatible intake manifold. I think Vortecs use self-aligning rockers also so the total cost is going to be higher than $600. Closer to $1k all in/all done from what I've seen. Plus you can't use your first gen valve covers without adapters and those cost too.

So what about something like this I found with a quick search on ebay?:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SBC-...091426QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item518fa1b8a2

Or should I stay with something like the vortecs or 291's?
If so, what spec's do I need on my heads with everything...lifters, springs, etc...?

sschevellefan · Feb 24, 2010

brewcity said:
So what about something like this I found with a quick search on ebay?:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SBC-...091426QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item518fa1b8a2

Or should I stay with something like the vortecs or 291's?
If so, what spec's do I need on my heads with everything...lifters, springs, etc...?

You don`t want a 210cc head on a street 327. This is more of what you want. you can use the old style intake and valve covers too.

https://www.patriot-performance.com/xcart/product.php?productid=206&cat=76&page=1

Says they are out of stock but you can search around and find some. I found some on ebay for the same price.

trmnatr · Feb 26, 2010

Z15CAM said:
You can do 7000rpm with a Cast Crank for short intervals with a 327 as in Drag Racing but in Road Racing the engine sometimes has to be held at 7000rom for extended periods and a Forged Crank is manditory.

If your lucky, it's possible to get an OEM Medium Forged Journal 327 for under $200. That's about $300 cheaper then an Aftermarket Forging for a SBC and just as good. Buy Eagle SIR Cap Rods, Speed Pro 11:1 Pistons, AFR Heads, a 196 SFT Cam, Harland Sharp Rockers, Holley 750Dp/RPM Intake and run it all day up to 8000rpm putting out approx 450Hp on Pump Gas.

Lynn is right about the insanity of driving a Small Cubed Hi-Revving Engine on the street. If you want power, you're better off going for a 383 build.

I suggest you just refresh the existing 327 using the 281 heads, Eagle Rods, 10:1 Hyper-Tec Pistons say a 278 HFT Cam and top it off with a 650/Performer. The build is much cheaper and you will end up with a very nice 350Hp 327 that is dependable and a joy to drive.

its not gonna make power at 8000rpm but will rev that high, it will just be below peak power

327 performance question

Melrose RS

brewcity

sschevellefan

OK69

brewcity

sschevellefan

trmnatr

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