Thread: 327 Build Advise Help

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I built a 1965 2-bolt 327 SB +20 years ago and need some advise on a new manifold / carburetor / electronic distributor replacement. I can’t remember the cam specs but at the time it was a Crane hydraulic cam I could go with and have enough vacuum for power brakes. The engine only has 5,000 miles over the past 20 years. It is in a ’68 Cutlass convertible with a stock q-jet, intake, exhaust manifolds, dual exhaust, turbo 400 and stock rear-end. The engine never did live up to my expectations for power and I want to take this opportunity to improve performance. Any ideas for low cost upgrades would be appreciated. Looking for a fun car to drive on the weekends – not to race down a drag strip.

FYI - I have found the engine codes 4GM378270 and F0804HA but cannot find where to find the information on the heads, any help would be appreciated.

Originally posted by ekohler
I built a 1965 2-bolt 327 SB +20 years ago and need some advise on a new manifold / carburetor / electronic distributor replacement. I can’t remember the cam specs but at the time it was a Crane hydraulic cam I could go with and have enough vacuum for power brakes. The engine only has 5,000 miles over the past 20 years. It is in a ’68 Cutlass convertible with a stock q-jet, intake, exhaust manifolds, dual exhaust, turbo 400 and stock rear-end. The engine never did live up to my expectations for power and I want to take this opportunity to improve performance. Any ideas for low cost upgrades would be appreciated. Looking for a fun car to drive on the weekends – not to race down a drag strip.

FYI - I have found the engine codes 4GM378270 and F0804HA but cannot find where to find the information on the heads, any help would be appreciated.

Are you sure thats not 3782870? 1962 to 1965 327
anywhere from 250 to 375 h.p. used the same block.
The casting number and the build date on the heads can be found when you take the valve covers off. This is an example of a build date A-29-5 January 29,1965 B feb. C march, etc.
We need to know casting numbers on the heads to give you much advice .
I certainly dont know at this point,but I suspect , headers and a little more gear would be a big help. Also we need to know about the cam. Crane has the number stamped on the end of the cam. You can pull the timing gear, get the number and Crane will still give you all the specs even though it is a 20 year old cam.
Another guess at this point , You may have a little too much cam for the rest of your setup. Things have to work well together or it turns out to be a big dissapointment.And You said it never lived up to your expectations. It might not take to much effort here to make You happy.

Here is my set up with part #s hope it helps you. DH

327 Chevrolet 1964

Block; 327 Chevy Bored 4.030 GM# 3782870

Intake manifold; Edelbrock p/n 2101 Performer 0 to 5500 rpm

Carburetor: Edelbrock 600cfm 4 Barrel manual choke Part# E-1405

Pistons; Speed Pro, Forged steel. p/n L2165F (Fast engine parts) 5/64, 5/64, 3/16- Compression, 11.2 to 1

Heads; Chevy 60cc Chamber (witches Hat) #3795896

Oil Pump; Melling standard flow.

Camshaft; Edelbrock Performer Plus Series. .442 lift, slightly rough idle. Matching lifters p/n 2102

Crankshaft; Stock crank GM # 3782680 Machined .020

Timing; Edelbrock accu-drive (gear drive) p/n 7890

Valve springs; Edelbrock dyno matched with guides. P/n 5802

Valves; PEP Racing products Stainless one piece hardened tip. Head size 1.720 stem size 3/8

Gaskets; Felpro performance (Full engine set) P/n2802 (fep)

Pushrods; GM Hardened (thick wall) 7.75"
Rockers; Standard GM
Connecting rods; GM 5.7"
Bearings; Clevite 77 “P” series. Mains and rods

Headers Patriot, tri five series, ceramic coated.