I have a 1963 bel air wagon and need to replace the engine I need some help to figure out what to replace the 327 that's in there now. I was looking at the GM 350 290 hp not sure this is Going to have the power to move this 3800 lb wagon. Was planning on going with the 200 4R with the 350 So any thought out there
My 78 Ford Country Squire came with a 460 that produced 205 Hp. I think 290 will move your Bel Air nicely.
In Canada, at least, the base engine in a 63 Bel Air wagon was a 250 I-6. It put out something like 150 gross horsepower. The 290 NET horsepower is goping to move your wagon just fine. If you want real performance, and real highway fuel economy, though, I would look for a wrecked 07 or 08 Tahoe, Yukon, or Suburban with the 5.3 V-8 and cylinder deactivation. In a Tahoe, a buddy was getting about 28 miles to the U.S. gallon, according to the display on his dash. In the much lighter, much more aerodynamic wagon, you could expect significantly more, plus having all the pulling power you could want. Just take the whole thing, so engine, wiring harness, computer, transmission. Shouldn't be too difficult to install as a unit, either.
What about a LS engine? You can get them very readily at any salvage yard with a 4L60E. As for horsepower, was the original 327 a double-hump head, 300 hp version? If not, I think the standard 327 had a 250 hp rating.
If you drive it only a small number of miles a year, then definitely rebuild the original 327. That is a sweet engine indeed. If you want to drive it a lot, then go with the 5.3 drivetrain from a Tahoe. The extra mileage will pay the up charge over time. Either way, I would stay small block. The car is just more balanced, with less weight over the front wheels. Done right, a small block will move that wagon out very nicely indeed.
Thanks to all yes the 327 that's in it dose have the double hump heads I had thought about going with the new stuff Ls engine Just looks like a lot of things to change fuel tank headers and then you have to be sure to get the right pan witches I'm not sure what that would be Thanks again it nice to here from others
A simple cam change could easily alter the 327 to give it more torque and HP, and you still retain the original engine which could be a factor later. If I recall correctly, that engine was also used in trucks and was available in some cars up to 375 hp.
Rebuild it You will be way ahead of the fame if you rebuild it. There will be no retro fitting of any kind Simple and easy . Plus as stated earlier,, you can easily pump up the HP with very little extra cost !!!!!
The 327 is a great engine. I would definitely lean toward keeping it. If you want to make a change, and money is no object, a crate engine is a good option.
If you do decide to rebuild the 327, get some modern heads on it. There has been a vast improvement in heads over the last 50 years. Iron or aluminum, although aluminum with an aluminum dual plane intake will shed a lot of weight. Even the entry-level E-street heads are significantly better than what you've got on it now. Get a retrofit roller hydraulic cam with a modern profile and some decent roller rockers. That will improve performance and reduce frictional losses. Custom grinds usually don't cost anymore than off-the-shelf. Since you'll probably need to bore the cylinders out some, use pistons with modern sized rings and anti-friction coating on the skirts.
