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I'm making pretty good progress getting the 383 stroker in my '61. Lots of little surprises and challenges like left hand mount alternator in the same location as the surge tank. Fortunately I was on the edge of opting for a new Dewitts radiator with an electric fan so I got one with a fill cap on the radiator. The different radiator was also necessitated by the fact that I didn't realize I should have installed a water pump with a hose connection on the top of the water pump for a surge tank line. I'm learning a lot as I feel my way through the dark. All good stuff.
Question: So now I notice my engine builder used a fuel pump that is set up for a return line. Do I really need one? I hate to run a return line and hack it into the top of the tank. I appreciate your thoughts.
I too am curious as to how you put the oil in? No need for a return line with a carb. Why didn't you just mount the alternator on the pass side and run a surge tank? What tranny are you running behind it?
It's a little late now, but your intake manifold has bosses that could be machined for an oil fill tube. Also, looks like your carb has a port opposite of the fuel inlet. Is that where the return line is supposed to attach? As others have said, it would help keep the fuel cool and less prone to percolating. But, if it were me, I'd probably replace the pump you have with a regular mechanical pump.
You have to heed what has been mentioned. There's no place to add oil, there's no ventilation, if you don't fix these you are going to be a very unhappy camper. These aren't options they are must haves. Your builder should have known this.
Thanks for the replies, I especially appreciate you guys looking over my shoulder for my best interests!
The PCV is milled into the back left valve cover just where it intersects with the air cleaner in the picture, it's very hard to see in the picture. The oil fill is in the front left corner of the the driver's side valve cover, the black rubber grommet is the oil fill. I got the valve covers from PML. They are a little taller to accommodate the roller rockers. And if you pay a little extra $$$ they drill the holes for the oil fill and PCV. I thought it would clean up the look of the engine.
Last edited by 70GHH; Jun 10, 2021 at 10:06 AM.
Reason: added photo
I had to cut down the collar on the base to get the clearance and I'm still not positive it will clear. I may have to go to a drop base with a low profile air filter.
You may be able to use a stock C1 air cleaner which is pretty low. A 67 GTO air cleaner base (available in reproduction), which has a 5 1/8 in. hole, may fit your carburetor and will accept the C1 louvered top.
Question: So now I notice my engine builder used a fuel pump that is set up for a return line. Do I really need one? I hate to run a return line and hack it into the top of the tank. I appreciate your thoughts.
Garth
I am assuming you are taking about a mechanical three line pump. The third line, which is usually 1/4", has approx. .040" restrictor in it and if you do not use it just cap it off and no harm will be done.
Joe
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383 install progress
