Can you 'stroker' a 327???
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 889
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Can you 'stroker' a 327???
If you are stuck with a 327/300 for instance ('68) can you stroker it to - 350-ish??? OR: simply pull it and replace with more engine? This would be for a weekend putt-around car. No drags - no wanna-be road racing, etc. Maybe go with a good 327 torque rebuild instead?
Reason I'm asking is possibility of sourcing a mid-teens '68 to tinker with versus 25K-plus '69 - '72 car.
Thoughts
Reason I'm asking is possibility of sourcing a mid-teens '68 to tinker with versus 25K-plus '69 - '72 car.
Thoughts
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Yes you can. It has the same bore as a 350 so a 350 crank is easy but why not make it a 383 or 396 with a longer stroke. If you are replacing the crank and pistons go bigger. More torque = more fun.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
Likes: 72
From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
Yeah, 327 and 350, basically same block. I think there may be an issue with crank journal sizes on certain years, tho, it may not be as easy as just dropping in a 350 crank. Nothing a little machine work won't fix, tho.
Scott
Scott
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 124
From: Lubbock TX
If that's a small journal block, it's 2-bolt. I'd leave it alone, snag a 4-bolt 350 core and stroke that, leave the 327 alone. Store it and take care of it. It's kinda historic/nostalgic and was the cat's A$$ through the mid-60's.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
Likes: 72
From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
OK, chevy changed the rod and main journal sizes in 1968, so your '68 block should be fine. A 3.48" stroke crank from a 350 should drop right in to replace the 3.25" crank in your 327. A 3.75 crank with a .030 over bore will net you a 383, but you will need to clearance the block with a grinder to clear the longer crank stroke, so it's not quite as easy as making it a 350.
Scott
Scott
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 849
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From: Woodland California
Back in the day we use to destroke a 327 to a 301.
Now there is a motor that will wind and wind.
It was the stay for circle track cars for years.
I believe it was a 283 crank and rods in a 327.
I don't truel remember the set up, it may of beem a 327 crank in a 283.
But that was 40 years ago.
Ralph
Now there is a motor that will wind and wind.
It was the stay for circle track cars for years.
I believe it was a 283 crank and rods in a 327.
I don't truel remember the set up, it may of beem a 327 crank in a 283.
But that was 40 years ago.
Ralph
Last edited by Ralphbf; Jul 2, 2011 at 02:14 AM. Reason: brain fart
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 3
From: Lehigh county Pennsylvania
You cannot just slip a 350 crank in place of the 327 crank without also replacing the pistons as the wrist pin height is different to make up for the 1/4" difference in stroke. The 5.7" rod length can stay the same.
302's were made 3 ways:
1. OEM from the factory in late 60's Camaros
2. Boring out a 283 by .125"
3. Sticking a 283 crank in a 327 block
302's were made 3 ways:
1. OEM from the factory in late 60's Camaros
2. Boring out a 283 by .125"
3. Sticking a 283 crank in a 327 block
Last edited by 69 Chevy; Jul 2, 2011 at 08:00 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
if the main journals are same YOUR 327, both 305 & 350 have same 3.48" stroke. I'd choose a 350 assembly.
Many 327 blocks have bulky, longer cylinder skirts that will probably get in the way of larger strokes.
all in all, probably smarter money to just stick another motor in it.
But, if you stroke it, I'll offer to buy the old 327 crank if ... IF it's BOTH forged and has large (350) mains ... and in pretty good condition (will clean & polish at 10/10).
Many 327 blocks have bulky, longer cylinder skirts that will probably get in the way of larger strokes.
all in all, probably smarter money to just stick another motor in it.
But, if you stroke it, I'll offer to buy the old 327 crank if ... IF it's BOTH forged and has large (350) mains ... and in pretty good condition (will clean & polish at 10/10).
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Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
As the others said, yes you can but it would be cheaper and wiser just to pick up a 350 block and stroke it, dress it up as a 327.
Or, get a good 400 block and do the same. now youretalking.
On 350s...you can buy a late model 1 piece rear main seal motor that uses hyd. roller lifters from the factory, 4 bolt mains. Nice little bonus
Nobody would be the wiser and no FT cam issues.
Or, get a good 400 block and do the same. now youretalking.
On 350s...you can buy a late model 1 piece rear main seal motor that uses hyd. roller lifters from the factory, 4 bolt mains. Nice little bonus
Nobody would be the wiser and no FT cam issues.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,359
Likes: 428
From: Seattle Area WA
The only reason to keep a 327 or 283 block and stroke it is if you absolutely need the road draft hole in the back of the block for appearances, or if you want a matching numbers stroker. Yep, lots of guys have 283 and 327s stroked to 383 and one buddy has a 283 stroked 396 with about $2,000 just in block work. Waay cheaper and better to start with a roller block these days.
Keep in mind that with small stock heads you are RPM limited due to poor airflow.
Or just build up the 327 for some high winding fun.
Keep in mind that with small stock heads you are RPM limited due to poor airflow.
Or just build up the 327 for some high winding fun.
Last edited by Scott Marzahl; Jul 2, 2011 at 11:31 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
Back in the day we use to destroke a 327 to a 301.
Now there is a motor that will wind and wind.
It was the stay for circle track cars for years.
I believe it was a 283 crank and rods in a 327.
I don't truel remember the set up, it may of beem a 327 crank in a 283.
But that was 40 years ago.
Ralph
Now there is a motor that will wind and wind.
It was the stay for circle track cars for years.
I believe it was a 283 crank and rods in a 327.
I don't truel remember the set up, it may of beem a 327 crank in a 283.
But that was 40 years ago.
Ralph
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Look around for a '88 up roller block/engine much better over all....stay away from LT setups though
for instance, I have '89 truck roller 350 with L98 heads....and LT1 induction...
but you could go stock TPI or Carb if you want, bolt on....
messing around with custom crap on that old block is flat not worth it, have to be in some sort of competition requiring it, or it's a dead LOSS....
for instance, I have '89 truck roller 350 with L98 heads....and LT1 induction...
but you could go stock TPI or Carb if you want, bolt on....
messing around with custom crap on that old block is flat not worth it, have to be in some sort of competition requiring it, or it's a dead LOSS....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
Well, looks like we're moving into different territory here, and agree a mid 90's LT1's not a good idea, as had one. Currently running LS motor cars, and just cant beat modern engineering advancements. 120 lbs lighter too. Just dropping in a larger iron small block is easiest, but World Products has a cross breed SB LS block that fits older engine mounts. Can do lots of cubes with this, and head design flows way better.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,098
Likes: 378
From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.
Take for free but shop for bigger cores.
Early small journal 327's were all forged pieces. And early pre '70 blocks will take a large bore. If u get it for free it will make a great spare and learning experience. If it costs >$20 keep looking for a "good" 350" or 400" core.
Too many items to look for then try and list here. And who know what u really want here?
Myself i would go for hi rpm short block with roller cam using that 327".
cardo0
Too many items to look for then try and list here. And who know what u really want here?
Myself i would go for hi rpm short block with roller cam using that 327".
cardo0
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
Likes: 72
From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 183
Likes: 1
From: Litchfield CT
68 sb coupe
If you are stuck with a 327/300 for instance ('68) can you stroker it to - 350-ish??? OR: simply pull it and replace with more engine? This would be for a weekend putt-around car. No drags - no wanna-be road racing, etc. Maybe go with a good 327 torque rebuild instead?
Reason I'm asking is possibility of sourcing a mid-teens '68 to tinker with versus 25K-plus '69 - '72 car.
Thoughts
Reason I'm asking is possibility of sourcing a mid-teens '68 to tinker with versus 25K-plus '69 - '72 car.
Thoughts
You don't need to spend a lot of money or build a big inch motor. Just build one and tune it well. The destroked 327/302' s do rev like the dickens, but you need 4.11s to get the car rolling. Mine has 3.08's with 331 inches, and starts rolling easy.
This is my 10th Vette, so my point of reference is from really owning and driving (and racing) some very powerful cars. A couple of 435's a 396/425, a 502/502, and one C5.
Don't go too big with a carb, or too large intake runners on heads. Don't go with a long duration cam. All these things kill your bottom end touque.
