DallasMalibu
Dec 16th, 05, 3:37 PM
I want to start by thanking all those that have helped so far in my research for my coming engine build-up. I can't believe I used to build cars without the internet.
I just starting looking closely at the "freshly rebuilt" original 350 that came with my project car (with about 750 miles on it now). The engine is now out of the car as the car will be going through a frame-off over the next several months. I had planned to re-use this bottom end, with some better heads & cam.
Every plug has a nice, thick coat of oil (and I replaced these when I installed the HEI at about 300 miles). Also, the water passages seem to contain a combination of water and oil (no water in the oil pan, just oil in the water passages). My guess is this is most-likely due to a faulty tranny cooler, leaking into the radiator.
At this point I feel I can't trust this engine and have to tear it all the way down, check all the tolerances, replace the rings, etc… :mad: "Mystery" rebuilt engines sorta suck...
OR, I have really wanted to build a 383 from a late model factory roller block; Maybe I have an excuse now…:cool:
I found a machinist here in the Dallas area who is semi-retired, but has a partner and builds engines for some of the local dirt track guys (has a garage full of new machine equip he bought when he sold his big shop).
He says he can make me a deal on a balanced late-model 383 hydraulic roller motor with prepped Vortec heads, and the factory oil pan, timing cover, valve covers, etc. (around $2000 for the whole setup). I think I could work the GM “Hot Cam” package into this can get the following for around $2500.
Decked, Bored, Line Honed 350 block with 1 piece rear main
Externally Balanced Rotating Assembly
Eagle Forged Crank
Re-Worked 350 Factory Rods (5.7”)
Badger Hypereutectic Pistons (maybe called Dynagear now)
New aftermarket OE style anti-pump-up roller lifters
King Bearings
Vortec Heads with LT4 Springs, Screw-In Studs, prepped for 1.6 rockers
GM 1.6 Full Roller Rockers
GM LT4 “Hot” roller cam.
Complete late model Engine Gasket setWe’ll build the package for about 9.6:1 Compression Ratio with .040 head gasket. I would hope with a good dual plane intake, carb, and headers, I would have a good 375-400 hp street engine, with a bit of “lump” in the idle, and nice fat torque curve (from about 2000-5500 RPM) Chevy High Performance built almost this exact combo with good results. http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/techarticles/148_0207_ht383/
Your thoughts about that parts list? Is this as good a deal as it seems?
Anyone know the best source for an adaptor for the cam to drive a mechanical fuel pump? Again, this will be going into a '72 Convertible which will eventually have 3:42 posi. I plan to keep the stock converter unless it turns out to be a real dog.
I just starting looking closely at the "freshly rebuilt" original 350 that came with my project car (with about 750 miles on it now). The engine is now out of the car as the car will be going through a frame-off over the next several months. I had planned to re-use this bottom end, with some better heads & cam.
Every plug has a nice, thick coat of oil (and I replaced these when I installed the HEI at about 300 miles). Also, the water passages seem to contain a combination of water and oil (no water in the oil pan, just oil in the water passages). My guess is this is most-likely due to a faulty tranny cooler, leaking into the radiator.
At this point I feel I can't trust this engine and have to tear it all the way down, check all the tolerances, replace the rings, etc… :mad: "Mystery" rebuilt engines sorta suck...
OR, I have really wanted to build a 383 from a late model factory roller block; Maybe I have an excuse now…:cool:
I found a machinist here in the Dallas area who is semi-retired, but has a partner and builds engines for some of the local dirt track guys (has a garage full of new machine equip he bought when he sold his big shop).
He says he can make me a deal on a balanced late-model 383 hydraulic roller motor with prepped Vortec heads, and the factory oil pan, timing cover, valve covers, etc. (around $2000 for the whole setup). I think I could work the GM “Hot Cam” package into this can get the following for around $2500.
Decked, Bored, Line Honed 350 block with 1 piece rear main
Externally Balanced Rotating Assembly
Eagle Forged Crank
Re-Worked 350 Factory Rods (5.7”)
Badger Hypereutectic Pistons (maybe called Dynagear now)
New aftermarket OE style anti-pump-up roller lifters
King Bearings
Vortec Heads with LT4 Springs, Screw-In Studs, prepped for 1.6 rockers
GM 1.6 Full Roller Rockers
GM LT4 “Hot” roller cam.
Complete late model Engine Gasket setWe’ll build the package for about 9.6:1 Compression Ratio with .040 head gasket. I would hope with a good dual plane intake, carb, and headers, I would have a good 375-400 hp street engine, with a bit of “lump” in the idle, and nice fat torque curve (from about 2000-5500 RPM) Chevy High Performance built almost this exact combo with good results. http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/techarticles/148_0207_ht383/
Your thoughts about that parts list? Is this as good a deal as it seems?
Anyone know the best source for an adaptor for the cam to drive a mechanical fuel pump? Again, this will be going into a '72 Convertible which will eventually have 3:42 posi. I plan to keep the stock converter unless it turns out to be a real dog.