Is the 327 a big-block or small block?
The 327 engine is considered a small-block engine, not a big-block. The 327 is part of Chevrolet's small-block V8 engine family, which includes other popular engines like the 350 and 400 cubic inch small-blocks.
What is the Difference Between Big-Block and Small-Block Engines?
The key difference between big-block and small-block engines lies in their physical size and displacement. Big-block engines, such as Chevrolet's 396, 402, and 454 cubic inch V8s, are physically larger and have a greater overall displacement compared to small-block engines.
- Big-Block Engines: Typically have a displacement of 396 cubic inches (6.5 liters) or more. They have a larger cylinder bore and longer stroke, resulting in a bulkier overall engine design.
- Small-Block Engines: Typically have a displacement under 400 cubic inches (6.6 liters). They have a smaller cylinder bore and shorter stroke, making them more compact.
The 327 cubic inch (5.4 liter) V8 engine produced by Chevrolet from 1962 to 1969 is considered a small-block engine, as its displacement falls well below the big-block threshold.
Key Characteristics of the 327 Small-Block Engine
The 327 small-block engine was a popular and versatile powerplant used in many Chevrolet models during the 1960s, including the Corvette, Camaro, Chevelle, and Nova. Some key facts about the 327 engine:
- Displacement: 327 cubic inches (5.4 liters)
- Cylinder Bore: 4.00 inches
- Stroke: 3.25 inches
- Compression Ratio: Varied from 8.5:1 to 11.0:1 depending on the model and year
- Horsepower: Ranged from 210 hp to 350 hp depending on configuration
- Torque: Ranged from 300 lb-ft to 380 lb-ft depending on configuration
The 327 small-block was known for its excellent balance of power, efficiency, and reliability, making it a popular choice for both performance and everyday driving applications in the 1960s.
Is a 327 more powerful than a 350?
The bottom line here is simple; no matter what you do to a 327, if you do the same thing to a 350, it WILL make more horsepower and torque than a 327 will, period. The same thing goes with ANY engine when comparing cubic inches and power, especially when you are talking about making more torque with longer strokes.
What years did they make the 327 small-block?
The 327 was a mainstay of Chevrolet's engine lineup from 1962 through 1969, when it made its final appearance as the standard V-8 in that year's fullsize Chevys, and as a low-cost option over the base 307-inch V8 in the Chevelle, Nova and Camaro.
Is a Chevy 327 a big-block?
The Chevrolet 327-cubic-inch V8 originated with the small-block family of engines that first appeared in 1955 with a 265 cubic inch powerplant. Following with a 283 cubic inch version that appeared in 1957, the mighty 327-inch small block made its debut in 1962.
Is a 327 and 350 block the same?
Understanding the 327 and 350 Chevy Engine Blocks
If you're wondering which specific years of 327 engines share the same block as the 350 small block engines, the answer lies in the late 1960s. Specifically, the 327 engines produced in 1968 and 1969 are the ones that utilize the same block as the 350.
How much HP can a 327 block handle?
Capable of supporting over 600 hp in normally aspirated trim, our relatively mild 327 was not taking full advantage of what they had to offer. These heads were chosen as much for what the 327 might become in the future (think stroker) as its current configuration.
Can you turn a 327 into a 350?
This means that this particular 327 can easily be upgraded into a 350, which has become a standard in the aftermarket industry with tons of available parts. Refer to the chart on the previous page for side-by-side number comparisons.
What is the largest small-block Chevy?
The Biggest Small-Block So Far: The 400-Cubic-Inch V-8. The largest version of the Generation I small-block was the 400 (6.6 liter) .
Is a Chevy 327 a small-block?
Production of the original small-block began in late 1954 for the 1955 model year, with a displacement of 265 cu in (4.3 L), growing over time to 400 cu in (6.6 L) by 1970. Among the intermediate displacements were the 283 cu in (4.6 L), 327 cu in (5.4 L), and numerous 350 cu in (5.7 L) versions.
Are 327 and 350 the same block?
The larger sized main journal diameters of the 1968 327 small-block, 2.450, are the exact size of the later 350 small-block. The difference between the two is the length of stroke on the crank, 3.250 for the 327 and 3.484 for the 350.
What is considered a big block Chevy?
This engine type is characterized by the following metrics: Displacement: Big block engines tend to have displacements of 400 cubic inches or more. There are exceptions to this rule, such as the Chevy 396 engine which is referred to as a big block engine due to its architecture.
