Guest 240ZDriver Posted October 1, 2002 Share Posted October 1, 2002 I'm 17 and want to start building my dream Z. I need to know the best choice for a V8 swap, a 327 or 350? which is best for performance and handling but will also not be a pain in the ass to drop in. If I put one of these in and I want a stick shift, will the shifter fit in the same place as the original? What rear end do I need? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike C Posted October 1, 2002 Share Posted October 1, 2002 Buy the JTR manual. (Jags that run) It covers all of these questions and many more. IMO, this book is worthwhile for any Z owner and not just V8 swappers. The 327 and 350 are dimensionally the same, just like all gen I and gen II motors (LT1). 350 rebuild kits are cheaper, but the slightly reduced torque output of the 327 might be easier on a T5 if you go that way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted October 2, 2002 Share Posted October 2, 2002 The 350's will be much easier to find these days. 327's are still around, but you can hardly walk through a junkyard without stubbing your toe on a chevy 350. Also as mentioned order the JTR manual www.jagsthatrun.com and it'll let you plan out what you need to get, what to expect and after reading it cover to cover several times we can help you fill in the gaps or things you run into as its being built. Good luck with it. Regards, Lone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted October 2, 2002 Share Posted October 2, 2002 327,Super Sport, muncie rock crusher, 4.11 The Beach Boys ... all magic words in the 60's but a 350 is more practical today and probably a little more oomph (but I do not want to believe it). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pparaska Posted October 2, 2002 Share Posted October 2, 2002 I have a 327 in my Z. If I were to do it again, it'd be at least a 383 sbc, if not a 391, 400, 421, 427, or 434 sbc. More cubes equals more usable street torque, and that's what makes pushing the do pedal while cruising feel good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pshepard327ci Posted October 2, 2002 Share Posted October 2, 2002 Hey, i think the 327 is a excellent motor for such a lower weight car and even though im still working on completing my project... im in it for the nostalgia and the revs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Carlissimo Posted October 2, 2002 Share Posted October 2, 2002 I too have a 327. If I had to do it again I would build a 302. I love RPMs in a sports car. A 302 has less torque but will rev wildly up to 8000 RPM in street form. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted October 2, 2002 Share Posted October 2, 2002 Carlissimo, Ran across this reading Mr. Grumps Post. "Chevy 302: Chevy 327 or 350 block with 4.0" bore and 3.0" stroke. Must use Caprice 5.94" connecting rods. Any KB piston with a 1.561" compression height can be utilized" Short stroke magic! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest trickz Posted October 2, 2002 Share Posted October 2, 2002 I built a 327z in77 it still runs great in97 I built a 406 (4OOSBC 30over) in my 250 gto the 350 is cheeper and is strong,you`l be very happy just do it !!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 240ZDriver Posted October 2, 2002 Share Posted October 2, 2002 For some reason I decided I wanted a 350 a long time ago but for no particular reason, does anyone have any comments on other engines listed above?(383, 391, 400, 427, etc.) maybe I'll change my mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike C Posted October 2, 2002 Share Posted October 2, 2002 As Pete noted, larger displacement engines have more torque. More displacement is usually more money. I am cheap. A 350 can make good power for much less money than the other motors. As much power? Not unless you turn it to the moon. But the forged piston rebuild kit for a 350 with EVERYTHING from Northern auto parts is $450. The forged pistons for one of the other motors start at $400 and go up. I would rather have a forged piston internally balanced 355 than a hyperutectic externally balanced 383. Also, you have to use the balancer and the flexplate/flywheel from a 400 either the 383, 391, or 406. Most of the other larger displacements use internally balanced aftermarket cranks in the $750 range. Bottom line is YOU have to decide what YOUR goals are, and mine are to have a nice car that's fast but didn't preclude me from doing other things as well by eatin' up all my resources. (I have NEVER regretted buying cheaper car parts so I could put more money in my shop, my tools, my house and etc.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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