C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
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Old Apr 30, 2007 | 09:42 PM
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Default 383 Build

Hey everyone. Need some of your advice regarding engine buildup.
I have a 350 4 bolt block that is currently at the machine shop. It is being hot tanked, and checked for cracks. If everything is ok, the machinist will give me his evaluation of the block and what is needed.
I do not have any reciprcating parts so I need to buy a kit.
He gave me a price for the stroker kit which will be a mild setup (400 ft/lbs torque?). The price is $940 for the entire kit and the kit is externally balanced. Which means I have to purchase a 400 flexplate and harmonic balancer. Is this price right? I was at the eagle website and the going price for the equivilent kit is $200 less.
The machinist is a established and appears to be a well respected person in the racing community.
Any input would be appreciated.
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Old Apr 30, 2007 | 10:03 PM
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Likely the machinist will mark up the price on whatever he sells you. If you are Game and willing to "put together" your own engine, then by all means go for the cheaper option.
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Old Apr 30, 2007 | 10:23 PM
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It all depends on your complete setup. The Eagle kits are dirt cheap right now. If they will work for you, then you can get one of those. They have several variations of pistons. I needed a piston that was not in their kit, so I could not use their kits.

A local machine shop will not be able to touch the price that Eagle has for these kits. However, it he can get close, give him the business. That is how he stays in business.
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Old Apr 30, 2007 | 10:51 PM
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Thanks senior guys. I would like to give him my buisness, just dont want to buy the kit though him, then later discover that I could of done diffrently
Please keep the advice coming
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Old Apr 30, 2007 | 11:07 PM
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$200 might be worth it if there is a problem during install or afterwards. I say let the engine man supply the parts.
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Old May 1, 2007 | 10:10 AM
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Are you doing the assembly yourself or is the machine shop doing it? If you are assemblying it yourself and the kit works for you, I would get the Eagle kit. It already comes balanced and has the balancer and flexplate.
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Old May 1, 2007 | 10:16 AM
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If your machinist is using the same spec parts as in the kit I would go the extra $200. This way you have go back to him with any problems.

His kit may have lesser pieces and parts or they may be better. Also see what his price will be on that same Eagle kit.

I'm assuming he will be doing all the assembly.
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Old May 1, 2007 | 11:21 AM
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If your machinist has capability to balance motors ... do Not buy a pre-balanced kit from him or elsewhere ... have all balancing done locally ... maybe your guy can't do it ... but there's usually an area shop that can.
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Old May 1, 2007 | 12:48 PM
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My engine is a 383 based on the original block. I have an Eagle cast crank, original (reconditioned) rods and JE forged pistons. Working fine, so far.
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Old May 2, 2007 | 12:41 AM
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my 383 build specs are in my signature.....everything sounds good, I don't know your budget or if you were planning on buy heads....but if you do buy heads get some aluminum heads and some higher compression pistons.....I wouldn't go much higher than 10.5 for a street car with pump gas...I've heard you can go a little higher on pump gas, but I can't tell you that cause i don't have personal experience with it.....


good luck...
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