383 big block builds, from mild to wild, I want to hear about them!!
AWESOME REPLY, and truly one I absolutely want to know as much as possible about how that combo performs! I'm curious where your CR winds up, although engine builder GRANDMASTERS like Jim Laroy can and have made big power with low compression, being as you are coming in with a "stock" build, the CR definitely makes a difference.
I'd like to see how that would run against a 396cu in/350HP Nova of the same year, 4 speed, and gear ratio!
What about the exhaust? Headers or??
Rear axle gear ratio? I'd love to see at least a 3.73 or 3.91 in an 8¾ Sure Grip!
I appreciate the power to weight advantage of an A-Body and a 383, but I am too big and maybe too old to be moving my 6'3" 270 pound body around in a car that small...lol.
I keep my cars as close to original as possible, even repairing an original piece than buy a repop part. The little Plymouth came with the 3:23 sure grip, so it will stay that way, with the original F8 painted wheels and goodyear E70x14 tires.
I may venture to the aluminum dual plane, with the Original Holley Carb that came with the car. The original manifolds are present, and power steering is there as well, along with Power disc brakes. so it will be as it was when new.
My machinst buddy has been building engines of all type for 30+ years, and is excited to do the engine. unfortunately mostly chevy stuff nests in those shops, and he is happy to work on some quality finally.Brad has done all my engines since 1999, and this engine will be number 9 over the years.
The cars scheduled build date Is August 1, the very first day of production,but the original engine was stolen in 1976, so road time since then is very little, which explains the 70k miles.
Then We finally secured an original A block from a 68 383 GTS that had been totalled ten years ago,and the build date on that car was may 27th, 1968.
so the two are actually only 63 days apart, just different model years!
We had to sleeve one cylinder, then went .030 over. I finally delivered the cam,lifters, pistons, oil pump, windage tray, and timing chain to Brad this week. The rods are coming from 440 Source this week as well.The crank has been turned and polished, so The last thing to do is aquire a new oil Pan and pickup tube.
I forsee the engine being done in a few weeks, then I have to read up on putting the four speed parts together. I last had a four speed in 1985 when my main driver was a 68 Charger 440 four speed. I am hoping it all comes back to me!
I forgot to mention I am picky about who rebuilds my Transmissions, so mine is going to Phoenix to one of the best manual trans guys I know for a complete rebuild. Ia m going to a stock original clutch, as I want this car to shift and drive like it was 1968 again.
The exhaust will come from Accurate exhaust, as I have purchased three sets already from them, and the quality is Impeccable.
I want that engine to sound like 1968 again, and not a bit louder!
When done i may drive to Phoenix with it to see my long time friend and the most rabid mopar guy in town!
