Engine swap--are all 327s the same?

[randfr]

I'm (still) restoring my 1967 RS Camaro.  I've had the car since 1979, maybe the second or third owner (something else to research).  As a college punk I thought that "old" 327 original engine could do with an upgrade so I swapped the engine out and chucked the original block.  Those short-sighted college punks...

Recently I bought a buddy's newly machined L79 327 from his 1968 Corvette (he wasn't able to complete his own project).  I figured it was as close as I'd get to having a 327 back in the car.

I'm building the motor back to stock but not sure about how "swappable" the miscellaneous Corvette parts will be.  I don't have the headers or the oil pan yet, so was wondering if those items will be usable in the Camaro.  Alternators/starters all the same?  It will not be a concourse car, but I'd like to stick to "original" or "original looking" parts as much as possible.

Any other tips or pointers for this swap?  I'm at the ground floor on the engine build so entertaining all thoughts.  Rebuild the Rochester?  HEI or install pertronix upgrade in the distributor (if I find it)?

thanks

[william]

I believe Corvettes used a 5 quart oil pan which will not fit a Camaro. Exhaust manifolds are also not interchangeable. The starter is determined by flywheel - 10.3" or 11".

Everything esle should be fine.

[hotrod68]

Personally--I'd go with the Pertronix--with an HEI you may have to dent the firewall to get the cap to clear, and  that huge HEI doesn't look anywhere near stock. I'd also use a 600 Holley carburetor on an Edelbrock Performer manifold for better driveability and performance. If you're sticking with the stock Q-Jet manifold, a Holley Spread-Bore carburetor will beat that Quadrajunk every time and is well worth the money in my opinion. Hope this helps.

[BlackoutSteve]

I think 68 & earlier heads don't have accesory bolt holes..

[JohnZ]

I'm building the motor back to stock but not sure about how "swappable" the miscellaneous Corvette parts will be.

The '67 and '68 327 blocks are functionally the same and are dimensionally identical - anything that bolted up to the '67 block will bolt up fine on the '68 block, but you'll need the Camaro oil pan and exhaust manifolds. Cylinder heads with accessory bolt holes didn't show up until 1969.

[randfr]

I believe Corvettes used a 5 quart oil pan which will not fit a Camaro. Exhaust manifolds are also not interchangeable. The starter is determined by flywheel - 10.3" or 11".

Everything esle should be fine.

william (and others on this thread)

thanks for the tips.  the corvette oil pan was indeed too big and i kept the original headers to assist with the mounts for the A/C and alternator.

i'm at the point of buying a starter.  you mentioned that starter depended on the flywheel/flexplate size.  guess i now have to ask, how do i know what size flexplate to buy?

the engine i took out of the car (not original) was hooked up to the powerglide transmission (original) and the flexplate (not sure if original or not) looks to be a smidge under 13 inches.  the new engine (327/350hp) was hooked up to a 4 speed, so i do not have that flywheel.

thanks in advance.

[Everett#2390]

Starter with the bolts in line will take a 153 tooth flexplate/flywheel - small.
Starter with staggered bolts will take a 168 tooth flexplate/flywheel - large.
Don't forget to install the starter front brace, it will save the nose from breaking.

[MyRed67]

   If you're sticking with  "original" look I'd stay with the L-79 Intake Manifold.  Again, if you're going with the "original"  look, the L-79 Heads without any accessory bolt holes would be correct and with stock brackets not needed. And as stated above, I went with a Pertronix kit in my stock Distributor on my 327 in my '67.  Should be an easy swap.