Hi all.

Not been on for a while as my car has still not been on the road since I imported it from Engoland to Aus. Finally, however, its at the mechanics for the final bits to get it road legal over here.

I'll try to be brief (which Im not good at and will almost certainly fail) but am happy to add more info if required. Suffice to say I have researched this but am still unsure.

In the recent past I had planned to get a new crate motor to replace my old stock (but a little mismatched in terms of head and carb years.... ut its pretty close to stock) 327/350 68 manual transmission vette.

Finances and other project demands - not to mention the cost of getting the car back on the road) has meant I have had to temper my plans somewhat. So..... my current plan is to wack a "top end kit" on the current block, and then in the future replace the block (as a sidenote,I do plan to keep all the old parts, and as a long long long term project, refurb that motor as stock),

My problem is getting a combo that will be of some use on the current block, whilst also being appropriatte for my goal of a 383 stroker block.

I have come up with this combonation.

• Trick Flow® 420 HP Super 23® Top-End Engine Kits for Small Block Chevrolet - TFS-K314-420-395
  
• Edelbrock performer air gap (non RPM)
  
• speed demon 650 mech

One of the considerations is my low stock hood, which I have taken into account with the "non RPM" intake. I did once believe that the Demon carbs were lower than the stock Qjet, but figures I have found recently seem to contradict this. Also, I know some people seem to have fitted RPM's in thier stock hood cars, but that said, some havent, so I dont want to raise that debate again, and I am not really in a position to send the item back as I will be ordering from the US.

So in short, would this combo suit my requirements to pep up the current motor but with an eye suitability in a new 'larger' block later on.

.. oh.. and my aims are a little vague, but a little more power whilst retaining good street manners would be a fair summary.

Thanks for any advice.

 

I would be carefull with the air gap intake as this will raise the intake close to an inch. If You have a big block hood it shouldnt be a problem. If You are trying to get the 400+Hp out of it I would go with a 700CFM carb. Im not sure of Your piston type or the chamber size, but I would try to stay 10:1 max on compression. Your going to need around 93 octane for that compression. I would also look for a drop dish breather as this can help clearence problems. It should make a nice driver with still a fair amount of power to get up and go.

 

edelbrock makes some nice kits too , iwould check with airflow research se what they recommend and then have a cam speced out by 1 or 2 of the major cam companies this is better than a one size fits all approach. you dont buy shoes that way , dont build your car that way. cheers.

 

Thanks for your input Timsride.

Im definately going to stick with my stock hood.. which I know creates the problem. Certainly the drop dish was going to be my "back stop" option.. but I was under the impression that the non RPM Airgap was ok, and that the RPM was the tough one to fit. These are the dimensions from the Edelbrock site:-

Air Gap -Manifold height: A-3.72", B-4.92" (.27" taller than #2101)

RPM Air Gap - Manifold height: A-4.20", B-5.25

Im not looking for 400HP out of the 327, but would hope to get closer to this once the block is upgraded later on.

I was also under the impression that the Demons flowed a little more because they are "wet flow" measurements. I highlight this as I am no epert, but just what I have read.

A further confession would be that I dont know what pistins, or indeed any other details of my current block other than my belief that it is a stock 68 327 block.

 

Fair point 7t9l82.

And I will drop a line to a couple of manaufacturers amd distributors, though I would have to say my experience in that past is that very few get back to me.

As much as I appreciatte these kits are a compromise, I was under the impression that they are at least a 'considered compromise.

 

I have had a look at the Edelbrock combos now, and there seems to be 2 problems for my application.

1. The dont have any kits that list a range of 327 to 383 as applicable capacities, and

2. All of the intakes that come with them are too tall.

 

Hmmm..

Just got a response from Jegs.. and despite detailing that I have a low hood on a 68 Vette, and that RPM intakes were too tall, they recommended a package that contains and RPM air gap??

Its the lack of copnfidence that those guys give me that makes me a little more reliant on you guys here

 

I purchased a set of TF 23* 195cc heads, 64cc chambers, a CC 268H cam, and a Edelbrock Performer RPM intake.

The RPM intake required an open element air cleaner and drop base for hood clearance, the regular performer did not. This is on a '76.

I built a 383 and used the TF heads that I had on the 350, a CC XE274H cam, and a pro rebuilt Q-Jet. All is well!

 

Glen,

Nice to know that the TH 195 heads work on the 350 and 383. Im just hope that they would also be ok on the 327. Although summit lists the 327 as a "aaplication" for the kit, that doesnt really mean anything until I hear someone state that they work.

Actually I have just noticed that the TF heads in the combo I have listed are 62cc. I wonder if they are a different version entirely, or just a modification? Edit: I see the options in the listings now... sorry.

 

You are correct sir, my 825 Drag Race Demon flows 975cfrm so it would be in between a Holley 950 HP and 1000 HP

7000RPM with ~600HP 427ci small block fed by the 825 Race Demom and the HP was still climbing. Run starts at 2000RPM

 

Thanks for the confirmation Motorhead....

although youve just made me feel very inadequate

 

Hi again all,

I have received a number of replies now from various suppliers and manufacturers. I wont bore you with the responses, however one question has arisen that I would like to clarify.

One supplier advised that the only reason they could not reccomend any particular heads for the compromise I have detailed is that the 2.02" valves are too big for the bore of the 327.

From what I have read, 327's are often fitted with 2.02" valves. Is it possible that the positioning of valves in certain brands of head are different, meaning maybe that thier 2.02 vales wont fit but others would.. OR is either the info I have from my research, or the respondant mistaken?