page_title: AMC V8 engine
section_title: 327
hierarchical_section_title: AMC V8 engine / American Motors Corporation "Rambler V8" (1956–1967) / 327
caption_attribution_description: 327 4-barrel V8 engine by American Motors Corporation (AMC) in a 1963 Ambassador.
context_page_description: American Motors Corporation designed and manufactured two distinct V8 engine designs. Their first V8 engine design was made from 1956 through 1967. The second design debuted in 1966 and was made through 1991. Chrysler kept the last design in production until 1991 for the Jeep Grand Wagoneer.
context_section_description: The AMC 327 is similar to the 287, but displaces 327 cu in (5.4 L) due to the bore increase to 4 inches (101.6 mm). Unlike the 250, the 327 was produced with hydraulic valve lifters. Contrary to some myths, the AMC V8 was not built by Chevrolet, whose own 327 V8 later became better known. The AMC 327 was introduced five years before the Chevrolet 327 engine was manufactured.
  The AMC 327 engine debuted in a special edition Rambler Rebel, of which 1,500 were made. They were an early American muscle car. All Rebels had silver paint with a gold-anodized "spear" on each side. The 327 was not available in any other Rambler models in 1957 other than the special edition Rebel. The Rebel's engine differs from the 327s installed in the 1957 Nash Ambassador and Hudson Hornet models in that it uses mechanical valve lifters and a higher compression ratio. Since both engines were rated at 255 hp (190 kW; 259 PS), it is probable that the Rebel's was underrated.
  The Nash Ambassador and Hudson Hornet "Special" models were dropped after 1957, replaced by the 1958 Rambler Rebel with the 250 V8. The Rebel was a Rambler with a V-8 (and necessary mods such as stronger front springs and rear axle). The Rebel name was added to differentiate the standard six-cylinder Rambler from the V-8 model. The big Nash and Hudson cars were also dropped after 1957, replaced by the 1958 "Ambassador by Rambler" — a stretched Rebel with the 327 V8 instead of the 250. The 327 was exclusive to the Ambassador line and could not be ordered in a Rebel (or later Classic) through 1964. For 1965 and 1966 the 287 and 327 were both available in the Classic and Ambassador.
  The 327 was sold to Kaiser-Jeep from 1965 to 1967 for use in the Jeep Wagoneer SUV and Gladiator pick-up truck. Jeep named it the "Vigilante" V8. Two barrel carburation was standard on these Jeep models, but a four barrel high-compression version was available in the high optioned Super Wagoneer from 1966 to 1968. Kaiser-Jeep switched to the Buick 350 in 1967 after AMC discontinued the 327. The Buick V8 engine option continued through 1971 after which Jeeps returned to AMC V8 engines, American Motors having purchased Jeep from Kaiser in 1970.
  There were low- and high-compression versions of the 327 starting in 1960. Prior to 1960 all 327s were high compression. All low compression models used a two-barrel carburetor and all high-compression models received a four-barrel carb. Low-compression is 8.7:1, high 9.7:1, effected by a difference in pistons.
  The 327 was also offered as a marine engine as the "Fireball" by Gray Marine Motor Company.
caption: Engine bay of a 1963 AMC Ambassador with a 327 V8 four-barrel
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