My new 69 Barracuda project came with a 1968 383, with intact pistons and cam, and nothing more. So before I started buying crap for it, the plan was to make sure I had a good core first with a clean-and-magnaflux of block and crank, and have the pistons and cam inspected. First things first... The engine spins really nice.
So today I pulled out the Pistons.... All looked really good to my untrained eye. Until I got to piston 8. There was no bearing to be found and the crank was badly scored... Rod didn't look quite as bad. The cylinder walls all looked great imo.
My plan is to build somewhat more than Magnum strength power on a budget. I know I need to get a quality machine shop opinion but just looking for some initial gut reactions to the pics and what I should do. Think the crank is fixable? Lots of machine shop costs, or not too bad?
There is a very complete 69 Charger 383 near me for $700. I know building and assembling all the parts, plus unexpected crank machining, is going to cost more than that.
So today I pulled out the Pistons.... All looked really good to my untrained eye. Until I got to piston 8. There was no bearing to be found and the crank was badly scored... Rod didn't look quite as bad. The cylinder walls all looked great imo.
My plan is to build somewhat more than Magnum strength power on a budget. I know I need to get a quality machine shop opinion but just looking for some initial gut reactions to the pics and what I should do. Think the crank is fixable? Lots of machine shop costs, or not too bad?
There is a very complete 69 Charger 383 near me for $700. I know building and assembling all the parts, plus unexpected crank machining, is going to cost more than that.