My first rebuild
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,650
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa Oklahoma
You need to measure all 4 corner cylinders. Many factory blocks are out of square. Correct way to measure is to put a straight edge across the cylinder and measure the gap to the piston with a feeler gauge.
I would really think hard about having the block decked if it's really off as much as almost 050.
I would really think hard about having the block decked if it's really off as much as almost 050.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
I am first hoping someone will wheigh in on the possible problem with quench and detonation. If I get word that I will be ok, I will probably try to find a .025 head gasket and with 64cc head, .005 effective dome, 4.030 bore and .046 deck clearance that should get me 9.66:1 CR and I will move forward. Just not sure if I may need to go with a .015 head gasket for quench. If they are open, I am going to order the heads tomorrow. A .015 head gasket would put me at 9.89:1 CR.
A .015 head gasket would put me at 9.89:1 CR.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,650
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa Oklahoma
You need to measure all 4 corner cylinders. Many factory blocks are out of square. Correct way to measure is to put a straight edge across the cylinder and measure the gap to the piston with a feeler gauge.
I would really think hard about having the block decked if it's really off as much as almost 050.
I would really think hard about having the block decked if it's really off as much as almost 050.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,650
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa Oklahoma
Oh I see my error now! so with effective head volume and .0025 head gasket I would be at 37.52:1 CR Thanks for helping!
Last edited by FatCat; Dec 30, 2012 at 09:22 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 4,688
Likes: 41
From: Palm Harbor, Florida
I am planning to go with headers. Superbuickguy had a set he said he would sell me. I just have to figure out if by the time I was to pay shipping if it is feasible to do that or buy new. My exhaust is Y pipe from the motor to a single 2.5" pipe to the muffler and out to the duals.
It appears to be fairly new so not sure if I can incorporate the headers into that system or if I need to run true duals. What say you?
It appears to be fairly new so not sure if I can incorporate the headers into that system or if I need to run true duals. What say you?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,650
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa Oklahoma
When I put headers onto mine and true dual exhaust(with a homeade "x" pipe), it really opened things up the engine to breath. I don't know if you can use full size long tube headers with your stock exhaust system or not? You certainly won't realize the full potential of your 383 hooking back up with stock exhaust manifold/pipes.....but like everything else, it takes money and what you can afford.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
I calced this out for you. If you go with 64 CC heads and a felpro 1094 gasket (.015) and your valve relief is -5cc and your .043 in the hole you end up with 9.95 to 1 compression and your DCR is 7.81 to 1. with .058 quench. I see no problem with detonation or other issues. Should work well.
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,650
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa Oklahoma
I calced this out for you. If you go with 64 CC heads and a felpro 1094 gasket (.015) and your valve relief is -5cc and your .043 in the hole you end up with 9.95 to 1 compression and your DCR is 7.81 to 1. with .058 quench. I see no problem with detonation or other issues. Should work well.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,650
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa Oklahoma
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 4,688
Likes: 41
From: Palm Harbor, Florida
oh? not sure where I got that, I think it was Super Buick Guy's recommendations on a used 383 that was local for sale.
maybe someone can answer or clarify a few things for me then. Is the the 355 bored out the same amount as a 383? if so, then the only difference now becomes the stroke length, which is determined by the rod length. so if someone has the engine all apart and on a stand and needs to order new pistons(since someone dropped a perfectly good piston
) why wouldn't you spend more money and get the 400 crank and get the 383 rotating assembly and thus more power?
thanks
maybe someone can answer or clarify a few things for me then. Is the the 355 bored out the same amount as a 383? if so, then the only difference now becomes the stroke length, which is determined by the rod length. so if someone has the engine all apart and on a stand and needs to order new pistons(since someone dropped a perfectly good piston
) why wouldn't you spend more money and get the 400 crank and get the 383 rotating assembly and thus more power? thanks
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 49
From: Bridgewater nj
I calced this out for you. If you go with 64 CC heads and a felpro 1094 gasket (.015) and your valve relief is -5cc and your .043 in the hole you end up with 9.95 to 1 compression and your DCR is 7.81 to 1. with .058 quench. I see no problem with detonation or other issues. Should work well.
this will work the best.The only gamble with this set up is you have a very small chance of a water leak from the head gasket. So cleaning, torquing and putting sealer in the right spots will be important when assembling.
If you get a little water seeping? You won't be the first to throw a little stop leak sealer in a fresh engine! LOL
Last edited by hugie82; Dec 31, 2012 at 08:05 AM.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 672
Likes: 0
From: Chesapeake Virginia
WOW!!!!!!!! I've been following this from the shadows, it's given me tons of things to think about. I've remembered some things that I used to know and forgot and have learned alot more.
you're doing a great job, keep it up. I know you will feel great when it fires up and purs like a kitten.
I've got my block at the machine shop right now along with the crank and the tins getting things cleaned up and checked out. the direction I take will depend on what they tell me needs to be done to the parts. I can't wait to be where you are in your project.
I'll be watching.................
you're doing a great job, keep it up. I know you will feel great when it fires up and purs like a kitten.
I've got my block at the machine shop right now along with the crank and the tins getting things cleaned up and checked out. the direction I take will depend on what they tell me needs to be done to the parts. I can't wait to be where you are in your project.
I'll be watching.................
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 49
From: Bridgewater nj
Enjoy the thread jig a low, the good thing about Fatcat is he's a worker! He jumps in with both feet and has been working almost everyday.
Besides a few little set backs he overcame quickly his build has been going great
Besides a few little set backs he overcame quickly his build has been going great
Pro
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 672
Likes: 0
From: Chesapeake Virginia
hopefully I'll soon be to the point of needing help picking things like the cam, heads, and intake soon. I hope I can depend on your guys's help with it..
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Why not do that in the 1st place. 030 overbore, 3.75 stroke. Call Comp cams they will tell you the best cam profile for what you want. Edelbrock rpm intake is the tallest you can use under the stock hood. edelbrock e 210 heads work well with lower gears. if you dont what to spend that much cash and dont mind giving china your money pro comp 190 or 210 heads are a bargan these days.
Last edited by racegofast; Jan 1, 2013 at 12:30 PM. Reason: more info
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,650
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa Oklahoma
Hey guys sorry I have been away for a couple of days! Thanks for the words of encouragement! I ordered the heads and bolts yesterday and expect them by the weekend! I am having a problem finding a .015 head gasket though! Hahaha I am going to pick up the tranny today and hope to make the conversion this weekend. I have to finish up the engine pretty quick but hit a little snag here. I pulled the blower motor becaus it wasn't working and found it isn't actually the motor so I guess I wil have to start a little electrical diag tonight.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,650
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa Oklahoma
As for decking the block, early on there was some concern that had already been done. So I decided not to do that and not sure I want to do a complete teardown at this point and will just go with the direction 63mako posted! Happy New Year!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,548
Likes: 379
From: Woodinville WA
Hey guys sorry I have been away for a couple of days! Thanks for the words of encouragement! I ordered the heads and bolts yesterday and expect them by the weekend! I am having a problem finding a .015 head gasket though! Hahaha I am going to pick up the tranny today and hope to make the conversion this weekend. I have to finish up the engine pretty quick but hit a little snag here. I pulled the blower motor becaus it wasn't working and found it isn't actually the motor so I guess I wil have to start a little electrical diag tonight.