Re: 327 engine compatability

Posted by Mike On 2013/1/23 20:49:04

I did put a 54 327 (9 main) in my 23rd series in place of the 288. There were minor differences, BUT a pre 51 won't have the side mounts bosses and holes you need. You can put a later motor in an earlier if you switch the balancer and timing cover, etc, but you can't put an earlier in a later.

Differences in case someone finds this thread later:

I developed a rod knock shortly after, that's neither here nor there, but there was some other differences:

The temp sending hole is bigger on one than the other. I think the 51 used a smaller threaded hole. You could get a reading somewhere else, or make a brass L setup like i did, or a bushing if you're using the small sender in big hole. That's a head not a block difference. Honestly, if the motor is out, you could just drill it and tap it if you need bigger (earlier motors are bigger, and sending units aren't compatible, different reading ranges sent to the gauge).

Also, throttle linkage has 2 holes in side of head on earlier motors, and the manifold has 2 holes on top to accept another bracket. You can drill and tap both, there are posts here how i made a little bracket for the manifold. again, only an issue if you're putting later motor in earlier car.

Some linkage mods though, and you can run a 4bbl on the older series cars (4bbl linkage is on inside of carb instead of outside).

I've toyed with the idea of just selling the knocking 327 for enough to get a clean 288 or 327 that's 5 main and less valuable, but then i'd be worried that i'd put a used motor in and have trouble (like this time) so i'll likely get around to yanking it and getting it rebuilt.