Well, after a few years of neglect, the '65 is finally getting some much needed attention. The engine is out and the truck is undergoing re-wiring and bodywork. I am planning the engine build right now, and would like to run it past you for opinions.
The engine is a '68 307 with a '72 TH350 behind it. The truck is a '65 C20 with 4.11 gears and power brakes.
The engine is going to be bored and completely rebuilt this time around. I haven't decided yet if I will keep the 307 block and just rebuild that, or find a 350 block and make a 327 using my 307 crank, rods, and new 327 pistons. We covered this combination a few years ago on this forum. I don't really want a 350--too common for me and there is something special about a 327
I was running a set of '65 Power Pak heads with 1.94 intakes and whatever the stock exhaust valve size was (1.5 or 1.6 on these, I can't seem to remember off hand) and 58 cc chambers, these are in good shape and will be re-used, but I will go through them again to make sure they are up to snuff. I want this engine to make in the neighborhood of 9.5:1 compression when done and make about 300 hp or a little more would be good. I want to get good low-end torque, but I want a good strong mid-range too. Very top end doesn't concern me much.
I have a brand new Holley Street Dominator dual-plane intake with a new 600 cfm 4160 carb for this engine. I will also be installing block hugger headers on it. I know I will lose a little low end with these over a full-length header, but that is a sacrifice I am willing to make in the name of changing spark plugs
My main concern is camshaft selection. I want to have a little lope to the idle, but this will be an engine that would be pretty easy to put too much cam into as well it seems. I need enough vacuum for power brakes and distributor advance too. Also, I don't know any specs on the torque converter that is in it, but I have no problem replacing that with something compatible with my set-up. This will be a driver, not a race truck.
I am looking at a Crane single-pattern cam with 216 degrees duration at .050, and .454 lift. Would this possibly be a little too much, I think they also have one around 212 or 214 duration as well. There are also some dual-pattern with similar specs, what are the advantages/disadvantages?
Any opinions/advice? Thanks.
Aaron
