Thread: 305 swap for a 327 or 350?

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In 3rd gen camaro i currently have a 305 that pretty much sucks (maybe partly because of the tall gears, but overall its still a 305)


I have two options that i want to decide between. I have a 350, bored either .010 or .020 over (i wont be sure till i rebuild her), but its otherwise stock. Its out of a '79 truck and hp is around 170.

I also have a 327 that i could get pretty cheap from a relative (also needs rebuilt though).

I know that there were never any 327 produced that were rated under 200 hp, and most them were in the 250-300+ range. So by default this motor should have around 250 hp (rebuilt of course). While the 350 will need new cylinder heads, cam, etc. and i dont have the funds for that.

But the problem is that i've read that 327's are better on the top end and 350's are somewhat better on the low end because of the stroke length, and with the .308 rear the 327 might not be as good as the 350 on the street, even though it has substantially less HP.


so im basically asking for opinions on this matter.



sniperx7

A first consideration is the mounting of the accessories such as the alternator, a/c compressor, steering pump, and AIR pump. Most 327 engines do not have drilled heads that accept the brackets while most 350 engines do (and match the 305 drilled heads). Changing the brackets is more expensive than you might think....thus, you should check the two engines to see which heads match.

The low end vs the high end should be a non-issue. Driving a street vehicle gives nod to the bigger engine with more low end.....even if a 327 were "better on the top end", how much driving do you do AND wouldnt the extra cubic inches make up for the difference?

Originally Posted by robot

A first consideration is the mounting of the accessories such as the alternator, a/c compressor, steering pump, and AIR pump. Most 327 engines do not have drilled heads that accept the brackets while most 350 engines do (and match the 305 drilled heads). Changing the brackets is more expensive than you might think....thus, you should check the two engines to see which heads match.

The low end vs the high end should be a non-issue. Driving a street vehicle gives nod to the bigger engine with more low end.....even if a 327 were "better on the top end", how much driving do you do AND wouldnt the extra cubic inches make up for the difference?

the car was driven almost daily, now it get out about twice a month (summer months). The only brackets i would need to worry about are the pwr steering and alternator. (a/c was deleted). Maybe i can substitute the heads off the 327 and stick the on the 350 and get a nice mid-range tq cam setup. Ill have to check what exact model the 327 is and what the valvetrain specs are, but im sure they're better than what on the 350 currently.

(i have an edelbrock intake and carb., plus shorty headers)

IF your funds are limited, you cant go wrong with a real GM crate motor (not some fake crate motor from somewhere else):

http://www.sdparts.com/product/10067...350Engine.aspx

It's under $1500.....cannot rebuild a motor for that anymore (using quality parts) plus it has a warranty.

Then, sell your other stuff to offset the new motor purchase. All your brackets line up, etc.

wow.. i didnt know i could get a crate 350 for that cheap.. its no burtha but its alot better than what i have..


is that a reputable dealer?