The 327, in my opinion, is one of the best motors ever built. It loves to run and if you want to build it, you can pull 400 horsepower for a reasonable investment. If you have a decent crank with this block, I’d leave it stock in terms of stroke and main configuration, i.e., two bolt is plenty strong.

I really like Vortec heads. They are reasonably priced and flow well in their stock configuration. We have been discussing heads on a different thread and I recommended Scoggin-Dickey part number SD8060RA2. It is a Vortec that has been modified for extra valve lift and has heavy duty springs to handle big roller cams with lift up to 0.600”. List is price is $399.95 each, but they’ll likely discount a set (say $750, plus shipping). If your goal is 450 to 500 horsepower, the budget will have to grow substantially in the head department. If you have a ton of money, the AFR heads are very good, but are more than twice the price - they will help find you another 50 plus horsepower.

Camshaft selection is also key. There are several experts on this site with computer simulation packages that give very accurate results that closely mirror what your real performance will be. There is a strong tendency to “over cam” a small block so I would recommend restraint here and stay away from big duration numbers in favor of lift. If you are fortunate enough to have Techinspector1 chime in he will be able to run numbers for cams that you may be interested in. I would strongly suggest that you stay hydraulic and buy cam and lifters together with a good timing set from Summit (or similar). Summit part COMP Cams SK12-205-2 is a 252/252 duration with .425 lift. It comes with the cam, lifters and timing set for $209.

Good set of KB pistons with Sealed Power rings will run another $250.

Intake manifold – Edelbrock Performer RPM $220

Carburetor - Holley or Edelbrock or QudraJet – all are good. My personal preference is Edelbrock 1406, 600 cfm with electric choke. All are around $225

HEI ignition is the way to go for reliability, simplicity and reasonable cost.

Some machine shop work to press your piston pins, clean up the bore, install cam bearings, etc will cost a few hundred bucks. Bearings and gaskets and you’ll have a stout 400 plus horsepower motor that will start at the touch of a key and run all day long.

Good luck and let us know what you decide to do!

Regards,
Glenn

P.S. I like yout testimony in your signature.. Blessings Brother!