Hey guys,

My pops and I just purchased a 1968 Camaro. I have a question with the engine. Is it better to build up the 327 (orginal engine) or buy a 396 crate motor.

 

if the car is a numbers matching car, I would just rebuild the 327. Now if the car is a non number matching car, then it's up to you. Mine was a non car and I dropped in a 383 stroker.

 

Its a numbers matching car. The thing is I want more horsepower. Is it possible to build the 327 up to 400 Horsepower

 

Do you plan on keeping this car forever? If not, in my opinion, you'll be able to sell the car for more if it's a numbers matching car.

I'd think you can get 400hp out of that 327....

 

I will keep the car for about 6 years then sell it and get another one. What mods do u think I would need to bring it up to 400 HP

 

I would personaly build up the stock 327, since most everyone has a 350 and 327's can be made to over 400hp not quite as easy as with a 350 but it should break the bank.

but first is the 327 stock as it sits? I dont know what combo to go with, but heads, cam, intake, carb, and headers all that are match to the engine good should get you over the 400hp point. I would check out how to "Hot Rod Small-block CHEVYS" by Bill Fisher. Its mostly older school info some of it is definitly dated but if you wanna go with retro parts that wont break the bank and get you good hp its a good read.

 

I would pull out the numbers matching engine and store it under a bench and build a 400 horse small block. If you are planning on possibly selling it someday down the road as a matching car and making money it would suck to blow up the original engine.

 

What else do I need besides the crated engine. Any ideas on what engine I should get. It Can't be to expensive

 

If you plan on 'beating up' on the car, I'd pull the motor, trnas and rear, and replacing them all.

454 BBC, TH-400 trans, and a 12 bolt.

Then you can do whatever to the car, and actually 'include' the 'numbers matching' parts if you decide to sell later, or restore to stock....

BBC.....join the Dark Side

 

Pull the 327 and store it until you sell the car, then build a badass large displacement engine, which you'll be able to swap into your next ride

 

Thank alot for all the help guys

 

To save money... look for a donor car...
Try local race track, look for someone with an uncompleted race car, they often will part out their cars and sell drive trains separately

 

400 at the wheels?...........Solid roller will get you there. I have a 350...........supposed to be 425hp at the motor.

 

Hey guys thanks for all the help. I was wonderin where I could find a crated 396 for a good price.

 

I don't know of a 396 crate engine, but there may be one out there somewhere. GM sells a 454 for about $4700 I think. Forged internals + low compression = forced induction ready.