My '75 Scamp 383 Build

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I received a package today!
Accurate Exhaust Head Pipe LH.JPG
Accurate Exhaust Head Pipe RH.JPG

Accurate Exhaust Head Pipes 4 pieces.JPG

Accurate Exhaust has FREE SHIPPING!
These beauties would have cost nearly $130 to ship.
 
383Scampman said:
Look what Andy F. has done , amazing. Also, go to "Uncle Tony's Garage " on u-tube . I'm not here to debate builds or critique someone else's opinion . "budget" builds , imo, don't do well , in the long run . I'm not saying that you should throw money at your 383 . If you build your motor to 68-69 specs. you can't go wrong . Cleanliness and good machine work are mandatory for a long lasting machine .. I wouldn't invest more than $750on head work . Go aftermarket here . Edelbrock Top End Kits are cost effective . Clean , clean , clean and balance EVERYTHING . You won't be sorry. Good luck
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Good point on the edelbrock heads. Compression would be my priority over cam, bolts, etc. I always go new rod bearings because they get hammered even if they're not worn, and they don't snap into the rod like they did new. Aluminum heads also help with detonation; they say you can add a point of compression with al heads. I did a lot of head swaps in the seventies when compression ratios dropped. It always made an amazing difference; the snap was back. There's talk about low compression cams, etc, but they'll give you horsepower but never seen any snap.
 
Well folks, Accurate Exhaust ain't accurate! The left head pipe (you know, the WHOLE reason I paid what I did) does not fit. No way, no how.
Basically my two options are:

1. Keep 'em. No working with me on fitment - customer service anyone? "Where is the interference? Can you ship just the left short piece and we make a bend here or there". Nothing.

2. Ship from Pittsburgh to Oregon, (not cheap) to receive a refund.

I was EXTREMELY clear about my EXACT setup before these were ordered. "shouldn't be a problem" is what I was told.
They claim they are Mopar exhaust experts. Not from what I have seen so far.
 
roadrunnerh said:
Well, since last update, I've managed to get the Comp Cams XE262H cam installed - and discovered how Tight it felt when turned. Here's the story Camshaft Install - how tight is too tight?

I followed some great Old School method of scraping/shaving the bearings for smoother camshaft turning. Using my old Camshaft...
View attachment 1715388096
This worked VERY well.
Rear Main Seal sticky on FBBO was very helpful. I was directed there after creating This thread over there.
SCE Gasket rear main seal
I'm meeting one of my goals at least - I'm learning a whole lot!

Camshaft and Crankshaft are in!
View attachment 1715388099
And just today 9/1/19, I discovered that the dowel on the Cam needed a brass punch!
View attachment 1715388100
Not easy to tell, but the dowel prevented the cam bolt and washer to make full contact.
Solved and help was provided once again over on FBBO.
Comp Cams dowel pin

Slow and steady progress, with a learning curve! :thankyou:
Click to expand...
I had to do that with my new bearings too! Worked like a charm
 
roadrunnerh said:
Well folks, Accurate Exhaust ain't accurate! The left head pipe (you know, the WHOLE reason I paid what I did) does not fit. No way, no how.
Basically my two options are:

1. Keep 'em. No working with me on fitment - customer service anyone? "Where is the interference? Can you ship just the left short piece and we make a bend here or there". Nothing.

2. Ship from Pittsburgh to Oregon, (not cheap) to receive a refund.

I was EXTREMELY clear about my EXACT setup before these were ordered. "shouldn't be a problem" is what I was told.
They claim they are Mopar exhaust experts. Not from what I have seen so far.
Click to expand...
That's a shame! Here is what I'm doing for now just till I can get the engine broke in and drivable. Then I will pay for a full exhaust system.

Screenshot_20201017-132620_Samsung Internet.jpg
 
roadrunnerh said:
Well folks, Accurate Exhaust ain't accurate! The left head pipe (you know, the WHOLE reason I paid what I did) does not fit. No way, no how.
Basically my two options are:

1. Keep 'em. No working with me on fitment - customer service anyone? "Where is the interference? Can you ship just the left short piece and we make a bend here or there". Nothing.

2. Ship from Pittsburgh to Oregon, (not cheap) to receive a refund.

I was EXTREMELY clear about my EXACT setup before these were ordered. "shouldn't be a problem" is what I was told.
They claim they are Mopar exhaust experts. Not from what I have seen so far.
Click to expand...
Are they here in Portland? do I need to throw a brick through their window or what?....
 
No, don't do that! (but I'll keep the offer in mind) :mob:

The owner Tom seems a little cranky, but Butch his brother, who handles a lot of the orders, is a Super cool guy. Tom worked with me eventually and sent out a Left headpipe that seems like it will work.

Overall, Good Guys!
 
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I haven't updated this thread in a while. I've been knee deep in this car while doing all my daily Dad and Husband duties...
* The Scamp is nearly complete at my buddy's shop Doug's Custom Auto. Engine compartment cleaned up and finally back in body color. It was spray bombed black by previous owner.
* Heater/AC box teardown rebuild, new heater core (major pita), AC evaporator coil is good and holds 50 psi for 2 hours.
* 727 Rebuild - That was cool, I had to get over a lot of fear on that job!
* Hoping the car will be back this week. Then all the real fun starts! :steering:
Now I'm worried about breaking in the cam and running the car before the roads around here get coated with stupid amounts of salt!
 
After the car came back from a splash of paint under the hood, I've been slowly making progress - in a large unheated detached garage in Pittsburgh in December without help. Here's where I'm at.
Scamp Dec 2020.JPG
 
Heck yeah! You're gainin on it! Looks great!
 
RustyRatRod said:
Heck yeah! You're gainin on it! Looks great!
Click to expand...
Thanks so much man! It's been REALLY tough at times to get the motivation when I kept facing issue after issue. Often it feels like I'll never get this F'in thing running and driving. I even (secretly) thought of selling it as a roller and keeping the drive train. It's been a journey.
 
roadrunnerh said:
Thanks so much man! It's been REALLY tough at times to get the motivation when I kept facing issue after issue. Often it feels like I'll never get this F'in thing running and driving. I even (secretly) thought of selling it as a roller and keeping the drive train. It's been a journey.
Click to expand...

I've no doubt I'll feel the same way when I go to put the 400 in Vixen. She's a lot more narrow in the engine bay than yours so I will have my challenges.
 
Thanks for the kind words! I used Summit ZDDP Break-In Oil SAE 30, drained after break-in, and filled her with Summit ZDDP 10W40.
215/70R14, 245/60R14. The rear Rallyes are repro 14x7. I'm planning on going to 15x7 if I can.
 
@roadrunnerh This is a fantastic thread and has been very inspirational to read/see you bring it all together. Last Friday I picked up a mostly complete '68 383 from a gentleman who had it sitting in his garage for decades. I thought I may have bitten off more than I could chew but I'm feel'n good now. Gonna end up throw'n it in my '74 Valiant. Way to go man!
 
Hey theFightingFew, thank you so much, I'm glad you enjoyed the thread. I realize it may not be the most exciting build compared to what some people put together, but for me it was an accomplishment.
There's so much more I could have added to the thread, but to be honest it didn't seem like there was a ton of interest here.
Believe me, I'm still sorting through issues, but moving forward.
If you need any help along the way don't hesitate to shoot me a PM!
Harry
 
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