beav1993

Ok guys ive got a choice between 3 engines I could build. A 307 which I need nothing for everything is there to build it, a 327 would need pistons and heads , or a 350 would also need pistons and heads . Engine is going in my 84 Berlinetta camaro, will be a daily driver just looking for the most efficient and dependable engine to go with. Will rarely see high rpms unless my foot is feeling heavy that day. Also looking for a decent amount of horsepower so my car wont be helpless against the vast amount of mustang owners. Thanks in advance for the opinions and advice guys.

FRMULA88

Build the biggest engine you can afford. and don't be fooled that you are saving money with a complete 307...

The 307 is a close cousin to the 305. It's a small bore ( 3.875 ) engine that will be limited in performance because the factory heads are inferior to modern day aftermarket SBC (350 and larger) heads.

This engine was simply a mule built for emissions and fuel economy (just like the 305).
Don't waste time and money, it would be better spend on a 350 and yield better , (much better) results.

The cost to build a 327 vs the 350 is the same, and the 350 may still be cheaper.

Both have the same bore (4.00) so pistons are the same but the 350 has a longer stroke and 350 cranks are much more common that 327 cranks..

You will be happier with the additional torque of the 350 and the ability to run much better flowing aftermarket heads vs the 307.

86LG4Bird

iTrader: (1)

Unless either of the other two are a complete, assembled, running engine, it's a no-brainer to me: build the 350.
In fact, even if the 307 were a running engine, I wouldn't waste the time installing it in the car unless I just HAD to a have a driveable vehicle near-term.

beav1993

So with a mild built 350 could I expect decent gas mileage similar to say a 307? I'm not looking for it to be just a toy. Ive got a 83z28 that I will make a toy out of. I'd like for this one to be a good everyday driver fuel efficient yet able to show up the half a million mustangs in my town. Ive got a cam and stuff already. Got a Lunati 10001 cam and weiand street warrior intake, what would be a good head recommendation that wont break the bank?

86LG4Bird

iTrader: (1)

That Lunati cam is on the large side for a mild 307, so I'd say you're likely to make just as much fuel mileage with the 350.
Properly tuned, it should make low 20's in mixed driving.
I'm running Vortec heads, so I'll defer to someone else for a budget conventional SBC head recommendation.

bestracing

Actually the Vortec heads use to be a good budget friendly head if you could find a good used set. As with other SBC Gen I heads, the older they get the harder it is to find a good set that doesn't need rebuilt.

beav1993

I'm perfectly fine with a set that needs rebuilt seeing as how it will be a rebuilt motor. Like to start new. I'd prefer something other than vortecs though, I'm aware they are a good flowing gm casting but my new intake is for pre 86 sbc heads. I'd like to keep the intake I have.

FRMULA88

Pre 86 heads simply means non centerbolt ( non vortech ) style.. so any aftermarket 23 degree SBC (non-vortech style) heads should be fine.

Dart, AFR, World, Brodix, Edelbrock, etc all make great products.

A new set of bare Dart Iron Eagle heads is $600.00
fully assembled 1,356.00


Stay away from OEM heads... (camel hump.. blah blah blah) even with extensive work the will NEVER perform like a modern aftermarket heads.


Buy the best heads you can afford.


In retrospect a junkyard LS motor will shine too !

86LG4Bird

iTrader: (1)

Oh, I agree, they're great! I was just referring to his wanting to use his CONVENTIONAL SBC intake. Although, I believe it's false economy to rule out the Vortecs just because of that. I bought an almost new Vortec style Performer intake for $100 shipped.

beav1993

Ive got nothing against the vortecs. They are a wonderful head but I'm planning on aftermarket heads which I'm sure I could.get in either vortec style or pre 86 style. Just doesn't make much sense to sell my current intake and then invest in heads and a intake when I could buy a good flowing head that utilizes my current intake. How about the sr torquers? Any opinions on them?

Fast355

iTrader: (2)

S/R = Stock Replacement, aka heavy cast iron paperweights.

Edelbrock Etec170 heads work great for a street engine. I have them on a 9.5:1 350 with an EFI friendly 215/220* roller cam on a 114* LSA and am putting down 375 RWHP through a power robbing 2nd gear pull in a 4L80E and 9.5" GM 14-bolt rear-end.

Your intake is likely a poor match for an aftermarket set of heads anyway.

Not to mention the cam you have is an absolutely horrible early 70s grind for a RV with very slow ramps and a lot of seat to seat duration for the lift.

A set of Etec heads with a performer RPM and a modern grind cam would make you very happy.

beav1993

I was under the impression that the street warrior was weiands version of the performer? I could be wrong though. I'm not looking to build a monster just a comfortable driver. . I'm on a budget. What cam would you recommend? The 10002 Lunati looks k tad more aggressive. Would it still work with my stock converter? I currently have a 308 gear in the rear end.I plan on upgrading that as well.

86LG4Bird

iTrader: (1)

I think the 10002 is way too much for a stock converter, even if you go with 3.73 gears. In fact, for the reason Fast already mentioned (seat timing), even the 10001 cam would be somewhat of a low rpm dog with the stock converter.