Totally bummed...

I have been doing a ton of reading, in an attempt to learn how to properly specify motor parts for my 383 stoker build.

I got a wild hair to look up the code on the engine block to see the origin of the unknown 350 donor that the build was started with.

3782870

And it comes back as a mid-sixties 327.

All this talk about a 383 stroker, all these parts, 700R4 from BTO, KB122 pistons, and talk of 500hp, only to learn is a 327. Now I'm really confused about displacement and potential. I was certain the motor had 6" rods, and 4.030" pistons.

Totally bummed....

 

Sounds like yougot burned bad. Did you buy it from a private party or company?

 

I didn't get burned... Just disappointed.

The whole project was inherited when my step-father passed a few weeks back.

 

A 350 block isn't hard to locate. If the 327 checks out fine, stash or sell it.

 

Big deal. A 327 block should be easily saleable and there are 350s all over the place.

 

The block looks new, and has the crank, rods and pistons installed.

I don't know what to do. I don't know what it's capable of power-wise, this just isn't my area of expertise. I build and integrate weapons, not motors. lol

Do I build the 327, or do I try to recoup a few dollars and put them towards a 350 build?

 

I am a bit confused 327 and 350 both have 4 inch bores assuming it is a stroker crank it still could be a 383.

 

It probably does have 4.030" pistons. Did you look at the crankshaft? is the block clearanced for a longer stroke? If you want to figure out what it really has in it, you probably need to pull the pan off and look.

 

^^^ This is good advice before doing anything^^^

 

I'd Measure the stroke by seeing how far down the the cylinder piston goes at BDC. If it's ~ 3.75 inch it is a 383. The small main journals on the cast 400 crank would not be a real comfortable thought, but Speedomotive supposedly sold combos with cast or forged cranks as late as 2011

 

There is no pan, it's on a motor stand in my garage. I obviously have no idea what I'm looking at. I know how to use precision measurement tools, but have to know what to measure, you know?

I didn't see any obvious way to ID the crank. Is there something, or somewhere I should look for clues?

 

If it is a small journal 327 it can still be stroked to a 383.
It will cost a bit more but can be done.

 

With the heads off the engine, and the pistons and crank in the block, you can easily measure the stroke with a ruler or tape measure. Turn it so two of the pistons are at top dead center (as high up as they go), so that part of the piston is at the same level as the top of the block. On one of the two cylinders that has the piston at the very bottom, measure from that flat part of the piston to the top of the block. That is the stroke. It's how far the piston moves up and down.

 

Run a piston all the way down to bottom dead center and measure how far to the top of the block.Less what ever the piston was down in the hole to begin with, there's your stroke...

 

Stroke appears to be 3.25". This was an easier measurement than rod length as the rods are installed and I had to "eyeball" it, however without heads, I could easily see pistons at TDC and BDC.

 

I wouldnt be bummed at all man, 327 is a great motor and has lots of potential. So watcha gonna put it in?

 

I'd rather have a 327 than a 383....

 

What am I going to put in the motor, or the truck?

I was planning on building a 383 stroker, parts unknown. My goal was a reliable, driver in the 500HP range.

Now, a 327 totally discounts the reading and research I've been doing for the past 2 weeks. I don't know what's reliable or possible with a 327, and therefore can't make an informed decision as to my path forward.

 

Why do you say that?

My ignorance lead to excitement at having an abundance of power to move my head truck down the road.

 

327 sounds good. It's a neat number. And it's probably a Chevy crank, not some chinese thing that most 383s get these days.

I have big blocks in my trucks....

 

I agree. 327 trumps 350/383 for me.

 

Build the 327. They are great motors and can be built to have some nice HP. I would be happy with it for sure.

 

Slightly off topic, but why would you need 500hp in a driver?

 

A 327 can be built into a very streetable motor with plenty of HP. 500 is a lot on the street and as for reliable......well if your using 500 hp expect something to happen. And just think of how much fun you are having when it does.

 

383's are for the pro touring crowd... No thanks!
I'll take a 327 any day of the week... And even twice on Sunday...

 

A 327 waaayyyyyy trumps a stinky old 383 any two days of the week!

 

Dad hadn't worked on this truck in years. He had the goal of 500HP, and often bragged about it. In all honestly and knowing his habits, I half expected to find a Whipple in the garage with the motor.

I did not set the requirement, but never having owned such a vehicle, I took his stories as gospel and was intending to work towards the same goal.

I really appreciate all the positive feed back from everyone. Thank you!

 

The GREAT Grumpster won lotz of races using a .030" over 327 (331) in a Pro-Stock Vega..
Something to think about!!..

 

Lesson #1....Always check casting numbers before you buy. Sorry dude...sell the block and buy a 350, they are everywhere.

 

I wonder why I need 700. Until I stomp it...then I don't wonder any more