Original VIN 1962 340hp engine rebuild

[Jerry W.]

Does anyone have experience using Summit Racing Equipment rebuild kits ? or can recommend other source...quality/cost

The heads, intake,carb. and distrib. are missing but that's another search project.

[Joe C.]

Re: Original VIN 1962 340hp engine rebuild

Does anyone have experience using Summit Racing Equipment rebuild kits ? or can recommend other source...quality/cost

The heads, intake,carb. and distrib. are missing but that's another search project.

You can't go wrong with Federal Mogul parts, and it looks like all of Summit's kits are assembled from FM parts. These look like good quality, basic kits using reliable non-racing applicable parts.

There is one thing that appears in the kit: it shows a "standard pressure, high volume" oil pump. I don't know which FM part they are using here (and I believe Melling will be the same pump), but you SHOULD not need a high volume pump for your application. You would do well to substitute a standard volume/standard pressure pump for your rebuild, such as a Sealed Power SLP 224-4146 or a Melling M55.

I assume that you are going to install original style forged/domed 4032 aluminum pistons (FM uses a proprietary material with similar characteristics to 4032), and you should do so! FM pistons are somewhat heavy, but if you are looking for forged domed style pistons, then you are very limited as FM is the only manufacturer which makes standard shelf stock pistons out of 4032 (equivalent) aluminum. If you are installing flat top pistons (which is NOT recommended) if you are building your engine with its original "reproduction" 3736097 cam, then you have a wide variety of lighter pistons available in forged 4032 (eutectic) or cast hypereutectics.

You'll need to add a camshaft to your parts list, and you should use a Sealed Power CS113R.

[Jerry W.]

Re: Original VIN 1962 340hp engine rebuild

Joe....thanks a lot for the info....it will get me started in the right direction. A friend and i bought new identical 62's....this engine is out of my friends car....he replaced engine when it started blowing oil and his brother ran it for 30k miles in a 55 chevy...it's been under a work bench for the last 35 years...engine is complete except for top side....and has the original cam....my son has the second 62 that i restored and it has a passenger car 327 engine that we will replace with this engine....thanks again

[Joe C.]

Re: Original VIN 1962 340hp engine rebuild

Jerry,

There is a LOT on this website about this subject, and I know that many will post here to supplement my remarks.

What I have said above is a basis only, but my main concern is with that high volume pump, as indicated.

You should post more background, such as intended use of your engine, importance of originality in internals/external appearance, etc. With that info, we can tailor your build to your intended use.

[Duke W.]

Re: Original VIN 1962 340hp engine rebuild

Search archives for "327 LT-1", and go from there.

Rather than buying mail order, I suggest you consider buying locally - the specific parts needed, not a "kit".

You can shop using the NAPA online catalog, and buy at any local NAPA store.

The only aftermarket parts I recommend are Crower Sportsman or Eagle SIR connecting rods. The early 327 rods are weak and are known to destroy blocks.

Duke

[Jerry W.]

Re: Original VIN 1962 340hp engine rebuild

Duke.....holy rocker arms....thanks for the archive tip as to where to look.....there certainly is a lot of info out there on 327 340 hp rebuilds.....i have some reading to do....thanks again

I'm of the opinion that GM did it right back then....my original 62 served me quite well for 6 years back then......and that's the way i'm headed with the rebuild