350 or 327

[ingomar]

There is no external size difference between a 327 or 350, and either will accept a "short" or a "long" waterpump. They are essentially the same; as has been noted the stroke is about 1/4 inch longer in the 350. It should pull a tad better because of this and the extra cubes.
If you are looking at a Gen 1 motor, I would think a 350 is the way to go. They are easier to find, too, since the production of 327's stopped in 67-68. 350's are everywhere. That said, I run a 327-- basically because I had it-- and it's OK, too.

 

[Brian in Oregon]

I'm running a 350 with the Mark's of Australia kit as well.

My 350 is stock, other than an aluminum dual plane intake and (ugh) small tube block hugging headers. (I'll switch to cast iron Rams when these burn out.) Carb is a QuadraJet. It gets down and lugs almost as good as a six. If you start hot rodding them, you'll lose that ability.

alumacruiser, do you have a photo of the other side of your engine? Or an album of more photos?

 

[Elbert]

get a 350 / 5.7 with the factory "bolt holes" for the accessories brackets in the cylinder heads....your life will be far eaiser. 350 is far more common. No real difference in size between the two.

 

[terrx]

It's not that hard to find later model 350s with vortec heads and roller cam/lifters. They're more fuel efficient have more power and last longer with modern fuel and motor oils. Just another $0.02.

 

[alumacruiser]

Brian in Oregon here's a shot of the opposite side of the engine. I don't have an online album but if you look through the ROTW archives you will find 'alumacruiser'. There are a few more shots of my project located there along with a brief description.

 

[Brandon rescue]

350!!! Nothing beats wasting my money on gas

 

[INHALER]

I love my 350. I kept the stock 4 speed but I got a ranger II torque spliter from advanced adapters. It bolted to the front of the 4 speed, & the chevy bell housing bolted right to it. I didn't have to change the location of the transmission/transfer or change my driveshafts, & I gives me a high and low for every gear. But, it is true the v8 doesn't chug down hills like the old 6 cyl. The 3B diesel that's in my 60 is unreal for crawling down hills. It crawls slower in high range, than the 350 does in low range.

 

[INHALER]

Oh yeah, there is tons of room under the hood too.