Like many i have always wanted a 427 under the hood, well this winter i'm really looking to make it happen. Looking for some advice from others that have gone down this road? Did you build it? What power adders if any? Had it built by a forum vendor? Key parts used? Overall experience?

I would really like the experience of building it myself on an engine stand. I know it would be a great challenge and learning experience, not to mention a great winter project. Has anyone had an engine builder simply ship them a box of parts and just build away yourself?

Any suggestions are more than welcome, thanks.

Phil

 

Oh Kevin. Where are you

 

Read this: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...lxr-heads.html

 

Thanks for the warning ipuig, i have been following that thread for awhile, terrible situation. I am sure there has to be a few success stories out there? If a 427 is simply too complicated i would also be open to a stroker setup, just something to cure the 346 blues.

 

For my build I bought all of the parts, had a local shop put it together, and then tuned it myself. I had a problem with valve seals early on but other than that mine has been solid and completly reliable. I recammed it 2 years ago because I was not happy with the original cam. Next spring I will be replacing my current L92 top end with a LS7 top end and recamming it again.

 

LOL....Don't do it! You're friends will give you massive amounts of $hit about that perma-grin you walk around with. Women will want to be with you - men will want to be you. You will be taller, better looking, younger and richer.

Here's a link and there's a link within the link with tons of info.

https://virginiaspeed.com/Kevin_McDonald_427_Vette.html

 

It's called cubic inch envy Kevin.

 

I know there are several guys running a 417 setup, the guy in blounstown has caused huge problems for alot of people, bad example.

 

I looked into this last year and never pulled the trigger. My final thought was a short block from either Virginia speed or HKE using a sleeved LS2 block. Virginia Speed had a personal advantage as I could simply drive down and bring the block back in my pickup. I like doing the top end work but felt the bottom end was better left to a professional that had all the correct tooling and machines to ensure a good quality build.

 

Are there any turnkey options?

Ive been loking into building a AC Cobra and there are more than a few companies that offer complete "Just drop in" offerings

 

Shawn at VA Speed is so happy with the way my engine turned out that he offering it as a complete package. He thinks it would be a great re-power option for people.

 

We can supply everything from the manifold to the pan, or just do the machining. Email or PM your power requirements and budget...

 

I did the short block LS2 option from Texas-speed. Seemed like too much could go wrong with internals doing it myself with all the clearances, shimmings, installing. They were also having a hell of a sale on them at the time. Did the top end myself with help from a trusted friend. 20k miles and a lot of them at the track with zero motor issues. Now the FAST intake has been another story. That being said, if I came across the right LS7 short block, I wouldn't mind getting started on that for my future C6Z track car.

 

how about throwing in the 416-418 option? You can get out a little cheaper

 

First of all set a budget. Then work within that budget or you will have a money pit. I see it all the time. People go into the project thinking it will cost x-amount and dont draw a line in the sand. next thing you know your 20% over and not done with the project...

The 427 can be had 3 different ways ... LS7, LS2 or LS3
The LS3 427 will be the least amount. Doing it yourself can be rewarding but it can also be a nightmare.... the labor cost in an engine build when done correctly is not whart makes it expensive.. its all parts. thats where 80% of the money is...

This isnt a toy, there are plenty of shops who get it wrong and dont make the power it should and without any experience you taking on the project and doing it yourself are not going to produce the same engine as an experienced precision shop.. .... you have to ask is it worth risking the money on parts to only eff them up....

If you want to learn stroke what you have and go cheap and see how you do.. then build your 427 after your 383 has lived for 20,000 miles and taken some abuse and doesnt seize a bearing....

Or just have us do it right for in the first place..LOL your looking at between 12750-15500 depending on options... HKE ( Erik Koenig) is considered tops in the world ..

I can send you a kit as well with all the parts you need and a book if need be... its you call but I would start small and then go big.. the 4.100 stroke LS3 427 is more challenging ... half the shops get piston selection wrong...

 

Thank you for all the great advice, including some great builds. This thread has definitely opened my eyes and gotten my head out of the clouds.

Great advice from blancoss:
"This isnt a toy, there are plenty of shops who get it wrong and dont make the power it should and without any experience you taking on the project and doing it yourself are not going to produce the same engine as an experienced precision shop.. .... you have to ask is it worth risking the money on parts to only eff them up...."

I think i may take his advice about learning by stroking my 346 then graduating up to the 427 at a later time. If i go that route I would like to move to forged parts, while adding a supercharger. That may be the road i take this way i get still get to learn something while adding great power.

 

you can still forge the 383 and boost the hell out of it if you want to.. just use cheap internals and it wont hurt as much if you do something wrong