Iron_Weasel
Registered Member
Well the 350 in my 1979 K10 is crankwalking - BAD. I'm talking on the order of 1/2" or so. You can take the inspection plate off the TH-350 with the engine running and watch the crank/torque converter moving forward & backward in a wave pattern. It's really interesting to watch...too bad it runs like crap.
Anyway, I've got a chance to grab a running 327 out of a Corvette (year unknown) for $300.
Not being too up on old iron like that, I had to do a little digging on the ol' intarweb. I found out that the 327 was made from 1962 to 1968 and ranged in power from 250HP to 360HP depending on the "L" version (L79, L84, etc.). The HP peak is relatively high at 5800RPM while the torque peak is in the middle of the RPM band (360ft. lbs. @ approx. 3400RPM).
Now, on paper, a 300+ HP engine with 350+ foot pounds of torque seems like a good deal. However, there are other issues to deal with.
Accessories such as power steering pump and alternator - will they bolt to the engine?
Will the 327 mate to the TH-350 with no problems?
And the list goes on....
It would be nice from a labor standpoint....remove old 350, drop in new (to me) 327. I could do it at work with the lifts and 3 ton engine hoists and have it done in a day. I find myself turning away from the deal because of the age of the engine and also because the HP & torque peaks are pretty high in the powerband in relation to the truck and its intended purpose.
I bought it with the intention of making a capable wheeling rig..included in that formula was a recipe for a good amount of torque off idle up to about 2500 - 3000 RPM.
I'm not planning on mud bogging in the truck when its done, but I'd like it to be able to pass people on the freeway.
Anyway, I have a 64 Thunderbird with a 392 that's rated at 300HP and that thing is a dog. My 93 Subaru will beat the T-Bird in a drag (I know...I raced my wife with her in the Subaru and me in the 'Bird)...but back to the point. I know the HP rating on those older engines is also derived differently than the engine of today. AFAIK, they were rated at "gross" HP at the flywheel with no accessories. So the 327 being rated at, say, 300HP might be closer to 250 when factoring in loss from driving the water pump/fan, alternator, & power steering pump and also factoring parasitic loss from the drivetrain. Then....I get to add in elevation of 5300' above sea level...so the 250 now drops to about 210 or less.
So, good people, try and sell me one way or the other. I have 3 other vehicles besides this truck, so I can afford to let it sit around for a while.
Anyway, I've got a chance to grab a running 327 out of a Corvette (year unknown) for $300.
Not being too up on old iron like that, I had to do a little digging on the ol' intarweb. I found out that the 327 was made from 1962 to 1968 and ranged in power from 250HP to 360HP depending on the "L" version (L79, L84, etc.). The HP peak is relatively high at 5800RPM while the torque peak is in the middle of the RPM band (360ft. lbs. @ approx. 3400RPM).
Now, on paper, a 300+ HP engine with 350+ foot pounds of torque seems like a good deal. However, there are other issues to deal with.
Accessories such as power steering pump and alternator - will they bolt to the engine?
Will the 327 mate to the TH-350 with no problems?
And the list goes on....
It would be nice from a labor standpoint....remove old 350, drop in new (to me) 327. I could do it at work with the lifts and 3 ton engine hoists and have it done in a day. I find myself turning away from the deal because of the age of the engine and also because the HP & torque peaks are pretty high in the powerband in relation to the truck and its intended purpose.
I bought it with the intention of making a capable wheeling rig..included in that formula was a recipe for a good amount of torque off idle up to about 2500 - 3000 RPM.
I'm not planning on mud bogging in the truck when its done, but I'd like it to be able to pass people on the freeway.
Anyway, I have a 64 Thunderbird with a 392 that's rated at 300HP and that thing is a dog. My 93 Subaru will beat the T-Bird in a drag (I know...I raced my wife with her in the Subaru and me in the 'Bird)...but back to the point. I know the HP rating on those older engines is also derived differently than the engine of today. AFAIK, they were rated at "gross" HP at the flywheel with no accessories. So the 327 being rated at, say, 300HP might be closer to 250 when factoring in loss from driving the water pump/fan, alternator, & power steering pump and also factoring parasitic loss from the drivetrain. Then....I get to add in elevation of 5300' above sea level...so the 250 now drops to about 210 or less.
So, good people, try and sell me one way or the other. I have 3 other vehicles besides this truck, so I can afford to let it sit around for a while.
i was lost in truck engines...forgot about the corvette castings
