273 for my 67 formula S Barracuda

[65D100]

Good evening, I picked up a Barracuda finally, and I found a 65 273 for dirt cheap. I was told that the block might have to be machined to accept heads and a 4 barrel intake because its a factory 2 barrel motor. Is this true or am I pulling my hair out over nothing?

 

[toolmanmike]

Good evening, I picked up a Barracuda finally, and I found a 65 273 for dirt cheap. I was told that the block might have to be machined to accept heads and a 4 barrel intake because its a factory 2 barrel motor. Is this true or am I pulling my hair out over nothing?

The bolt size and angle for the intake is different than the 66 and newer LA small blocks. A 65 4 barrel intake will fit as does a Edelbrock D4B. They are both tough to find. You can redrill the intake and use some wedge washers if you want to go that route. If it's a 2 barrel enginge it will have the low conpression pistons and a smaller cam.

 

[65D100]

So I would be fine to use modern heads and intake then, the issue is with the intake side of the heads, not the block itself?

 

[toolmanmike]

So I would be fine to use modern heads and intake then, the issue is with the intake side of the heads, not the block itself?

Yes

 

[Dan the man]

Good evening, I picked up a Barracuda finally, and I found a 65 273 for dirt cheap. I was told that the block might have to be machined to accept heads and a 4 barrel intake because its a factory 2 barrel motor. Is this true or am I pulling my hair out over nothing?

318 or a 360?

 

[65D100]

Its a 273

 

[4spdragtop]

Not sure what you mean by "modern"?? Are you talking LA or Magnum?
Magnum MAY require more MacGyver'ing, but like already mentioned the difference is the heads and intake, get casting numbers to verify.
2bl to 4bl differences are intake, pistons, cam, distributor(if oem points, 2 bl is single point, 4bl is dual point.)
Make sure to get all pulleys and bracketry...they can be a frustrating puzzle.

 

[toolmanmike]

Not sure what you mean by "modern"?? Are you talking LA or Magnum?
Magnum MAY require more MacGyver'ing, but like already mentioned the difference is the heads and intake, get casting numbers to verify.
2bl to 4bl differences are intake, pistons, cam, distributor(if oem points, 2 bl is single point, 4bl is dual point.)
Make sure to get all pulleys and bracketry...they can be a frustrating puzzle.

66 and newer I imagine.

 

[mpgmike]

Not quite clear on what mods were made to your '65 block. The block should be pretty much the same as the newer LA engines, as far as bolting heads on. The '65 and older heads require the appropriate (unique) intake manifold, which would be different than say a 66 273 or LA 318. If you use '66 or newer heads, you should be able to use standard LA manifolds. One issue I'm not sure of is the crank flange, and what is needed for transmission stuff. I recall something changed for '66 there.

 

[65D100]

the only thing done to the block as far as I can tell is its been decked to nearly zero

 

[66fs]

the only thing done to the block as far as I can tell is its been decked to nearly zero

All 273 pistons are about 0 deck from the factory. You only need 66-67 closed 273 or 318 heads. You can also use most 318 heads including 302 heads if you watch your piston selection. You do not as many restrictions as an 66 down car.