Thoughts on the 327 Vigilante?

[TheRebel]

Hi All, Im new here. I currently own a 1954 Willys Truck, and I am looking to get a 67 J3000 to convert into a daily work horse. How are the 327 Vigilante Engines? Ive done a bit of research, but have not been able to find personal testimonies. She has 90k on her and has been sitting for the past year and a half.

Thanks All!

[Stuka]

The 327 is a good engine. Lots of torque, plenty reliable.

BUT... They are almost impossible to find internal parts for. Starters are also getting harder to find. We have several people here that drive theirs a lot, but if you ever needed to rebuild it, it would most likely be time for an engine swap.

[44bz]

I’ve been happy with mine and wouldn’t hesitate to buy another 327 powered fsj. The starter can’t be bought new or reman so you’re left with rebuilding. Performance parts aren’t out there but a rambler 4bbl intake and dual exhaust with a pertronix swap gets you pretty good results.


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[TheRebel]

I’ve been happy with mine and wouldn’t hesitate to buy another 327 powered fsj. The starter can’t be bought new or reman so you’re left with rebuilding. Performance parts aren’t out there but a rambler 4bbl intake and dual exhaust with a pertronix swap gets you pretty good results.


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How many miles have you gotten out of your engine? Any idea of your gas mileage?


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[TheRebel]

The 327 is a good engine. Lots of torque, plenty reliable.

BUT... They are almost impossible to find internal parts for. Starters are also getting harder to find. We have several people here that drive theirs a lot, but if you ever needed to rebuild it, it would most likely be time for an engine swap.

I was astonished how little parts are available. My plan was to run the 327 until she finally kicks it, and then drop in a good diesel to make her last forever. Thanks!


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[44bz]

I’m not sure on my mileage, I just drive mine around town mostly and the fuel gauge doesn’t work.

I haven’t had any problems finding parts, you just have to know where to look.


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[TheRebel]

I’m not sure on my mileage, I just drive mine around town mostly and the fuel gauge doesn’t work.

I haven’t had any problems finding parts, you just have to know where to look.


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Gotcha. Thanks!


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[44bz]

Lots of parts can be found on rockauto, kanter, and other sites. Searching by amc cars with the same motor helps also. I wouldn’t hesitate buying a 327 powered fsj. It might be a rare unsupported motor but it’s solid and I personally have enjoyed working on and driving it.


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[TheRebel]

Lots of parts can be found on rockauto, kanter, and other sites. Searching by amc cars with the same motor helps also. I wouldn’t hesitate buying a 327 powered fsj. It might be a rare unsupported motor but it’s solid and I personally have enjoyed working on and driving it.


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I was definitely a bit uneasy about it (due to parts) but you’re selling me.


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[44bz]

I don’t know anything about motors but the 327 has become my favorite amc:)



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[TheRebel]

I don’t know anything about motors but the 327 has become my favorite amc:)



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Looks good! I’m negotiating tomorrow and hopefully it all pans out!


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[44bz]

Good luck!


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[fulsizjeep]

Welcome to the forum. My first V8 car was a 65 Ambassador with 327. It took a lot from me when I was a teenager, especially after I put the 4 speed in. As a result, I think it is a great motor.

[tgreese]

It was a great design in its day. Forged steel crank, forged steel rods, massive block. The first generation V8s are very heavy. Look at Kanter auto parts https://www.kanter.com/index.aspx?DeptNo=1400 for some idea of parts availability and prices. Same block as the AMC 250, 287 and 327.

If you keep oil in the engine, it should be very reliable and durable. They are reputed to be very smooth-running engines too. However, if I wanted to put more than a few thousand miles a year on this truck, I would consider a somewhat newer version that would be easier to service. In 1968, Jeep switched to the Buick 350 cid V8, and then in 1971 to AMC's own V8s, both of which are much more easily serviced if you need to refresh the engine from wear or an unlikely catastrophe. Or you could look around for an extra engine or two to put away in case you need a scarce component (like a camshaft?) There is an aftermarket geared starter available that replaces the impossible-to-find original Prestolite starter. Supposedly fuel pumps are also scarce, but you can switch to an electric. You will encounter issues like this.

[TheRebel]

Thanks all. Owner is finding out fees for the reg, and we have already agreed on a price as long as the reg is reasonable.

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[Stuka]

Looks like a good project truck. I would make sure to turn that engine over with a wrench before trying the starter, as it looks like it has sat for a while a while. You do NOT want to break the rings on that.