Thanks in part to all the TCers. Thanks guys.

Last night I started my new 383 for the first time. I had a problem for a while with my starter bolt holes (two of three are busted). But Summit and Powermaster came through for me! It backfired once, but I rechecked the timing and it started right after that. It runs strong and sounds great.
http://www.slowtwin.com/wires_done.jpg
http://www.slowtwin.com/runs.jpg
Unfortunately, the adheasive I used on the freeze plugs is crap and I have a few small leaks from a number of them. Today I'm going to try some stop-leak, but you all know what happens if that doesn't work.
The truth is, I didn't know if the engine combo would work or not but I think we've got a winner here.
Its a 4 bolt main 383 stroker with flat top pistons (TRW L2256 030) and '99 cast GM vortec heads (64cc) with a Crane Blueprint 327 cam (PN 967601) and an MSD Digital E-Curve distributor. Its topped with an Edelbrock Performer RPM Air Gap and an Edelbrock 650cfm carb.
Thanks again guys. I'll change my sig soon and see you out on the road.

It looks like my pics didn't come through the first time...

http://www.slowtwin.com/graphics/runs.jpg

http://www.slowtwin.com/graphics/wires_done.jpg

yeah baby!! hope it runs as well as it looks.

Bar's Leaks is the greatest stuff ever made! One container in the cooling system stopped all of my leaks from the freeze plugs. It looks like the motor won't have to come out after all.

I have one more mystery noise that happens at about 1300 or 1400 RPMs, only under load, in gear while moving. I'm going to post another thread on that though.

Thanks again to all the help of TCers out there. To Maas Brothers Powder Coating, Summit, and Tri-Valley Auto Body for their help.

Let me know how you like that distributor! I am running one was well and so far I really like it.

Dude! I was going to call you and see if you finally got it going! Congratulations!!! I'll never forget putting that thing in there, lol. I painted mine this last weekend. Motor is done, now i need the car at my house to get the old one out and get it all prepped. I will be calling you in a few weeks :) So when do i get to come ride in it?

Daniel

Boo,
That E-Curve is awesome! I dropped it in. It fired up. I set 8 degs of advance. Tightened it down and total came to 32 steady. It doesn't get any simpler than this. I can't wait to get it out on the track and get some real tuning done. I have a little screwdriver I carry with me now for changing curves. I haven't redlined it yet, but I will soon to test the rev limiter.
All my mopar, jeep, and ford buddies cussed me for a long time. They're all so mad that the cool stuff like this comes out for Chevy and they just have to wait.

Daniel,
I'll be waiting by the phone. (Or out tearing up the street)

copnsidering your engine combination that noise is likely to detonation. What is your timing set at?

I've been working a lot on finding this sound. It sounds like it could be a rubbing somewhere near the flywheel. Yesterday I got it to do it in reverse in the driveway at about 2100 RPMs. I'm going to recheck the flexplate to torque converter bolts this afternoon. There are no clear signs of rubbing anywhere on the flexplate. If these bolts don't fix it, I might take a video clip and let you guys give some advice. But it deffinately doesn't sound like its coming from the engine itself. I'm at 7 degs initial advance. This noise usually happens between 1400 and 2100 RPMs where my full advance isn't even reached yet. So if it were pinging, I'd think it would get worse at around 3000 RPMs.

Looks like fun!!

Problem = bent flexplate from the fool I bought it from
Solution = an afternoon on my back in the driveway and a new flexplate

It runs very well now. And what a blast to drive! Now comes the fun part, test and tune. I've got one more motor to help a buddy install and we're off to the track. I'm sure we'll make an anouncement for those of you in the bay. Thanks again for all your help guys.

My next post ought to read "It Runs like a Champ!!"

And you thought it was loose torque converter bolts, i put those on!

Daniel

Thanks again to Maas Brothers Powder Coating.....

Kinda has a nice ring to it. ;) Maybe I should start a powder coating business with my brother! :p

I'm sure the other Maas brothers wouldn't mind. But I think Mojave Gold is spelled with a J. At least thats the way the desert is spelled. ;)

Now that you bring that up, I think you're right on the spelling. Don't know where I got that from. ??? I'll check that out. :)

Found it on the sale bill! "Mohave Gold"