83 Monte gets a stronger heartbeat.

[spidereyes455]

Looks like a good starting point. In this era of LS this and aftermarket fuel injection that, it's refreshing to see people still building a good old fashioned low tech sleeper. BTW I'm really digging the old school ralley wheels and the L69 Camaro air cleaner.

 

[bowtiebutler956]

Looks like a good starting point. In this era of LS this and aftermarket fuel injection that, it's refreshing to see people still building a good old fashioned low tech sleeper. BTW I'm really digging the old school ralley wheels and the L69 Camaro air cleaner.

I really appreciate the kind words! You certainly understand the direction I'm going with this car. When I graduated high school fuel injected cars had only been on the scene for a few years, and carburetors still reigned supreme. An old school sleeper is exactly what I'm going for, even though I realize it won't really be considered fast by todays standards. Thamks

Matt

 

[bowtiebutler956]

I figure its time for an update. I've been working a lot of hours lately, so there hasn't been much time for my car, but I'm taking a 4 day weekend next week to install the engine, so I need to get this engine finished. The cam is installed (cam card in pics below), the lifters are Melling, but they are the Delphi type with the hardened face. (My Favorites!) The valve springs, locks, and retainers are Elgin, and just copies of the old school Z28 springs. (good to .500 lift). The heads are assembled, and were torqued down with a fresh set of Felpro head bolts that already have thread sealant on them. These heads had been machined quite a bit by the previous owner to get them to the small 61cc chamber they have now, as a result I had to machine the intake manifold bolt holes some for proper alignment. (pics below) The port alignment between the intake, and cylinder head is near perfect, although I did have to trim the intake gasket slightly at the port roof for proper alignment. (didn't take a pic, but I will tomorrow). I made a piston stop so that I could find true TDC, and now have it marked. I order a timing pointer that said it was for a 6.75' balancer, but with it installed there is a 3/4' gap between it and the balancer! 😡 (see pic below) So I have a different one ordered now, as I want to be able to make accurate timing adjustments.
On another note, I have 4 children 3 boys, 1 daughter, My youngest son Danny who is 14 yrs old (in pic below) has taken such an interest in these type of hobbies, and is always such a huge help. Its almost like he can read my mind, and is already handing me the tool I'm going to need before I ask for it. Over the last couple years, we have built a couple off road buggies, as well as rebuild a couple engines, etc.. together, and I just can't tell you how much joy it gives me to be able to pass this kind of thing down to one of my kids! 👍 In these days we live in now, where most kids would much rather be on their computers, its just awesome for him be so passionate about these kind of things, and the bonding time we spend together is priceless! You dads know what I'm talking about.
There are a couple pics of the underside of the car below showing the Jegs crossmember, and exhaust. Old school Turbo mufflers. Thanks

Matt

 

[lilbowtie]

I just can't tell you how much joy it gives me to be able to pass this kind of thing down to one of my kids! 👍 In these days we live in now, where most kids would much rather be on their computers, its just awesome for him be so passionate about these kind of things, and the bonding time we spend together is priceless! You dads know what I'm talking about.

Great to here son is enjoying this with you. I had 4 kids also and it was my youngest son that took interest. It's a bond (as you said) is priceless. He learned to drive with the Regal and was driving it at the track at 15 years old. Now 33 and married we are still into drag racing and has a wife is right there with us along with his 3 year old. Hope he learned from me and I am now learning from him.

 

[Gonzo1970]

That's pretty awesome to see your kid getting into it.. A rare thing nowadays, indeed. I am trying to get my grandson (13 y/o) interested in the GP. He thinks its a cool car, but once I start talking about working on it, the eyes glass over a bit.. So, I kick his *ss at Fortnite. 😀

I really loved my 6.6L 400 in my 78 T/A, but I keep going back and forth about the 400 or a 383, if the 305 takes a dump.. The 400 is just such an easy motor to get a nice chunk of power out of and keep streetability.. I think Ill just flip a coin when the time comes.

As far as your 383 goes, I really like it.. Personally, I would re-balance it, if for nothing else, peace of mind.. But that's just me.

Keep the updates coming!

-Gonz

 

[xxBLOOD88SHOTxx]

Great build. That cam card hits hard because I lived in Olive Branch for 5 years before moving back to Washington.

 

[bowtiebutler956]

Thanks for all the great comments!
The engine is now assembled. After bringing the rockers to zero lash they were given an additional 3/4 turn of preload. On most SBC performance engines I've built, they only get an additional 1/2 turn because I want to make sure they don't pump up to much at high RPM, and hold a valve open, but this is a low RPM engine, and the valves will stay quiet longer with the additional preload. After doing that, I installed my preluber and ran it with a drill while turning the engine 90* at a time for 2 full revolutions, and had oil flowing out of all 16 rockers. Lucas High Zinc classic car engine oil was used. The engine was then given a scrub down with mineral spirits, and scuffed up with a scotchbrite pad, and given a coat of semi gloss black. I have to say, this has got to be the most BORING looking performance engine I've ever built!! 👎 Thats OK, I wanted a stock looking engine, and it certainly looks stock.
I was glad the roller rocker cleared the stock valve covers, as I wasn't sure they would. I guess the raised rails on the EQ heads gave the necessary clearance.
This next weekend I'm taking a 4 day weekend, and will get it installed. Thanks

Matt

 

[CaliWagon83]

That’s going to be a real sleeper!

 

[bowtiebutler956]

The swap starts tomorrow! Danny and I will be busy.

 

[Turbo Zach]

Looks like a Goodwrench engine, o but wait why does it run so hard. I love it.