I have a 1965 originally equipped with a 327 ci / 300 hp engine. It's in need of a rebuild and it's #s matching, so I'm going to pull it and replace it with a 350 crate motor and keep the #s matching engine for later. My question is if I go to something like a 383 ci / 435 hp motor, will the rest of the cars components hold up ? Did the C2's with BBs have any stronger / reinforced components ? Is there anything else I should consider ?

Thx for your input

it will be fine, tho,stock hood clearance may be an issue, if the intake manifold is too tall, you may need a low profile air cleaner.. and you will love the 383

I have a 1965 originally equipped with a 327 ci / 300 hp engine. It's in need of a rebuild and it's #s matching, so I'm going to pull it and replace it with a 350 crate motor and keep the #s matching engine for later. My question is if I go to something like a 383 ci / 435 hp motor, will the rest of the cars components hold up ? Did the C2's with BBs have any stronger / reinforced components ? Is there anything else I should consider ?

Thx for your input


Rather than going with another small block how about going with a big block like a 454"? As big blocks were an option back then a 454" will drop right in with few modifications needed. Then you can experience the awesome torque a 454" produces. I have a 454" in my '71 and it's a thrill to drive.

I have a 1965 originally equipped with a 327 ci / 300 hp engine. It's in need of a rebuild and it's #s matching, so I'm going to pull it and replace it with a 350 crate motor and keep the #s matching engine for later. My question is if I go to something like a 383 ci / 435 hp motor, will the rest of the cars components hold up ? Did the C2's with BBs have any stronger / reinforced components ? Is there anything else I should consider ?

Thx for your input

The only driveline differences were bolt-type U-joint caps on the diff yokes instead of U-bolt & nut caps on small-blocks, and the half-shafts on big-blocks were shot-peened. Clutch, trans, driveshaft, and diff internals were all the same.

The 383 is an easy swap, and it won't change the handling. A big-block WILL affect the handling, and will require new front springs and front sway bar, and adding a rear sway bar, plus big-block radiator, radiator support, shroud, fan, fan clutch, etc.

The only driveline differences were bolt-type U-joint caps on the diff yokes instead of U-bolt & nut caps on small-blocks, and the half-shafts on big-blocks were shot-peened. Clutch, trans, driveshaft, and diff internals were all the same.

The 383 is an easy swap, and it won't change the handling. A big-block WILL affect the handling, and will require new front springs and front sway bar, and adding a rear sway bar, plus big-block radiator, radiator support, shroud, fan, fan clutch, etc.


Yes, it is more work and expense but the swap is well worth it as the big blocks have such awesome torque. I have two big block C3's (both 454's) and they are an absolute blast to drive. And as the big blocks were available up until 1967 the parts needed for a swap are still available.

I'll check into the hood clearance. As far as the big block, I'm a small block fan and as JohnZ notes, there's some suspension changes required at a minimum. I'm now looking at at 410 hp Edelbrock kit which should be plenty quick. Thx to everyone for your replies.

I'll check into the hood clearance. As far as the big block, I'm a small block fan and as JohnZ notes, there's some suspension changes required at a minimum. I'm now looking at at 410 hp Edelbrock kit which should be plenty quick. Thx to everyone for your replies.