DucatiDon

A question for the engine builders and machine shop gurus here....

If I wanted to build a 383 with a 327 block (in order to maintain the road draft tube and factory PCV setup...its a 63 340hp) are 2 bolt mains strong enough? Is it worthwhile to machine a 327 for 4 bolt main caps? Any issues one should be aware of looking for a good 327 candidate block?

I want a healthy motor, but nothing over 500hp, and no juice.

I can get a custom small journal crank......just trying to decide if I want to waste my time with the 327 block or not.....

It is important to me to try to keep the car looking as original as possible...

Thanks

65tripleblack

There were some 2 bolt and some 4 bolt 400 blocks cast, so 2 bolt has worked and been proven with a 3.75" stroke.

You might look for a, I think, 1968 (one year only) 327 which had large journals, and save money on the custom crank.

Hitch

Clearancing a 327 for 383 sometimes leads to opening a hole in the water jackets that renders the block useless...

Tom Heffernan

I'm building a 385 (.040 over) right now using 327 service replacement block(3959512)I had the block align bored for the 350 main bearing, using a scat crank and 2 bolt mains with arp studs.(looking for 400 -425 hp).

Scott Marzahl

Tom, did you need to cut the counterweights down to clear the block. I know that is often done when using 283 or 327 blocks.

Tom Heffernan

Scott, No, the bottom of the 3959512 is just like a 350.I had the block clearanced at the bottom of the cylinders and at the oil pan just like a 350 .

DucatiDon

Ive been looking for a CE 512 block, but cant seem to find one.

Its the clearancing I guess that concerns me....hate to ruin a good block....

Tom Heffernan

Here's a pic of the crank in the block.

Tom Heffernan

Here's a pic of the main before align bore. The block main is notched for 327 and 350 bearing.

JohnZ

Yup - you want to avoid that - photo below shows what happens when you get just a LITTLE too aggressive with the grinder; it's a block one minute and scrap iron the next.

DucatiDon

How much minimum clearance is required?

Pop Chevy

I've got a CE 512 block I will sell ya ! Dated 1972 , spun a rod brg.

DucatiDon

Ha to have the raid draft tube hole in the back of the block....if it does let talk

Hitch

That picture looks very familiar... I saw that block if that pic is from who I think it's from. We discussed doing the same with my block but I was a little to fearful of the same happening..

Hitch

cv67

Id grab a 350 block and see what you can do about the draft tube thing to make it work.
Wesmigletz did this and if I remember right didnt seem worth the money

Scott Marzahl

Wes stroked his 283 out to 377 ci and I believe he is very happy with it. He also stroked his 327 out to 396 and added AFR heads and a roller cam which really kicks ***. He spent a lot on machine work installing the 4 bolt ProGram main caps.

Pop Chevy

Yes, it has the rear vent hole and the can.

65tripleblack

GREAT explanation Tom.
This post should be a "sticky".

cv67

Wondering why machinists dont regularly pin the caps sure would help with 2 bolt builds with cap walk...even 4 bolt