Couple months ago I picked up an '81z for $1600.00 with no motor. Had a big block, street/strip car (knew the kid from the track). The car is 95% rust free, paint faded. Has a nicely built turbo 350, and the 373 posi rear. My delima... I just picked up a 327-standard bore- at stock the codes call it out as a 275 hp motor. Has '461 heads, weand intake and a 280 isky cam. Thinks it has around 300hp. Got this motor strait up no bs for $50.00! Been sittin in his garage for 4yrs. Had it in his '69 camaro, he is going new school ls454. Should I just put it in the camaro and see what happens or should I put a 350 i have on the stand in it. The 350 is nothing special truck heads new crane cam bench dyno around 300 HP. The 350 was put together for a truck that I ended up selling. I think the 327 will give some pizzaz to the '81z. Plan on selling the Z at some point since I already have one. Any opinions?

 

I'd stick the 327 in there just because it's different.

 

I had a 327 planned for mine, had the block and head work done. The problem is that without some kind of bolt on power adder, it can't make the power GM said it made. They don't make torque like the 350. What they will do, is live above 6k all day long. You can literally spin the sheet out of them. You build a 383 and you'll make better than 400hp. Can't do that with a 327.

 

I agree not a torque monster. The 350 will feel faster on a test drive, just because it has more low end grunt.

 

Yeah you can, and they were done in the old days. They were 372 ci and also a real torque monster.

As for which you put in the '81; if you're selling it put the engine you want the least and keep the one you like best.

 

327 and some gears would eliminate the torque for the most part! not saying that a 383 wouldn't make smoke the tires more than the 327. But with some gears in the rear like 3.73's-4.10's and that little 327 would scream!

 

Remember there were a lot of old Impalas with 327's in them and they were very heavy, but still got up and went pretty darn good! A 327 doesn't mean it wont have plenty of power below 2500 rpm's, but it seems that most people today think they're only good from 2,500 to 7,000 or more.
The 283 was an even shorter stroke, but they've got plenty of low end power too, when built right.

 

I have to be honest. I have never been in a car with a 327. They are scarce in this area. I am speaking from logic. But if Vall says they got the nuts. They probable do.

Old Blue is absolutely correct. You can overcome any torque deficient with gears. Thats why the general sent the six cylinder cars our with the good gears.

The other good point was put the one in you least want. Great advise there.

 

If you're going to sell it, Then putting the $50 motor in it increases your profit. That's the dollars and cents of it. Regarding the 327, it's a great little mill, but, the 350 replaced it for a reason and, although GM discontinued it in 2004, it continues in production in Mexico to this day. It has outlasted all GM's gen 1 engines. You can make great power with the 327, if you spend enough cash. I'm saying, if you're going to spend the cash the 350 will get you more than the 327 giving the same amount spent.

 

It's 373 posi rear . Dude.said motor screamed in his '69. I am goin to do a compression test on it-if.its good I'm goin to.clean it up paint it and drive it for Awhile. If its a dog then I will pull my race motor and put in it. That motor put the race car down the track.in mid to low 12's. Build a bigger motor for the race car. Maybe am l