74' Black Bettie

[Mike406Jimmy]

So I finally came across a deal I couldn't turn down on a 1974 full vert. $300 delivered with no engine or transmission but a pretty rust free truck inside and not much anywhere other than rear fenders. I've got a small journal 327 turbo fire a friend gave me out of his old vette when he went big block. It's definitely going to need a rebuild and I've got some pro top line sr-t 2.02 heads with 64cc chambers I scored on Craigslist a while back I'm thinking I'm going to throw on the block but am open to advice and recommendations. I have tossed around the idea of building the 350 block I also have instead but "Black Bettie" is going to be my street rig and my 406ci 77' will be the trail rig so heavy tq numbers are not necessary and I was thinking the 327 built for higher revs would be much more streetable with highway and city use. Here she is as I just rolled her into the driveway more to come soon!

 

[Bent77]

So I finally came across a deal I couldn't turn down on a 1974 full vert. $300 delivered with no engine or transmission but a pretty rust free truck inside and not much anywhere other than rear fenders. I've got a small journal 327 turbo fire a friend gave me out of his old vette when he went big block. It's definitely going to need a rebuild and I've got some pro top line sr-t 2.02 heads with 64cc chambers I scored on Craigslist a while back I'm thinking I'm going to throw on the block but am open to advice and recommendations. I have tossed around the idea of building the 350 block I also have instead but "Black Bettie" is going to be my street rig and my 406ci 77' will be the trail rig so heavy tq numbers are not necessary and I was thinking the 327 built for higher revs would be much more streetable with highway and city use. Here she is as I just rolled her into the driveway more to come soon!

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I love me some 327, but these trucks are heavy. The 327 is not the torque monster.
Better than a 305!

 

[blazer74]

Great!

 

[Mike406Jimmy]

I love me some 327, but these trucks are heavy. The 327 is not the torque monster.
Better than a 305!

Yeah I was thinking the 327 would be fine with the heads I have for putting down decent torque, I would imagine easily 300+ with the right components especially considering it came with 375hp in stock form. Correct me if I'm missing something here

 

[Bent77]

Yeah I was thinking the 327 would be fine with the heads I have for putting down decent torque, I would imagine easily 300+ with the right components especially considering it came with 375hp in stock form. Correct me if I'm missing something here

Just might have a higher torque curve that might not jive with your cruzing speeds. I also like 1.94 valves for that purpose.

Are the heads on the 327 #461 heads

 

[Mike406Jimmy]

I only have one head on it lol he gave away the other one to someone else who needed it a while before I got the engine from him. I'll check when I get home from work though.

 

[Mike406Jimmy]

I could build my 350 block up as well and I'm not opposed to it but I thought the 327 would be a fun little ripper. Do you think the 350 build would be better with the heads I have? I know there's no replacement for displacement and more torque in that thing is preferred but the 327 was in some pretty heavy old sedans back in the day and from what I have heard and read it did the job just fine

 

[Bent77]

I could build my 350 block up as well and I'm not opposed to it but I thought the 327 would be a fun little ripper. Do you think the 350 build would be better with the heads I have? I know there's no replacement for displacement and more torque in that thing is preferred but the 327 was in some pretty heavy old sedans back in the day and from what I have heard and read it did the job just fine

Well missing one head never helps!

Was just more of an observation. I am always inclined to build more torque and watch the power curve carefully. Better throttle response and mileage that way

 

[Mike406Jimmy]

Just pulled the valve cover off my only head haha it's a 57-67 1.72/1.5 head #3774684

 

[Bent77]

Well doesn't matter if you only have one.

Those other heads SR torkers?

 

[Mike406Jimmy]

Yes sir they are

 

[Mike406Jimmy]

So I'm going to go ahead and measure out and tape off the area I need to start cutting out in the rear quarter panels to install the bushwhacker fender flares on ol' black bettie today