My First 383 Inspection!!

[1968 Valiant]

Finally got my first big block!!
1968 383 B 2BBL. out of a C-body

I know its not a Hemi or an HP440 but I'm so excited about it I feel like throwing up.

I bought it supposedly in running condition (unverified) and it came with a 4 bbl intake off a 69 383 and a good condition Holley 4 bbl. The engine is complete carb to pan. 150 bucks!

I took the Oil pan off last night. This is my first time in the bottom end of a mopar big block. Everything lookes in proper order so far. Tommarow a friend is coming over to teach me how to check all the clearance's.

My goal is to hopefully use this motor in its as is form for now. I would like to place new gaskets in it, clean it and install it. I have almost everything else I need for the swap. I would like to perform the swap and get everthing functioning and adjusted. Then start rebuild/performance plans.

Any advice for cleaning up and inspecting this motor would be much appreciated. I am by no means a novice to mopar engines but I am new to messing around inside them.

Thanks

68 Valiant

 

[BBBCUDA]

I did something similar a few years back. I bought a 65 383 2 bbl W/60K on it for $100. I was skeptical of the mileage, so I pulled the heads. Hmmm. No ridge, heads were super clean, etc. looked good! I started disassembling the heads with the intention of lapping the valves lightly. The valves and seats looked so good I almost didn't bother...Until, the very last exhaust valve that came out had a nice, neat "V" burnt in it! If I hadn't checked, I would have had a skipping pig in the car. I lapped a used valve in, and reassembled with fresh gaskets.

I added a stock cast Holley pattern intake, and a stock 600 Cfm vacuum. I used stock C- body log manifolds, (tight fit). pathetic 2" exhaust with parts store mufflers. Trans had 120,000 miles, with just a band adjust. Rear was an 8-3/4 SG with 2.76 gears. It ran 14.8 @ 95 Mph in second gear. Stock single points with nothing done to the distributor, basically just all junk. The car was a 4 door 72 Valiant. Minus the carb, I had about $500 in the whole mess. Good luck, cheap can be fun...Sometimes..

 

[mullinax95]

If I'm not mistaken those 383 of the year 67-68 had forged cranks in them. I had a 68 383 in a Charger and I absolutely loved that motor. Congrats!

 

[RustyRatRod]

I had about $500 in the whole mess.

But oh what a FUN mess it was!!!!!

 

[needsaresto]

If I'm not mistaken those 383 of the year 67-68 had forged cranks in them. I had a 68 383 in a Charger and I absolutely loved that motor. Congrats!

I think you are correct.

383's are kinda like 318's,nothing much really goes wrong. They seem to be anvil like in thier ability to withstand punishment.

 

[BBBCUDA]

But oh what a FUN mess it was!!!!!

Yes it was. It is still one of the most rewarding car projects I have done. It was my daily driver for 4 years, and I didn't touch a thing, never pulled a plug from day one. I changed to "good points" at the track on a recommendation, "0" difference on that engine. In 4 years I busted 2 cheap rear U-joints, and had 1 Sure grip get not so Sure Grippy, but thats it. It was a great car. I have enough spare parts laying around now, I am considering an upgraded version. Big budget though, maybe $1500... 8)