Donnie V

Hi Everyone, new to the forum so please excuse any mistakes.
I have a 65, originally a 396 but at some point changed to 350/300.
I want to go to either a 383 stroker or a BB.
I have a BB I bought around 1978 which was newly rebuilt and has sat in my garage since then that I was thinking of using, but I don't know exactly what the engine is. Here are the casting numbers:
Block # - 3963512 Build Date - C 4 70
Heads # - 8964291 GM 4 T
Bothe the block and heads have "Hi Perf" stamped on them.
Can anyone tell me what this engine is and what it was in originally?


What are the plus and minuses of each route.
Will the BB bolt right in" The only modifications I have made is to replace the manual steering box to a power steering Borgenson unit.


Thanks for any help and recommendations as I would hate to go the wrong route and then regret It

still cruzin

512 block 427-454 1969-71
3964291 heads 396,402,427,454 1969-70

Great numbers!

more info
http://www.nastyz28.com/bbcmenu.php

Bob

karkrafter

Crazy not to put the rat motor back in....

LouieM

Sounds like the BB you already own is the way to go. You'd need to heck it over carefully, maybe even run it on a dyno, since it has been sitting for nearly four decades.

Bluestripe67

Check everything very carefully. If it was not prepared correctly for long term storage you may have issues. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think we had or have a CF member that had troubles with an ancient rebuild when he got it running. Dennis

427Hotrod

The big block wins for sure. Need to find out what is inside of it for pistons and cam...but the block and heads are good stuff. Those are closed chamber rectangular ports. Look at balancer on front to see if it is a 454 type of 427 type. The 454 would have additional weight in the rear area of the balancer to provide the additional weight the externally balanced 454 needed (unless someone internally balanced it).

Scroll down through this thread to see the additional weight on back of balancer.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/ubbt...upe-427-390-a-

JIM

Donnie V

Thank you for the info on the engine, if it checks out OK then I will most likely go with it even though I will be replacing parts I already have. Clutch, flywheel, exhaust manifolds, side pipes, springs, radio etc, but it sounds like the extra torque over a 383 stroker will be worth it.
I have heard that BBC have a tendency to overheat? Is this common?

Nowhere Man

its common because people use wore out parts and tune the engines incorrectly

427Hotrod

If it's a 427 your clutch and flywheel will work if they are strong enough to hold it. The clutch will work with either one. Front springs are a tossup...some folks like them to be raked a little to the front...it doesn't drop it that much...and if it was a 396 originally it should have stronger springs anyway right?

My 555" ran for many many years making 800+ HP on the street with no cooling issues. Now it makes 1140 RWHP with turbos and still uses a stock big block radiator, a fixed 7 blade fan and stock pulleys. Stays nice and cool even in TX heat. If stuff is in decent shape it will be fine.

JIM

Donnie V

Thanks that was my main worry. A lot of people said to go with the 383, less weight, better handling, cheaper to fix etc. But there is nothing like the rumble of a BB with side pipes and the never ending torque.

cv67

They havent had a stout BB before if they are telling you that
Have a fairly ratty 383 in my toy sure its fast but its no match for that part throttle torque a BB gives and if built right, WOT. Dont need steep gears or lay into the pedal to get pushed back into the seat
Bigger IS better when it comes to engines

Donnie V

I have to agree. Had a 427 in a 66 back in the day and can still remember the sound of the engine, and how easily the tires broke loose. That was with the 775/15 bias ply. I now have 205 radials on the original knock off 6 inch rims but doubt that will make any difference. Looking forward to getting the 454 rebuilt and in the car. Tomorrow it goes to my rebuilder to totally disassemble and rebuild to about 450 hp.
Thanks for the info I hope someday I can return the favour.

427Hotrod

Get us some pictures of the pistons/rods/heads when you get it opened up. Curious what's in it.

If it's a 454....500-550 HP is chump change to make....


JIM

Donnie V

Thanks for the info.

sub006

OTOH, if handling is a priority for you, a small block takes 150 lbs off the front end compared to a BB.

Vet65te

Donnie - Welcome to the Corvette Forum. My vote would also be for the Bigblock, even if your 65 wasn't a BB car to begin with. Didn't see an album listed so post up some pics of your midyear when you can.
Mike T - Prescott AZ

Donnie V

Will do as soon so it is apart

Donnie V

Will do as soon as I figure out how to do it.

Vet65te

Towards the top of the main Forum page you'll find what are known as 'Stickys'. There's one there that is helpful for posting pics.
Mike T - Prescott AZ

Donnie V

Thanks will do.