Thread: Building a 327

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I just a bare block (327cid) for my 65 impala, I have never built a motor before. I want to build a motor that has a decent amount of horsepower and alot of torque. I was wondering if anyone could give me any advise on where to start

Start with a bigger motor. You'll have to use a 4-speed, or a big converter to get good performance out of the 327.

I've run a number of 327s, all of them "tweaked", but in a car as heavy as yours, I'd go for a 400 smallblock, or quit messin' around, and build a 454. The '65 was avilable with a 396, so the parts are available to go bigblock. I doubt if it will cost much more than buying your engine one piece at a time.

Summit has a 427cid bare block that doesn't cost to much more than the 327 that I was going to buy. So I guess that would be a much better way to go. Or is that not a good way to go?

You would really need to talk with guys who do this on a regular basis. I would think you'd be better off to buy a complete used motor, and go through it, making the changes you want. Buying an engine one piece at a time seems like a very costly way to go.

if you need help buiulding you 327 PM or EMAIL me......scooter

Check around your area junk yards for a running Big Block- get it installed, and go from there.

Hi Dave
You are going to have to set your budget and go from there. If yor are wanting to stay SB then I'd go for a 383 or 400 you can get some realy good HP and TRQ # out of these combos. If your budget will let you go BB you will have more HP and TRQ but the cost will be more. You will need to mach the trans and rearend to the motor you build, you didn't tell us what kind of driving you are going to do street, street/strip or strip only once you know how you will drive it you can narrow down the best motor combo for you, good luck Dave

I'm trying to build a nice weekend warrior machine. Just your typical Saturday night fun. I think I will just spend more money and go with a big block. I'm thinking either a 427 or 454. I'm not rushing to get this motor built, because I want to make sure I get good quality parts. Any suggestions on with motor to choose between the two.

454s should be easier to find, and probably cheaper to buy. It's also a longer stroke, and should make better torque.

since everyone here has made you change your mind what do you want for the 327? one mans junk is another man whoop-ass treasure

do you know if it's a large journal or small journal block(main journal)? if it's a large journal block you can use it to build a 383. you'll have to do some clearancing to the block and check clearance between the cam and connecting rods but they can make some really good torque. you can find a good cast steel crank $190 out of jegs or summit. but i think if it's a 327 you want then that's what you should build. camshaft and cylinder head designs today are good enough you can get respectalbe low end power from your 327, not a ton but plenty for cruising.

David, do you have the knowledge, facility and tools to build a motor for yourself? If you do, great. But if not, you'll be much better off purchasing a crate motor or having someone build a motor for you. How much money do you have to spend?

The suggestions seen on here already about using a big block are valid. The '65 is quite a barge and it will take some cubic inches to haul it around in a spirited fashion.

Is the car running now?

My impala is running now, but I was told that I have a crack in my block. So That's why I wanted to just start fresh. I know my car is big and will take alot of power to get it where I want it. But I don't have the money to go out and purchase a a powerful crate motor. That's why I buying a bare block so I can do it sections at a time. The 327 bare block I bought, I already sold it and now i have a 427 bare block on the way from summit I'm pretty sure I will have it professionally for me.

I have a 67 impala running a 327 w/double hump heads. It was better than the 350 I used to have. IMO

Originally posted by Oli
I have a 67 impala running a 327 w/double hump heads. It was better than the 350 I used to have. IMO

Well you know what they say about peoples opinions.