I'm working on a deal where I might be helping a local guy with some engine projects.

He has a 1963 Corvette with a 327. He's worried about the engine getting too many miles or failing during spirited driving.

I'm working with him to possibly build him a more modern roller Vortec 355 long block to put under the factory intake and valve covers. He'll get more power, it'll be concealed well, and he'll be able to bag and store the valuable stock engine.

He also has a 1978 L82 Corvette engine that we might do the same for for the purpose of selling to someone with a '78 Vette that might want a fresh new powerful engine to replace their stock mill and retain the stock look.

I love these kinds of projects and while I won't make much I'll have a blast building two more engines on someone else's dime.

Matthew: Great Idea!!!!! 327's are becoming rare especially a Corvette series 327. Does it have dual Carter AFB's??

The perfect winter project!!! Beer/Pizza/grease and oil/ God I can smell it already. Have fun!

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No in fact the factory single carb has been replaced by a Holley. He's happy with the Holley and unless someone is looking hard they don't really notice it.

If we move forward with either aspect of the project I'll make sure I post up pics of the progression.

Ron, I'm looking up those measurements soon for the fab work you said you'd help me with.

Matthew: I'll be ready for those specs @ the end of next week. No hurry on your part! Finished the Ford P/U project last week and put on a set of Borlas cat back on the 87 Sunday night. This weekend Honey Do weekend. My wife says I smell like Ode Du Mobil Uno. God aren't cars great!!!

Matt,

Sorry I didn't get with you today. Spent a lot of time with the family today and the new one.

Is that the guy with the light blue '63 split window coupe? Good idea on his part as that car is sweet.

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He was actually originally interested in my 350 from my '77 which I sold. Since it was gone I told him how easy it would be for me to build him an engine to hide under the 327 gear while he kept the true mill safely stored.

I should have gotten pics because his '63 is awesome. It's white on red and such a nice car.

I like that term "Spirited Driving".

"No officer, I wasn't speeding, I was spirited driving".

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Ron, 63s didn't have dual quads as an option (too bad).
The 250 horse had a WCFB, the 300 & 340 horse had a single AFB.

DB, IMO, the guy should pull the 327 apart to store it. Grease everything up, put the lifters/pshrods in numbered bags, pull the crank, grease it and reinstall in the block.
It wouldn't take much time and that way the parts ould be protected from humidity.

sounds like a good move

Done quite a bit

Let the guy get out an enjoy his ride and preserve it at the same time.