Hey guys. This winter I plan to build a new engine for my trans am. I have done some initial research and decided I want to run a direct port under manifold system from NOS. I plan to run 200-250 HP jets. I am starting to decide on the design of the engine. I have already decided on another 327 chevy, but I think it would be cool to build it from an aluminum block. The blocks so far come with 4 bolt mains, etc. but I am uncertain as to if the block will be strong enough to handle this much nitrous. All ideas and input appreciated.

 

have you thought about a Gen 3 LS based aluminum block? 6 bolt mains and a stock crank that can hold 1000hp is pretty nice. Plus the superior head design makes getting the power you're looking for easy.

 

Why a 327? That would be a very short stroke engine. if you are going custom, you might as well put all the cubes you can into it. it really doesn't cost much more with custome parts. Are you running a cubic inch specific class?

 

Whats wrong with an all aluminum 327 Jim? I am ditching my 406 for an all aluminum 305 next year.

 

This car is street/strip. I am going to run a T56, which I already bought. (LT1 style) I like the 327 because of its quick reving. they are especially fun w a stick, which is mostly why im doing the t56 and ditching the 700r. I do like the idea of big hp, etc. but I can still bring good numbers from a smaller engine thats not gonna twist the car up. Besides how many people do you talk to that say they have a 350, 355 etc... and then think of how many people say they have a 327?

 

I had a 327(as you might have guessed by the name) it spun NOTHING like my 350. If your cam, valvetrain, heads, and compression are friendly with each other you will have all the response you could ask for.

Aluminum blocks are $$$$, I'd suggest an iron block with a killer set of heads if you must stay gen 1, or an LS1 if you're willing to swap.

I'm over near brockport.

 

the whole idea of smaller cubes revving quicker is mostly old school logic using crappy stock heads. for a given head, smaller cubes can breath easier and make power higher in the rpms. (even though its peak hp is probably still less than the bigger cube motor)

if i was you, i would get an LS1. its already aluminum, and will probably wind up running better than the motor you had in mind for 1/4 the price. how much is an aluminum sbc block nowadays, $4k?

 

Hmm...good points guys. I will keep thinking, but right now I may lean more towards a brand new iron block, to save cash, as DIGGLER is correct, a new al. block runs about $4k..Also, the weight savings would be nice for aluminum, but the N2O is already going to add enough that 90lbs won't make much of a difference. I am thinking of running AFR heads, just need to decide which ones.