Not mentioned in this discussion is that sometime around 1970 GM changed the way the H.P. was measured, so what does a 300 HP 327 compare to, say relative to a Goodwrench 350 with an Edelbrock manifold, 600 CFM carb and headers reputed to put out about 250 HP. Yes the 350 has a lower C.R. and the heads (882) flow less, but folks have told me that the difference in the way the older HP values were measured was about 50 HP less than the rated values compared to modern ratings. Other differences between 1968 and now are that the gas is much worse and that the 350 has more torque at lower rpm compared to the higher rpm performance of the 327. I guess the only way to compare "apples" to "apples" is to look at the dyno curves but looking at the price and octane of 2005 gas might also be useful.

Don Shillady
Retired Scientist/teen rodder