NEVERL8

Looks like the 327 needs to be rebuilt. I am considering doing this myself over time and wondered if a GM 350 crate motor would drop in. I want to use the tachometer, intake, carb, exhaust manifolds, valve covers, etc from the 327 and bolt them onto the 350.

Any problems with this approach. Can I make the 350 look like the original 327 motor? Will all the accessories fit on including the AC system?

If anyone has done this I would be interested in hearing there experience.

Thanks
Bruce

bigearl56

Earl

aquaroscoe

While I have not tried it myself yet, most folks recommend the ZZ4 as the closest fit. Valve covers would be an issue, but most everything else should be fine

ghostrider20

Yes, it will work BUT?

There are some things to think about.

The rear PCV vent boss at the rear of the block, that the 350 does not have (some might, but good luck finding one). You can get by without this if you use some aftermarket valve covers with PCV openings.


Other then that, I can't think of anything of the top of my head. Everthing should bolt right up.

KyleDallas

One issue is that many of the newer crate motors are built on
EFI GM blocks and do not have a provision for a mechanical fuel pump.
The PLUS side of the 87 up EFI blocks is that they have provisions
for the factory roller cam....and they have the more preferable
one piece main seal.

I am NOT a fan of the ZZ4 .... overpriced for the performance you get
because of the poor flowing L98 heads...Vortec L31 heads have a 80hp
advantage....
L31 heads would need a slight/inexpensive modification for pushrod clearance
and they are not drilled for old style covers.

The best bargain heads GM has for the small block- the 185cc Vortec
Bowties- aren't offered on a crate motor...but you can pick up a set brand new from GM for about $650 to $850......they accept both early
and late style valve covers...so they would work fine with Corvette
Script style covers...they ARE drilled to use either early 1st Gen SBC manifolds or Vortec manifolds...but because of their semi Raised
Roof design.... I'd use the Vortec manifold which matches the
taller ports which makes the heads flow so well.... they are 500hp
capable if you'll "hold'er to the wood".

This production based (96 Silverado) L31 Vortec Longblock if outfitted
with the LT4 "Hot Cam" would absolutely walk all over a ZZ4..

http://paceperformance.com/index.asp...D&ProdID=43221

If you could buy an L31shortblock and top it with the Bowite Vortec
185cc heads.. that would be a formidable package.

Another option:
1. Buy a new GM roller block - $670
2. Buy an All Forged Scat Rotating Assembly-$1300
3. Buy a pair of Bowtie Vortec 185cc heads- $650

For $2620 you have your building blocks for a stout/powerful
425-500hp engine....

Buy the parts yourself and have a local machinist balance and
assemble it for you.

vettebuyer6369

If you are going for the original look, you cannot put the 327 script valve covers on the 350 without working out the PCV issues.

There are several threads in the archives on this... comes up a lot. I have pics of my intake modifications if you want.

KyleDallas

Headflow-

ZZ4/L98 Head- 189cfm @ .400 lift

L31 Vortec- 227cfm @ .400 lift

Bowtie Vortec 185cc- 235cfm @ .400 lift

Theoretic HP production 2hp for 1cfm.

knight37128

You will have to buy a new flywheel (bolt pattern is different).

The camshaft may not have the mechanical fuel pump lobe even though the block has the provision for a fuel pump (investigate further).

The big block cams do not have that lobe, but not sure about small block.

Valve covers will be an issue. Everything else should bolt right up. Others will correct me if I left something out.

AZDoug

If you get a late model block without the road draft tube/PCV takeoff, you can have the rear web of the block lifter valley drillled for a PCV valve.

Wouldn't even have to disassemble the short block if you are careful and mask off the valley to keep chips out of it.

Doug

Howy

I have installed a 350-290hp crate engine in my 63.I don't know about pcv problem because i have chrome chevrolet valve covers with the pcv in them.Intake and carb are original and the block has mechanical fuel pump.Very cheep to buy and comes pretty much complete.If you want the part number let me know and i will get my gm performance catalogue from the garage and post the number for you.

Howy

JohnZ

If it has Vortec heads, you can't use the original intake, and you need a block with a 2-piece rear seal in order to use your existing flywheel. All your accessories, including the A/C, will bolt right up if you use your existing water pump (some of the crates come with a reverse-rotation water pump for serpentine drive belts).

Mark_Milner

A small block is a small block when it comes to dropping one in. However, the PCV system is such you can't run the old Corvette finned valve covers without issues.

Are you planning on building your old 327? And just need an engine to run/drive/play with while building? That is what your first line sounded like.

If that is the case, I'd pick up a used engine locally, either rebuilt or somewhat fresh, and drop it in for the time being.

Rebuilding your old 327 isn't that much time, depending on what you are doing. It could be done in a week or so, and that means you spend almost that much time pulling the 327/installing the 350 then pulling the 350 to install the rebuilt 327. I think I'd prefer to leave it sit for two weeks while I rebuilt the engine than go through all the swapping hassle.


If having a running engine while rebuilding the 327 is your plan, I'd buy a local engine for $100 to $500 to drop in rather than a $3000 - $4500 crate engine of some sort that requires half the things on it be changed.

richbopp

I've got a 350 ci (stamped 3970010) crate motor in my 64. At least I'm told it's a 350, but could be a 327. The valve covers have PVC in them. Intake and carb are not the stock 327 w/Carter carb. I've got a Rodchester Quadrajet carb with electric chock and no heat riser in the exhaust manifold.

Was done in March of 04.

GTR1999

I ran a new 350 in my '67 back in '79. I used the old alum covers and found a oil fill tube with a post for the pvc. Worked fine. Be sure there is a tapped boss for the clutch linkage as well.

kenny sibley

I put a ZZ4 in my 65 vert about 5 years ago. Not that much of a problem . I also had air added to it by some one who had never done it before and everything fits fine. The ZZ4 would blow the doors off of the 365 horse that I had in it before and a lot easier to drive around town.But I got the mtr for $2600 back then.

Howy

Part number was 12499529 and i have my old intake and carb on it now.I paid $2100.00 for it canadian.Probably less than that in the US.New engine,not rebuilt.No core to send back.Comes with oil pan and front cover installed.Everything else i took from the old 327 including the water pump.

vettebuyer6369

Here's pics of the modification on my 350/350 set up to look like an early car... PCV is drilled in the Edlebrock aluminum intake, behind the carb. You can barely see it with the air cleaner in place. I used a vented oil fill cap, too, after a hole was drilled for the oil fill tube. The manifold has a splash guard attached underneath as well. Last pic shows it all assembled.

knight37128

Nice job

vettebuyer6369

Thanks. I entrusted it to a talented buddy, so he deserves the credit for the execution. It looks very sharp and clean in the car.

AzMotorhead

EEERRRRNNNTTT. Wrong answer
A Gen I or Gen II small block are the same. But after 86 things started to change. as mentioned above Flywheel bolt pattern changes so a new flywheel is in order. The ZZ series motors and Vortec heads use a verticle bolt angle fore the intake manifolds.
With a stock small block hood you'll have a heck of a time finding a air cleaner that will fit If you drop in a Crate HO 350.
ask me I just did one.