383 engine swap question
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
383 engine swap question
quick question everyone. I finally got a nice 383 stoker moter. Got it too my mechanic and he goes and starts to put it in. I get a call and he is saying the oil pan that is on the new engine is rubbing the crossmember. So they tried the stock one on the new engine, keep in mind that the engine was built for the car, its an 87. Anyway, then he bolts it in and the harmonic balancer on the new engine is rubbing and needs to be smaller, so im going to get a 6 3/4 in. Thats not the problem, we turned over the crank by hand and it is obivoulsly catching the oil pan so we gotta put the other oil pan on. Im kinda freakin out. what has to happen to make this engine fit. shave down the oil pan? ball peen hammer it or what? any one had this problem? i realize that mods and fabs gotta be done, but is this normal and how is it fixed? thanx guys, i would appreciate any advice.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
and my mechanic is an expert and im sure he will find a solution. This post is just for some type of closure. Ive been waiting to drive this car for awhile and the engine just arrived. i guess im super exicted.haha
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 31
From: Australia
Std ZZ4 ( non Vette ) pan fits fine in C4 ( hangs a little low though )
Big hammer to the cross member is a popular alternative ; guys get 8" balancers to fit this way
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 4
From: Argillite KY
A stroker kit will rub some stock pans in the shallow area around 1-2 and 3-4 rods. Also a stock pan can rub on the edge of the pan where it turns down from the blocking mating surface. This usually happens around #5-#7 rod area. There may be some grinding required on the bolt heads to clear this. The rubbing in front is usually cured by some heat and ball peen alignment techniques.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 412
From: WV
If I recall correctly Pete K had to take a hammer to the windage tray on my 383 when he built it, no big deal..All this "adjusting" is much easier if the motor is on an engine stand, instead of in the car......WW
Last edited by WW7; Sep 17, 2011 at 09:09 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,270
Likes: 3
From: Seattle Area WA
Yep on both counts. A hammer works. I have clearanced to run the 8" balancer many years ago, however just get the 6 3/4" balancer.
I've had 3 oil pans on mine and never had problems but depending on your motor you might:
Stock, Summit Claimer 7qt, Canton RoadRace 7qt
I've had 3 oil pans on mine and never had problems but depending on your motor you might:
Stock, Summit Claimer 7qt, Canton RoadRace 7qt
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
thanx everyone. and yes, im sure when the stock oil pan was put back on, thats why there was a catch or rub. the most likely scenario from what you guys said is that they use a hammer and heat to roughly mold in into the car.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,013
Likes: 2
From: California City Ca
If you using a high flow Oil pump the stock oil pan is only 5 qt you going to need a pan that holds more oil the this pump will pump the 5qt dry.
I agree it much easyer to do all this with the motor still on the stand a 8 inch balancer works on my 86 with out any mods.
This is the pan I went with.
http://www.kmjent.com/cart/product.p...0164550&page=1
I agree it much easyer to do all this with the motor still on the stand a 8 inch balancer works on my 86 with out any mods.
This is the pan I went with.
http://www.kmjent.com/cart/product.p...0164550&page=1
