My 57 chevy pickup is getting a new engine this winter. I have two to pick from. A 327 out of a 68 full size car or the 348 out of my old 61 Chevy. Both will need rebuilds and I know the 348 will cost more. No problem there. My brother says the 348 would make a better truck engine with torque but I like the way a 327 winds out. The truck has a 283 with a power glide and 12 bolt 3.55 gear. Im keeping the power glide with a better stall converter.I saw a poll on here and thought I would try my own! What would you use?
348 without a doubt. I've got one in my '53 Ford (car) and it's got tons of power. Plus, it wins out on the coolness factor, and, if you ever need to sell it, a rebuilt 348 will sell for whatever you got in it, whereas rebuilt small blocks are all over the place and rarely bring what a rebuild costs. Tripower or four barrel is your personal choice.
348/409 motors are extra cool and not seen often enough. ad tri power and they are extra extra cool........
Everyone runs and SBC. Be different, go 348. Plus, if you can find some finned valve covers that would be killer.
I have finned valve covers on the 348 now. It also has a carter four barrel on it. I drove the 61 chevy in high school and the motor always served well. It was okay on power but I like the way a 327 can make rpms! The 348 is cool but I also have the 327 to work with. I got a tri power manifold and carbs for the 348 a long time ago but never put them on. Tough decision to make!
why do you say that? My 61 chevy had a power glide behind the 348 engine and I drove it for years like that. I like a power glide!
I think a 348 is cool because its different, or rarer... but personally I know I'd enjoy the 327 more. I wouldn't want a powerglide though. I just don't like the gearing, and only having 2 speeds. TH350 would be my choice in an auto... but a 4 speed would be more fun.
I agree, I have a Ventura with a power glide as my daily driver, and I thought I would hate it, turns out to be a great ******, never seems to need another gear, and nice firm shifts. It made a believer out of me. Oh, and definitely 348.
LOL! That 348 was in my first car so Im going to keep it even if I dont use it! The 327 I bought cheap at the state fairgrounds swap meet. If it helps at all the truck is gloss black with white interior lowered six inches rear four inches front with astro supreme wheels and thin strip white wall tires. Just a nice old pickup. The 283 is all stock and runs good but I want more power and more pizzaz under the hood.
You have to love those "W" valve covers..... If you have to have valve covers, why not have some thing unique, rare, kool and not a belly ****on motor.... 348 all the way.....
It always seems to need another gear, it's either good in town or on the highway, never seems to be good at both, another gear helps a bunch, 2 more is even better...
A built 348 will wind just as well as a built 327. Lets face it, it's a big heavy truck, it'll never be a "quick" vehicle with either motor. Since "fast" is out of the equation, "cool" wins out.
Tell that to the *** end of my 58 as I blow by ya! =) I noticed you said a couple of times you like the way a 327 will wind up. If you like that stick to the 327 cause the 348 won't hold up to much of that. I'm putting a 327 in my 58 this winter will a M-3sp stick and a 3:73 rear gear. As for the gluide, I have noticed some on here don't care for them. But they are tough ******s. Back in the day it was all we would use on the strip. Use it! So my vote? 327/gluide!
You didn't put a "327 four barrel" option!!! I like the idea of a 348 (or 409!) in one of them trucks myself, but I'd ask how you intend to use it, and how much you plan to DRIVE it! If you're out on the road in the middle of Nowhere, Kansas and need a water pump, spark plugs, etc you can get stuff for the 327 easily enough, but parts for the 348 might be harder to come by at any generic parts store. Just a thought, though...I wouldn't let it keep me from running a 348 if that's what you wanted. If it were me, I'd lean towards the 348 for a "cool" choice, or the 327 for a more "practical" one! Ha Ha...I guess I'm no help at all to ya, eh?!
Had A 348 In A 60 Cheve Sedan,absolutely The Worst Motor I Ever Had. Big Problems With Valve Train,especially Studs. Really A Beast. Deucemanab
The 348 was a slug when it was new...even when Chevrolet made it into a 409 didn't help it much. Gas burning and gutless. Rebuild a 327, easier and cheaper to build,a nd a much better engine for your pickup.
Thank you for your help everybody. It looks like building the 327 makes the best sense. Its the motor I wanted more any how and I can use the rams horn manifolds and other parts from the 283. I will keep the 348 to put in a 56 hardtop I want to build next!
If you did decide on putting the 348 in your truck, you'd have to contend with major steering gear interference, unless you've ditched the stock box for something smaller.
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