Looking to replace tired original small block 327 in my 65 coupe. Any suggestions. Money is no object. Want POWER!

 

Well, if money is no object, you can turn it into an original matching numbers 425HP/396 big block, and double the resale value of the car. the world needs more big blocks.....especially all matching, with tank stickers.

Or, just build a nice 350 CI LT-1 motor, if you want to stay with carburation; or go with a modern LS-7 427 if you really want to scream, or if you want low tech, hi-torque, but the downside of lower RPM capabilty, a stroker small block like a 383.

Or, if you want the best of everything, build a big block with a 3.76" stroke and 4.5" bore, with a high lift, short duration roller cam with aluminum D-port heads. I have one sitting in a crate in my garage, waiting for the proper vehicle to come around again.

Doug

 

Look at the crate motors from GM.

 

. They have lots of options, lots of power, and are about as easy as it can get. If I had the money (which I don't), this would be the way I go. Bolt one in and turn the key - instant horsepower.

 

GM Crate 572.

 

You said you want POWER, but you didn't say you want the problems that arise when you swap engines. You said money was no object when selecting the engine. Does that also apply to the new hood, new exhaust system, new alternator brackets, new tach drive system, new fuel tank and pump, new differential and drive shafts? ... My point is that some new engines will go in with few additional changes while others require significant changes to the car. How far do you want to go with this?

 

That's where I'd be if I lost the original engine in my 65. We said it when I was 16, and I still say it (as I am a SB owner I kinda whisper it) - in the end, there's no replacement for displacement!

 

I'd go with a GM crate engine. Years back(going over 10 now) when my father still had the car, the original 327 was just as you described, tired. So we put in a ZZ3(similar to ZZ4), the 327 sits on a stand at a friends garage getting a rebuild. Almost everything else stock was used and it fit under the existing hood. We did have to upgrade the ignition system. The power difference was huge. I'd go with a ZZ4 or maybe the ZZ383 unless you want to really get radical and put a BB on, but you'll have to make more mods then.

 

I opted for a ZZ4 when I replaced the tired 283(turned out to be a restamped 327 out of a '68 truck). Nice motor, lots of torque and easy to care for and drive. HEI ignition and Edelbrock carb.

Now I really need positraction.

 

Will this do???

762 ci 1500 hp
Donovan P/S block with 1.000" raised cam, Fully Ported Symmetrical port heads with titanium valves, special shaft rocker system, Billet crankshaft, custom pistons, Jesel beltdrive, MSD crank trigger system, Dry sump oiling system, sheet metal intake manifold, split Dominators, Billet rail valve covers, Meziere electric high flow waterpump.
Complete dynotuned motor $52500




Oh yea, you have a small block car what about this?

Complete Chevy 400/434 ci 1050 hp
complete carbs to pan with fully ported, flowed and reworked GM splayed valve /Little Chief cylinder heads. Dual Dominator carburetors, 5 stage dry sump system.
This is the extreme limit of high horsepower SB pushrod engine. Everything is double checked and no effort is spared to make this the most powerful normally aspirated Small Block engine available. Complete dynotuned and ready to rock and roll.
Complete dynotuned motor $45900

You may want to re-word your statement.

I agree with the Kellsdad, there is more to it than "I'll spend unlimited amount of money on an engine" Your high power engine will show other weaknesses in a car quick. In addition to the the fact that if you can not get that HP to transfer to the pavement then its a waste.

 

Fast Burn 385 crate engine... that was what replaced the tired 327 in my '62... with a Barry Grant Speed Demon carb... lots of power..

Scott

 

Rebuild it. That way you don't have an extra engine laying around to trip over.

http://www.rodandcustommagazine.com/...om_327_engine/

 

I have first dibs on the old engine if you don't want it

 

WOW - those results are pretty impressive. I was amazed at the improvement achieved by switching to the roller rockers and camshaft.

I wonder if all of the gains from the Trick Flow heads and roller combo would be lost on my engine with cast iron exhaust manifolds...?

 

How about a little history and horsepower.. together?

from CORVETTE ENTHUSIAST magazine..
on the 1966 Daytona Corvette effort by Roger Penske

" The night before qualifying, the special Traco, race prepared
engine, was flown into Daytona from Culver City, California and
installed in the Corvette"

Jim Jones was head engine builder... then owner of Traco
and has headed engine programs for

AJ Foyt
Guldstrand
Callaway- Lemans
Ron Hornady/NASCAR Craftsman Truck Champion...
(Jim built Ron's engines his championship year)

He is still building... and has his own company now..
here is their link.

http://www.tra-coengines.com/history.html


Lemans Motor
NASCAR Motor
or Penske Replica



Kyle

 

Custom built 383 stroker, dressed as a stock motor IMO.

Also, get one of those modern fuel injection units to bolt on the top. THey look alot like the old rochester units.

 

How about a 350 RamJet? Does it have enough power? Would any of you recommend it over a fast burn 383 or a ZZ4?

I think it looks cool under a 62 corvette?

I would like a tko600 with a 3.55 posi?

 

John Z said he wants first dibs on that old tired motor. But hold on a minute...

I'll BID $3.27 for that tired old motor....especially if $$$ is not a problem for you...for some of us it is....as long as shipping is'nt outrageous I'll take it off of your hands...

Seriously though... why would you really want to get rid of a perfectly good ORIGINAL motor?

jack

 

I have had a Ram Jet 350 in my wife's 62 for over 4 years, over 20,000 miles. Plenty of power, smooth and reliable. I recently "upgraded" to the MEFI4 injection system that comes with the newer Ram Jet engines and I encountered a problem that you may want to read about - http://www.carols62.com/ramjet
Charles

 

I don't even have to read any further down the post list...

Sub Boy says it all...ZZ572.. Don't mess around with the SB...you don't see nothen untill 6500 RPM...Get it all in..... 620HP at the low end.