Hey guys, i've searching and read a bounch of stuff about doing a 383 kit and I'm kinda on the fence.

Here's the deal. My motor is making this clicking noise. Sounds like it's comming from the valve train, but I had it checked out and the mechanic said it's a rod knock. Only thing, he didn't pull the head (dr side making noise).

So, should I assume that i have a rod knock. The only thing that makes me not believe that is that I have driven it a ton, and it hasn't blown. I should think this would be a quick death.

So, along with the rear seal probably leaking, I think it's time for a rebuild. I don't have a ton of cash, so I was considering the 383 kit from Texas speed for about $1700. I don't have heads, but I might throw those one, but I will definetly be throwing a cam in and springs if I leave the heads.

Like I said, don't want to dump a whole bunch of money on her b/c I'm not sure if I'm keeping it or not, but nobody will buy a car with that noise. I just wanted it freshend up, and while I got it out I figure I may up the power. I have most of the parts for the cam install minus springs and timing chain, so I figure price for stroker kit, timing chain, springs and machine work. I do the water pump too just for the hell of it.

Did I miss anyting, or is there a cheaper route. I know the cheapest would be to just fix the problem, which I think would still be a pain to fix a rod. I'll most likely be doing the pull and re-install my self. I have 4 months till I get back from Iraq, so I have time to plan this right. I want to keep it under 3k without tuning.