327 or 396
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 12
327 or 396
i might be getting a 69 camaro that has no engine or tranny in it but it comes with a 327. a guy is also giving me a 396 375HP engine with an M21 tranny. how much of a difference would the handling and braking be from the extra weight of the 396? how much more does a big block weigh than a small block? thx. also, how much does a 69 weigh?
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,507
From: FTW, TX
I agree, the 327 is highly underrated, but if you're getting a buildable 396 too.....
Weight diff is IIRC about 150lbs.
Which engine you build and how you build that engine depends on what you want out of your car. (eifficency with some power, brutal tire smoking torque, high revver, etc.)
I'd also take into consideration which engine you have all the bracket and accessories.
Either way, they're both good choices.
Weight diff is IIRC about 150lbs.
Which engine you build and how you build that engine depends on what you want out of your car. (eifficency with some power, brutal tire smoking torque, high revver, etc.)
I'd also take into consideration which engine you have all the bracket and accessories.
Either way, they're both good choices.
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,209
From: TX
If handling is your priority, stick with the samll block. If all out acceleration takes top spot, go with the big block.
Figure around 3,400 #'s for a 69 with a small block, sans a bunch of power accesories.
Having owned both 327 and 396 equipped vehicles, can tell you the BB will smoke a 327 when built to equal levels. And will have much more torque than a 327. Big block heads flow great, even the factory items. You have to invest big bucks having the stock 327 heads (assuming they are not small valve "power pack" units ) ported, or invest in aftermarket heads.
But there is a big handling difference with the BB up front. You can compensate some for that by going with lighter components up front, booting battery to the trunk, etc, but that's still a lot of heft up front.
Figure around 3,400 #'s for a 69 with a small block, sans a bunch of power accesories.
Having owned both 327 and 396 equipped vehicles, can tell you the BB will smoke a 327 when built to equal levels. And will have much more torque than a 327. Big block heads flow great, even the factory items. You have to invest big bucks having the stock 327 heads (assuming they are not small valve "power pack" units ) ported, or invest in aftermarket heads.
But there is a big handling difference with the BB up front. You can compensate some for that by going with lighter components up front, booting battery to the trunk, etc, but that's still a lot of heft up front.
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 338
From: Clearwater, FL
If it's just a street car, the 327 will do you fine. I still run a 327 in my '67 and the thing screams. Plus, if you are driving it daily, the 327'll save you some cash since small block parts are just plainly cheaper than big block parts.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post