.327 Chevy with power pack heads

Hello all. This is my first post on this forum.

I have been looking for a small block Chevy engine for a while now to put inside a Jeep project I am working on. The Jeep has a .258 4.2 inline 6 cyl. that just doesn't give me enough power. So I figured that a small block Chevy would do the trick.

I'm currently in negotiations with someone on Craigslist that has a .327 with power pack heads. I don't know much about building motors, but I'm going to learn. Can any of you give this newbie some advice on whether or not this engine would be worth rebuilding for use as a solid 4x4 power house? I don't need to turn 400hp out of it, but something that will give me enough power to climb out of a hole if I ever get buried in one.

I'll take any advice I can get my hands on before I make this deal. Am I making a mistake? Thanks for your help.

Johnny

a 327 is a mistake if your looking for power

327's like to rev and make their best power there. It will be better than your six but you can also choose better for your money. You are looking for low end torque. Think long stroke engines, stump pullers.

What size/make engine would you suggest if not a 327?

i would spend the money on the six and build some more bottom end power .

I'd agree with Shine. That six will provide you with plenty of power, and if you really want some low end pulling maybe invest in an Atlas II transfer case to increase your crawl torque. Horsepower is not the key to good crawling. You want good low rpm torque, and then the key is getting it on the ground. What's the rest of your power train, i.e., wheels/tires, gear ratios, etc.

Yep, put your attention toward the 258, it is a good engine and responds well to a bit of massaging. In addition, re-gearing your axles, and paying close attention to tire size. Unless you are going to go mud racing or extreme "jeeping", the v-8 will only cost you copious amounts of money and exasperation. Study up on the stuff I mentioned, and Jeeps in general; there is so much info availale it will stagger you - google is your friend, here.

If you want to go Chevy engine, Chevrolet Performance Parts sells a 290 horse 350 with a warranty for about $1500.... This is a new engine, can't begin to build a similar sbc for that money!