New goodies today for the 383

[bull]

A box that came from San Diego was found on my front porch today (Crower cam and lifters) and its arrival prompted a trip to the machine shop where I got to shoot some engine rebuild progress pics. The block and heads have been machined and now it's time to take cam measurements and install the valve guides, hardened seats, valves and springs. The block turned out pretty good but since the cylinders were already just a hair under .030 over they couldn't bead blast it or they'd have run the risk of screwing up the bores. My machinist apparently found the last set of .030 over Speed Pro forged pistons on the planet and those will be going in next week. Anyway, have a look.

[bull]

Here the machinist is showing me how they milled the valve cover gasket surface so I can get a good seal.

Another pic of the block where they avoided the original stampings during the decking process. They were able to follow the spot where the valve cover gasket goes with the CNC machine so once the valve covers are installed you won't be able to tell it's been decked. Pretty tricky.

[Neal_J]

Nice parts!  Congrats!~

[Dans 68]

Nice! Looking forward to the build.

Dan

[Blown70]

 

[Rolling_Thunder]

So bull - I must have missed the thread - last time i saw anything about your engine you were debating a storker - just going with a good old 383 I assume ?

[Musicman]

Great shots Curtis    Thanks for posting the progress report

[firefighter3931]

Nice pics Curtis !  When the shop builds the engine have them degree that Crower HDP271 grind on a 108* intake centerline. You're gonna really like that cam.....it's a wolf in sheeps clothing. 



Ron

[bull]

Nice pics Curtis !  When the shop builds the engine have them degree that Crower HDP271 grind on a 108* intake centerline. You're gonna really like that cam.....it's a wolf in sheeps clothing. 



Ron

Will do.

[bull]

So bull - I must have missed the thread - last time i saw anything about your engine you were debating a storker - just going with a good old 383 I assume ?

No, never was considering doing a stroker. Basically all I ever wanted to do was a stock-plus rebuild, or, a notch or two above a 383 hp. It took me a while to save the money and then it took me a while to find the parts. Between that and several other setbacks in several other areas it's finally starting to come together.

[Belgium R/T -68]

Good luck with your build  Curtis Here is where your luck is turning into the better.

Per

[70daytonaclone]

Glad to see your engine is coming together.Soon to be eating ricers

[oldschool]

thats a good idea with the valve cover surface. i always had trouble sealing valve covers on stock type heads.

[bull]

thats a good idea with the valve cover surface. i always had trouble sealing valve covers on stock type heads.

I thought that was pretty cool too, even though I've been out of the engine-build loop for years and didn't know it was an issue. He said the Mopar heads are pretty notorious for having a high spot in the middle.

Thanks for all the comments, fellas. It should be finished next week I believe. My K-frame is probably three weeks out though so I doubt the engine will be going in anytime soon.

[khodne]

looks good!!!

[ACUDANUT]

 I will take a 383 over a 400 anyday  . Great choice.

[Nacho-RT74]

I will take a 383 over a 400 anyday  . Great choice.

if you fit same specs pistons and cam on a 400 that the 383 has, will you still ?  

---------

Nice goodies Bull 

[ACUDANUT]

Nacho, Yes. The 383's have forged cranks and the 400's are just cast.

[Nacho-RT74]

That's easy. Replace the crank from a 383 one . Anyway a cast crank can drive ( as far has been told ) up to 500 HP.

Not sure, but, 2bbls 383s weren't cast too? 

[Dans 68]

...Not sure, but, 2bbls 383s weren't cast too? 

In '68 all 383's were forged steel. Only the 318's had a cast crankshaft. 

Dan