[goldenbullet44]

I dont have the numbers to the block but im looking at buying a 327 smc that is in a short bus i dont know what kind or what you guys would think about that its going in a 1985 pontiac trans am. And how much would you pay? im looking at 200 to 500 bucks.

[Bad Influence Racing]

I am assumming smc means small block Chevrolet? If it were me, I would look for a 350 instead. They respond alot better to slight modifications, and there are alot more available. The 327 doesn't usually offer much in performance. As for what it is worth, it's anyone's guess. It will boil down to what he is asking for it and what you are willing to pay for it. I would say no more than $500, and that is if you really wanted it.

[DoubleVision]

327`s can be made to scream. They have a 4 inch bore, the same as a 350, the rod lenth is the same at 5.7, the only difference is the stroke is 3.250 compared to the 350`s 3.480 inch stroke. They offer plenty of performance potential, in 1964 they were given the rating of 375 horsepower. The highest power rating in Gen 1 small block history.
However, What year is the 327? If it`s 1967 and earlier, I`d pass on it, why is because it`s a small journal crank. The rods in the small journal engines aren`t so great and would have to be replaced with some aftermarket small journal rods. Since it came in a bus more than likely has "power pak" heads on it, which had really small 137cc runners and small 1.71 intake valves, they were made for high torque at low speeds so you would have to get some better heads for good performance. 350`s are cheap and plentiful, plus they`re cheap to build. If you could score a L31 Vortec 350 your on the right track.
If the 327 is a large journal I`d use it, however they were only avalible in 2 production years in the large journal crank size, 1968 - 69.

[cobalt327]

Originally Posted by goldenbullet44

I dont have the numbers to the block but im looking at buying a 327 smc that is in a short bus i dont know what kind or what you guys would think about that its going in a 1985 pontiac trans am. And how much would you pay? im looking at 200 to 500 bucks.

Usually, they're referred to as large or small journal (LJ or SJ).

The short block will be all there is usable about this engine- the heads will no doubt be small valve, possibly 3/8" exhaust stem dia. to boot.

Depending on the year of the engine, the rods might have 11/32" rod bolts.

W/o knowing anything about this engine, I'd give a $100. IF I was in the market for a SJ 327. Which w/the availability of 5.7L L31 truck/SUV engines for the SAME money- which include the Vortec heads, I wouldn't be. In the market for a 327 SJ, that is.

[lg1969]

There plentyful large journal 327. (You have to put it together). Just get a 350 bare block, 307 crank, rods from 307 or 350 and use 327 pistons and you got a 327. If you want to go that route.

[ap72]

If you're building a 327 so it can rev then you're going to need heads that can feed it, rods that can take the abuse (I would run 6.125" rods too), a carb that can properly handle the aggressive nature of the engine en the street, an exhaust system that can support the power, etc. etc. A 350 sbc can rev to 7,000 RPM with minimal investment, the controlling factor to that point has nothing to do with stroke- rather its all in the valve train. Its a lot eaiser and cheaper to build and maintain a 500hp 383 or even 350 than a 500hp 327.

[sbchevfreak]

Its a lot eaiser and cheaper to build and maintain a 500hp 383 or even 350 than a 500hp 327.

Plus, it will be much more streetable than a 500hp 327.

[DoubleVision]

Same thing I did, 307 crank in a 350 block. Only problem is now days is finding a usable 307 crank. Most people hate 307`s due to false rumours spread giving them a bad rap so most junkyards disgard them or sell them to the reman engine companys. Used to be you could go to the local junk yard here and find several L31 Vortec 350`s laying on the ground complete with heads. Now they`re not there long before the reman company shows up and takes them all.

[lg1969]

I hate that when somebody pull that S**t.

[goldenbullet44]

Well the reason i wanted the 327 ive heard they make good power stock and it would be unique putting it on a ta tell people i have a 5.4L but they guy dont want to much for it so im going to try to grab and do a grab and drop in probly put some new gaskets on it and go at it.

[cobalt327]

Originally Posted by goldenbullet44

Well the reason i wanted the 327 ive heard they make good power stock and it would be unique putting it on a ta tell people i have a 5.4L but they guy dont want to much for it so im going to try to grab and do a grab and drop in probly put some new gaskets on it and go at it.

There were some 327 engines from Chevy that were bad- but know now that the bus engine is a FAR cry from what came in a Corvette, etc.

Back in the day (1967-'69), you could get a Camaro w/327 that only made 210HP!

I'm not trying to be a buzz kill here, but if you insist on this engine, be darned sure you're not buying a 283- I'd be checking the block casting codes and suffix. AFAIK, trucks and buses did not use the 327 before 1966. So if the bus is earlier, I'd really be checking it over.

Good luck.

[goldenbullet44]

Well I'm debating 327 or take a risk and get this 350 machined and see if its got cracks its got a cracked #4 cylinder and it scares me i think this engine was overheated. I would love to build that 350 aswell but im on a really tight budget atm im only working a part time job and its hard to find jobs atm heh, i would love to throw this 350 together i have, bought it for 75 bucks guy said it ran only thing he bought it for was to get the tranny so i bought it. It looked all good until i pulled the cylinder head off and seen what looks like to be a crack idk i dont have alot of exp trying to learn though, it also looks like it might just be a spot were the rings sat and rusted it does go with the ring but its only half way around the cylinder wall, it has a pit there aswell.

What would yall do in this situation?

[cobalt327]

Originally Posted by goldenbullet44

It looked all good until i pulled the cylinder head off and seen what looks like to be a crack idk i dont have alot of exp trying to learn though, it also looks like it might just be a spot were the rings sat and rusted it does go with the ring but its only half way around the cylinder wall, it has a pit there aswell.

I would take the 350 to the shop and have it checked over. You could take some clear, close up photos and show them here, as well.

You can look at the cylinder head and tell if there was coolant or water getting into the chamber- it will be cleaned of carbon and look decidedly different from the other "dry" combustion chambers, as will the top of the piston in the "wet" hole.

[lg1969]

They were Chevelle's and Nova's that came equiped with the Corvette 327cid/350HP models.

[cobalt327]

Sure. And don't leave out the L76/L84 365/375 HP 327's. But that really has little to do w/what came in a bus! lol

The reason I brought up the low-po 210/327 was to point out the fact that, just because it's a 327 does not mean it's automatically "bad-A".