Engine is Finally Back
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,124
Likes: 105
From: Pensacola FL
Engine is Finally Back
Well, if you aren't familiar with my ongoing saga, I bought a 1990 Vette 'Vert in May. The car seemed kind of sluggish and had oil around the intake/valve covers. While changing the valve cover gaskets, I decided to add 1.6rrs with the help of this forum. The Vette still didn't run well and I found the oil was actually spraying from the dipstick. Doh! The diagnosis was toasted rings and a generally tired engine (with only 81,xxx miles...it must of been beat to death!). Anyways, my friend and I pulled the engine and sent it out for a budget 383 build. We picked it up on Saturday and it looks great! I can't wait to put it back in! I am learning a lot and just thought I'd share. I'll get some pics if anyone is interested. Thanks for listening to me ramble... Ben
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Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
Originally Posted by danziger
Local shop across the street from Steen Racing...
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,124
Likes: 105
From: Pensacola FL
IMO, a "budget" build involves the components more than anything else. I'd rather spend the money on proper assembly (and a warranty). In my application, I knew that I wasn't going to spray, or rev the snot out of the engine and that I just wanted a fun street car. For example, I went with hypereutectic pistons because they are light and cheap. Sure, I could have spend a couple hundred more for forged, but why?
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,124
Likes: 105
From: Pensacola FL
Originally Posted by AGENT 86
That should cure the sluggish feeling 
Now throw a real intake on it
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,335
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From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Originally Posted by danziger
Heh. I'm going to drive it a while with the TPI and save some money for a better intake down the road. My toughest decision is headers...should I stay cheap, or buy quality?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,356
Likes: 1
From: Chesapeake Va
Originally Posted by danziger
Local shop across the street from Steen Racing...
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,335
Likes: 264
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Originally Posted by danziger
How eere the Hedman's fitment? Have they held up OK? Everybody else on this site seems to think they suck...
The hedman basic header is thin and prone to leaking, thus the poor comments. The Elites are the only Hedman i would stick on my vette.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 747
Likes: 0
From: Calgary '85 Z51 coupe
Originally Posted by AGENT 86
Hooker makes a nice set, but were too pricy for my budget build. I went with Hedman Elites, cheap, sturdy and coated, but they are an oval port that doesn't match up perfect to your D port heads.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Pensacola FL
Originally Posted by goldeneye_vet
Everyone has an opinion but my elites still look new after 3 years. No leaks and coated. You can't beat the price either. $350 shipped to my door from jegs.