Rebuild the 327 or go small block 400?

For a 1965 Jeep Wagoneer, rebuild the 327 or go small block 400?

 

Welcome! There's no Substitute for Cubic Inches! You will not save on gas nor will it be too powerful. Pics please of this reincarnation of a Wagoneer exclusive.

 

First vehicle I ever purchased, possibly more miles on the trailer than driven.
It's time to revive this beast.
Grabbed a 1979 Ram 250 4x4, for its DANA rear end, front end, wire harness.
Dana went in with no mods.

 

Not too concerned about mpg, the 5-10 times a year towing capabilities more so.
Would like to obtain 10-14.... but, conjunction of two thoughts.

 

Ahh dude. Finally a Chevy question in a Jeep Forum. .

First, Welcome to the forum. A bunch of awesome members. You'll like it here.

Ok your question. I rebuilt a 327 years ago. Extremely easy motor to rebuild. One of Chevys most popular and powerful power plants. Easily upgraded and parts are readily available. I pulled it from my Caprice with the hopes of dropping it into my next Chevy. Which unfortunately, never happened. Any way. It was a 327/ 325 / 350hp. Motor was indestructible as any Chevy owner would know. Hook it up to a Turbo / hydro 350 tranny. Awesome street racer. I loved that motor.

Now the 400. I had a rebuilt dropped in a 74 El Camino. Loved that motor too. Awesome high end power. I know it was my set up. But kinda slow off the line. But made up for after 60 - 80 feet. Issue I had with that motor. I couldn't find a fly wheel to match up to the tranny I was running. The 350 tranny was one of Chevy best. And I went thru fly wheels like water. Probably my lack of knowledge. Anyway. An awesome power plant in its own right.

Ok, so bottom line. I would Rebuild the 327. Gas mileage isn't that noticeable. Power / hp. Give or take. Depending on your upgrades, if any. Not a big difference in mpgs, hp, or over all performance. Again. My personal opinion. The 327.

 

Nothing like responding to a 5 year old post but there is a bit of a misconception in this thread. That 327 native to the 65 Wagoneer had absolutely nothing to do with a Chey 327. The only commonality between the AMC version and Chevy's is the bore and stroke. The first generation of AMC V8's included the 250, 287, and the 327. All shared the 3.25 stroke crank. And typical of first generation engines, they are heavy, 600+ lbs. Compared to the Chevy version, parts are scarce and more expensive.

Short of forced induction, you are not going to be making any real power from any of the eary AMC's. The heads have simesed exhaust ports. I had a 66 AMC DPL two door hardtop with the AMC 327 engine and the factory T10 4 speed (no doubt a really rare option in that car). I tried, pretty much in vain, to boost the power of that engine. The ONLY reason I would rebuild the AMC version is for a competely correct restoration.