1968 327 in a 75 stepside

[qwas37]

I have a 1975 stepside I bought with a 1968 327 in it. It has 083 heads with bent intake valves. I’ve done quite a bit of research and found these may have been used to increase compression, which makes me think that’s why the intake valves were kissing the top of the pistons. I’ve also read that the cam timing could’ve been off. wondering if these are compatible.
It has water getting into the number 2 cylinder And I’ve checked for cracks but could find none in the cylinder or head, no obvious leak past the head gasket. she started up and ran fine until it warmed up and steam would come out of the exhaust.
Quite a bit of work was done to this set up as it’s .60 over and the brackets were installed to accommodate a uni-belt, etc
what’s the question? Are the 083 heads and a 1968 327 block compatible.

 

[bucket]

Those are late model TPI heads. Not a fantastic head, but much better than the swirl port TBI heads of the same era, and also much better than the previous smog era heads.

However, they are definitely compatible with your 327.

 

[1lejohn]

I would think that your head gasket is bad at best case, or the head is warped worst case for water to get into the cylinder. You can check the deck of the block and the head surface with a machinist ruler.

 

[Ricko1966]

Yes those heads will work, I'd look at cam timing or the cam itself. As @bucket said not bad heads not great heads,but still a decent budget performance head for a stock head.

 

[bucket]

Also, if the valves had kissed the pistons, I would think there should be witness marks on the pistons.

 

[qwas37]

Thank you for your replies i’m not looking for big horsepower, just something strong to pull the old truck around. There is evidence of the intake valves hitting the top of the pistons as seen in this photo. Just enough to bend the valves slightly. I got a machinist rule and checked the deck on the block. I found no warpage there.
The old ranch truck is definitely a worthwhile endeavor as the minor rust it had has been replaced as well as the dash, seat and all rubber. It had a granny four speed in it, which was swapped out for a modern five speed overdrive Tranny. I’ve always been a fan of the 327 so I’m hoping I can just swap out the heads with a similar 083 and bolt it back together.
I’ve never adjusted cam timing, so that’ll be next in my research. thank you once again.

 

[Ricko1966]

You'll probably find a lot more 193s than 083s or 601s but despite all the bad mouthing people give 193s they are a great work truck dd head.better mpg and lowend torque. That's what they were designed for, the swirl atomizes the fuel so it burns better,so you use less ignition timing to light it off. The reduced timing means the piston isn't fighting ignition as long on the upstroke. It's minimum best timing. MBT. Everyone attributes the power and mpg of the the tbi trucks to the tbi,nope it's the tbi heads.

 

[Sgt Gus]

Great read. Could OP need to double check push rod length? If cam timing is off, would more than one piston show valve kiss or rods bent?

 

[Sgt Gus]

I also love those huge deck rear bumpers. Make a great seat when you just need to sit a spell.

 

[DoubleDingo]

cool truck and engine, once you get it ironed out you'll have good running setup

 

[mcarlo86]

You should sell me that pickup and find one with AC since you are in TX.

No seriously, that is a great looking pickup and definitely worth getting on the road again. Will be interesting to hear what you find out about the coolant leak. Maybe just warped heads? Also, what is the clutch setup in that? Is there a hydraulic setup with that 5 speed? I’ve got a 327 in my ‘68 C10 and love that little power plant. Welcome to the forum!

 

[Ricko1966]

Great read. Could OP need to double check push rod length? If cam timing is off, would more than one piston show valve kiss or rods bent?

If push rod length were the problem,the valves wouldn't have closed either,so the engine wouldn't have run. But If just one or 2 or bent I suppose it's possible someone adjust those too tight so tan on 6 or or 7 whatever and bent the valves on the tight ones. It's usually timing chain or too big of cam though. I always check valve train geometry on a performance cam swap,you are giving horsepower if you dont,but it starts too many arguments with people thinking if they can adjust tgem they are fine. In reality a performance cam can push the rockers over center so instead of an in and out the valve it's side too side as well as in and out at the valve tip,the side to side is lost lift,and increased guide wear.

 

[qwas37]

cool truck and engine, once you get it ironed out you'll have good running setup

Thank you. I’m looking forward to getting it back on the road.

 

[qwas37]

I also love those huge deck rear bumpers. Make a great seat when you just need to sit a spell.

Yes, one of the many things that appeal to me about is it’s original ranch truck outward appearance

 

[qwas37]

You should sell me that pickup and find one with AC since you are in TX.

No seriously, that is a great looking pickup and definitely worth getting on the road again. Will be interesting to hear what you find out about the coolant leak. Maybe just warped heads? Also, what is the clutch setup in that? Is there a hydraulic setup with that 5 speed? I’ve got a 327 in my ‘68 C10 and love that little power plant. Welcome to the forum!

Yeah, that no A.C. is going to be a deal here in a few months. I haven’t looked into the tranny yet, I don’t see a cylinder for it.