The internet is failing me! I can’t seem to find a solid answer as to what the factory compression ratio is for my stone stock original 1965 El Camino sourced 327 2 barrel. Problem I’m finding online is I can’t seem to find a 2 barrel option, only 4 barrel, and I’ve seen 10.25, 10.5, 11, and 11.5 CR listed at different sources. The fine folk here at the H.A.M.B. know all, so I’m hoping to get a solid answer. Thanks -John
May be in here: https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/do...n-kits/El-Camino/1965-Chevrolet-El-Camino.pdf Looks like maybe an L30 engine option? http://www.carnut.com/specs/gen/chv65.html
Wow, that link has everything. Looks like only the 283 has a 2 barrel, maybe I have an “original” 327 that’s actually a 283 that says 327 on the valve covers, or someone swapped a 2 barrel onto the 327...jeeze. Looks like I need to start looking up numbers. Thanks guys! Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
1965 el camino 327s came in 250,300,and 350hp options only all had 4 barrel carbs. 250 and 300 hp ran flat top pistons and 64cc heads for 10.5 compression 350 hp popup pistons same heads as 300 hp except 2.02 valves for 11 to 1 compression.
I'll check my old "Motors" manual when I get a chance. CR for each version 327 will be listed in there. Without looking I'd guess 9.5 or so.
Could you supply the Letter Code that follows the engine # on the front pad. That would help to i.d. your engine. My 1969 Motors Manual gives the same info that you have already found, but with the engine code maybe it could be narrowed down a little more. Let me know, Carp
I don't have 64 manuals but....... From my 63 truck shop manual. 66 truck manual 67 passenger car manual
That first 2 bbl. 327 for passenger cars was introduced in 1967, it was rated at 210 hp and it had an 8.5-1 compression ratio. The 1965 4 bbl. 250 and 300 horse engines were 10.5 c/r and the Hi Perf 350, 365 and 375 engines were 11-1 c/r. Naturally the info stamped on the block will be helpful, and another thing to consider are the heads. The 250 horse engine will have Power Pack heads, while the 300 will have double hump castings with 1.94 in. and 1.50 ex. valves. This might not be a complete listing but here are codes for the 250 horse ‘64/‘65 engines- my list does not separate the two years JQ SR RC RP SC SK HA HC EA EE ZA ZK ZM HE HI 1965 300 horse engines- ZL ZB
Like Catdad said, get the numbers off of the right front pad on the block. I have seen a ton of bogus "327s" for sale online which are obviously 283s.
no I don't believe it It has to be a corvette motor next you'll be claiming your tranny is not a 39 box with a 40 rear
You have to look under Chevelle for the El Camino Engine Code Suffix. For the 283, the '65 suffixes are DA thru DH. They are: DA - 195hp, 3spd DB - 195hp, 4spd DC - 195hp, 3spd, low compression DD - 195hp, 4spd, low compression DE - 195hp, PG DF - 195hp, PG, low compression DG - 220hp, 3spd, 4spd DH - 220hp, PG For the 327, the '65 suffixes are EA thru EF. They are: EA - 250hp, 3spd, 4spd, 4-bbl EB - 300hp, 3spd, 4spd, Hi Perf, 4-bbl EC - 350hp, 3spd Hvy Dty/4spd, Spcl Hi Perf, 4-bbl ED - 350hp, 3spd Hvy Dty/4spd, Transistor Ign, Hi Perf EE - 250hp, PG, 4-bbl EF - 300hp, PG, Hi Perf, 4-bbl Cud be someone swapped in another engine and not just the intake. Get as many #'s as you can off of the engine. Head casting #'s and dates are under the valve covers in the center of the head. Block casting # is on the driver's side rear flange top and casting date is on the rear flange top on the passenger side.
VIN pad on front of block - F06I9DE Block number - 3849852 Head number - 3795896 Neat-O valve cover - lol
Only if such trivia matters to you. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/sbc-valve-covers.1008702/
I never seen a cover like that one before, I liked them so much I removed them before lifting the engine so they wouldn’t get dented haha So looking like I got a 283 with sweet 1 year only 327 valve covers? Damn. It’s ok, not the end of the world, but I was really wanting a 327. Oh well lol Thanks guys! -John
Hey, just put on some finned aluminum covers(yes, you know the ones) and you'll be all set. I used to see those valve covers from time to time, never realized they were rare. I have seen some chromed, but don't know if they were factory. Good Luck with your build.
I would love to have those 62 covers for my 62 but they are hard to find. Especially the ones that aren't damaged by lifting chains. Mine are 66. But I can handle that as most wouldn't know the difference.
It's not the end by any means. Yeah, we all want a 327, but you have a sweet little engine there. A carb, a cam, and a set of headers and she ought to run pretty good. Those heads are of the "powerpack" design, although they were used exclusively with 2bbl carb engines. They have 1.72" intakes and 1.5" exhausts with a 59.669cc combustion chamber. Plus, you have those sweet valve covers, although I'm kinda partial to catdad's idea of those seven fin aluminum ones. Best wishes on your build.
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