This small block was BIG on performance.

It was a little 327. The L76 327 thumped every carbureted small block Chevy produced until 1970. First available as a '63 Corvette option, the L76 went from 340 HP to 365 HP in 1964 and 1965. This solid lifter terror almost made it as an option for the new for 1964 Chevelle. Too bad. This 327 in a little Malibu could have held it's own against many big blocks.

(could not find an L76 pic, they looked exactly alike except for the "365 HP" lable)

The L76 heads featured alloy steel intake valves that measured 2.02" and high alloy steel exhaust valves measuring 1.60" The guides were integral and the seats were machined in. Variable pitch springs with steel rocker arms pivoted on ball and socket mounts. Solid lifters rode on a cast alloy cam with 5 bearings.

365 HP @ 6200 RPM
350 TQ @ 4200 RPM
single Holley 4 barrel
solid lifter
premium fuel only

My take on the L76 . . .

No exotic hardware here, this engine made it's magic through assembly of the right components to a bullet proof bottom end. The small block Chevy was and still is a solid foundation for a high performance engine. In a Corvette, the L76 provided blistering acceleration that has to be experienced first hand to fully comprehend. Describing a '65 Vette with the L76 as "fast" does little to convey the sensory tidalwave one feels with the hammer down in first and second gear. The sound of a solid lifter small block at idle will draw the attention of every car guy within a country mile. To many, exposure to engines like this gave birth to interest in things mechanical.

Besides - when you say three-twenty-seven, it sounds cool.

327

Foy Blackmon

The L76 was built for high performance from the bottom up. Forged connecting rods swung on a forged steel crank with aluminum pistons. An aluminum, dual plane intake manifold with a big Holley prepared the available air and fuel for the heads - as much a legend as the engine itself.