72 engine rebuild

TD72chevelle · #1 08-02-2012, 11:12 AM

Hi all, my wife recently bought me a 72 chevelle to restore. It came with a 307 and I was hoping to keep that engine so it would keep the close tooriginal, I just want it to put out a decent amount of HP. I was hoping for 375hp or around there. I know that the 307 is a 298 block with the stroke of a 327. I'm guessing it would be able to get a decent amount of HP out of it with a little bit of money and time. I was hoping for some thoughts and advice if possible. Thanks

Mike 1972SS · #2 08-02-2012, 03:19 PM

Hi and welcome. Congrats on the new Chevelle. Great wife you have.

While you can build the 307, your best bet would be to leave it alone and store it. It is much easier and cost efficient to get that level of HP from a 350 or a 383. Like they say "there is no replacement for displacement"

Good luck and post some pics of your 72.

Mike

carpoor · #3 08-02-2012, 08:22 PM

I agree, 375HP from a 307 would be a tall order. You can get a streetable 400 HP from a 350 without even trying. It will look similar to the 307 as well. Just make sure you match all the parts - and don't neglect the transmission and rear differential. You can have a great engine, but it won't perform worth a crap if it has a stock transmission/converter and highway gears. Just my $0.10

TD72chevelle · #4 08-03-2012, 06:53 AM

Yea I figured it might be a tall order and expensive I was curious about thoughts. If I change to a different engine I wanna look for a 4 manual trans and maybe a 454 or 396.

carpoor · #5 08-03-2012, 10:44 AM

A big block and four speed would be my first choice. But, I am biased.

TD72chevelle · #6 08-03-2012, 11:11 AM

Now to track down a 4 speed and big block.

carpoor · #7 08-03-2012, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TD72chevelle

Now to track down a 4 speed and big block.

Piece of cake. They are everywhere. Be patient, and you will find exactly what you want.

Mike 1972SS · #8 08-03-2012, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TD72chevelle

Now to track down a 4 speed and big block.

That's better.

Mike

Hank70SS · #9 08-03-2012, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike 1972SS

That's better.

Mike

Yup, know you're talking. Put that 307 in the corner somewhere and go for some real fun. A built 350-383 can produce some pretty impressive HP but a big block has massive torque right form idle. Be sure to put a little extra money aside for tires.

TD72chevelle · #10 08-04-2012, 10:27 AM

yea i was leaning towards a new engine but thought it would be nice to keep it close all original but i like the power from the 396 i drove before. My 72 came with a full exhaust, the mufflers are Sonic Turbos i believe but i havent heard of these before. Does anyone have a set of these or heard them before? i want a nice deep throaty sound from my chevelle so if these wont do the trick then i'll look for something different