65 327/365

[Dave N.]

I am interested in a 65 327/365HP Vette that is for sale. I'm not that familiar with the 365 hp engine, does anyone have any comments or things I should look for or be aware of in considering this car for purchase?

Also, if there is anyone out there that would be interested in looking the car over for me I would like to make sure the car is as advertised, numbers matching all the way through. Car is in the Philadelphia area.

Please post back

Thanks

Dave

[Paul H.]

Re: 65 327/365

The 365 horse is a great motor. It is a solid lifter motor that will require periodic lifter adjustments. It makes plenty of power. It has an agressive cam that will give you a lopey idle. I'm not near Philly. Good luck.

[Tim S.]

Re: 65 327/365

Dave,

The 365 is my own favorite. I have had a few and have one now. Great power, reliable (as compared to a fuelie), and just makes for a fun car. The 300 hp cars are real nice as well and run sweet. I guess my ego likes the power, RPM range and clatter of a 365. I as well, not even near your car of interest.

Best of Luck
Tim

[James G.]

Re: 65 327/365

One of the best Corvewttes of all time. Same engine as fuel injection, but with a Holley carburator that is a lot easier to take care of. 65 is one of my favorite years.

Call LOU CERCHIO in Newark, Delaware. It is right next door. Lou has been in the hobby forever and has owned and restored many Top Flight NCRS cars. He is a Master Judge and active in the local Mid Atlantic Chapter. His cell number is (302) 540-0305. He is a very honest guy to.Tell him I said hi.

[Clark K.]

Re: 65 327/365

Dave, I own a '65 L76 (327/365) A/C Coupe that I absolutely love. Dead reliable and very powerful. It is now a concours winner and a NCRS Chapter Top Flight holder. I have uploaded a photo of the passenger side of my car's engine compartment for your review.

When I bought it, almost everyone told me that I had to use racing fuel and lead substitute. Nonsense. I have driven this car for over six months and 93 octane premium unleaded works fine.

According to the posts, you may now have someone knowledgeable to look at the car. So, I will not weigh in about what to look for unless you specifically ask again.
-Clark

[Jack H.]

Re: 65 327/365

The L76 was a popular buyer's choice because it was the highest HP Corvette you get WITHOUT being restricted on the 'creature comfort' options (e.g. A/C, PS, Etc.) and didn't have the maintenance quirks of FI.

It had a short life ('64 and '65 only) because the L79 made its debut in 1965. From that time forward, the 350 HP Chevy SB captured the popularity role since you got all of the benefits of the 365 HP SB without the maintenance issue of solid lifters.

So, it's a coin flip on this SB configuration issue. Do you want the extra 15 advertized HP and solid lifters or a minor power reduction and hydraulic lifter maintenance profile?

[Philip A.]

Re: 65 327/365

Dave
I have a '65 L76 coupe. This is a Special High Performance (SHP) motor as opposed to the L79 (350 HP) which was designated a High Performance Motor. A stated it has a solid lift cam, with a different grind from the L79. Quick check is car should have 1) large finned harmonic balancer, 2) 6500 redline, 3) 80 PSI oil gauage, and 4) 6 quart oil pan [NO power steering because of this]. Mine also runs fine on 93 octane. Good luck!
Phil