hello I'm a newbie to camaros I have a 1971 camaro with an inline 6 I'm going to replace it with a V8 at the moment I have a 1967 327 that I want to rebuilt. BUt I have a buddy that is convincing me to put in a 454 and I have people telling me that a big block is more expensive and give out more problems. Is that true and I also been told that I have to replace my suspension since the 454 is hevier. I have a 64 c10 with a small block and it runs great and has good power. Also swaping the 6 for the 8 what things can I still use from the engine like alternator power steering etc. and what new things do I have to buy. Thanks

 

let me tell you from personal experiance. it really is preference. it is true the big block will be much more expensive. not just in rebuilding but in other aspects and fuel consumption and parts. and big blocks do tend to have more issues than small blocks. mainly overheating issues. the big block how ever can be a real power house if done right. but so could the 327 which is an awesome motor. ( a de-stroked 350, but can rev super high) . as for your alternator and what not. you are probably going to have to get new brackets. which isnt that difficult. ( to be honest. ive never seen a second gen with a in-line 6 in person.) so i dont even know where everything is and if they are standard gm brackets.

personally, i think a 327 built right would be more than enough for a second gen. i have a 396 in my car. and sometimes i wish it was just a 350 sb just cause it gets hot sometimes and stuff. but when i smoke everyone im glad its the big block....its a tuff call you have to make. but if u got the 327 go with it.

 

yai vote for the 327 allso they are great motors and can rev a hell of a lot more than a big block.
so rebuild the 327 or build a healthy 350 would make your car scream.need to get some pics of that 6cyl sec gen thats something you dont get to see very often.[sm=signs003.gif]

 

Find out if you have a small or journal crank in your 327. If you do find a 283crank and built it using your 327block the DE stroke will make it a 302 and these motors if built wright will turn up to 10 grand. If you have the wright valve train these motors were big block killers back in there day. and as far as big blocks go there bullet proof compared to a small block as long as you have the wright radiator cooling won't be an issue those cars came with 454s. It's not much more money either since you have to buy everything anyway.

 

327 would be an awesome rebuild and were (are) great engines.

 

Thanks alot guys for your opinion I guess I will stick with the 327 since its already in my garage.