lbhsbz

Technically, you are correct. But the other bore size you are refering to is from the overhead cam ZR motor, which there aren't to many of. The cast iron 350 that we've all come to know and love was a 3.48 stroke and a 4.0" bore.

Not professionally, I just know my way around chevy engines....and VW watercooled (my last race car). I worked for Toyota and GM for several years and have a couple hundred engine jobs under my belt. The only ones that blow up are my own.... I have tons of books and references on SBCs, so if anyone has any questions, I'm sure I can come up with answers.

The 350 and 327 both use a standard 4.000" bore. The 350 stroke is 3.48" while the 327 stroke is 3.25". The rods are both 5.7" The only small block with shorter rods is the 400, with a 5.565" rod (I beleive). Most (if not all) of the 327s used smaller main journals than the 350, so you can't just swap cranks. If you machine down the 350 crank, it will fit in the 327 block, and you will have a 350. The only dimensional difference between a 327 block and a 350 block is the main journal size. If using the 350 crank, 350 pistons must be used. 327 pistons have a different compression height and would hit the head. If the 327 crank is used, 350 pistons will yield a horrible compression ratio.

i hear your pain....I just coughed up $3500 for a '73 240 with a V8 conversion because the guy told me that the 327 in it was rebuilt 500 miles before it was parked....in '86. he even showed my receipts for the engine parts. I tore the engine out as soon as I got home with it to clean it up, and the engine has at least 100K on.....its toast, the block, the heads, everything. Machined to the limit and well worn from there. The only reason I paid this much for it was because I thought I was getting a fresh 327. It happens. Fortunately, I live about 5 miles from the seller and plan on paying him a visit this week, you are not so lucky.