327 Chevy Build
Article by Mark Trotta
Removing the engine and stripping the block were the first steps of the '66 Corvette engine overhaul. To read engine disassembly procedure click here.
The bare block was taken to the machine shop, and the old cam bearings and freeze plugs were removed. The block was then cleaned (hot-tanked), cylinders bored .030" over, and new cam bearings and freeze plugs installed.
While at the machine shop, the crankshaft was cleaned and measured, and connecting rods were reconditioned.
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Bottom End Build
With the block now home and back on the engine stand, the crankshaft was installed, then the connecting rods with the new pistons and rings.
Rebuilding the bottom end included a new Melling oil pump.
Read: 327 Bottom End Build
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In almost every small-block Chevy engine build, the camshaft is replaced along with the lifters. As with all phases of engine rebuilding, care must be taken while installing the camshaft.
Read: Install Camshaft in Small-Block Chevy Engine
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327 Cylinder Heads
The heads on this 1966 Corvette were original, casting #3782461. Date codes are J-12-5 and J-20-5 (October 12th and 20th, 1965). These were one of the best flowing factory heads GM had to offer for the small-block. Cylinder head assembly included checking, measuring, cleaning, re-assembly, and painting.
Lapping valves does not take the place of a valve job, but it does confirm whether or not one is needed.
Read: SBC Timing Chain, Gears, and Cover
327 Chevy Build Before and After
To get paint to stick to a cast-iron engine block and cylinder heads, the metal must be very clean and dry.
Read: Spray Paint Engine Block And Parts
Following the cylinder head rebuild was the valve-train assembly, which included installing lifters, push rods, rocker arms, rocker nuts, and rocker balls.
Read: Valvetrain Assembly
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L75 327 Small-Block
The 327 Chevy engine featured in thei article is from a 1966 Corvette. It's an L75 motor, which was factory-fitted with a single four-barrel carburetor and rated at 300 horsepower.
NOTE: The aluminum valve covers seen in the top picture are not correct for an L75 small block. Other than that, this motor was all original.
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