Hi everyone,

I’m looking for advice on building my Small Block Chevy 327.

The engine currently makes around 250 hp with a 4-barrel carb, and I would like to build it to around 420 hp (or slightly more) while keeping it naturally aspirated.

The engine will be completely rebuilt by my engine builder, so the short block will be opened and I’m planning to use forged internals (pistons, rods, etc.).

My drivetrain setup is:

• TH400 automatic transmission
• 3.55 rear gear
• street performance use

I’m trying to find complete kits so I don’t have to piece everything together.

Specifically I’m looking for recommendations for:

• a forged rotating assembly kit for the bottom end
• a top end kit (heads, camshaft, valvetrain, intake, etc.)
• camshaft recommendations that work well with a 327 aiming for 420+ hp

Are there any complete “all-in-one” kits you would recommend from companies like AFR, Edelbrock, Trick Flow, or others?

Thanks for your help.

 

I have one of these, I have to assemble, how do you set top dead center for pistons? And set the timing chain?




snaptube vidmate

 

Use the marks on the harmonic balancer for TDC and / or use a bolt screwed into the spark plug hole if you think the inertia ring has slipped on your balancer
The bolt in the spark plug hole is to see if your damper has slipped
Screw the bolt in and rotate the motor over by hand with a 5/8 socket on the crank bolt
Rotate the engine around clockwise until it stops, make a mark, rotate CCW (the other way) and make another mark
Split the difference and that's TDC