I found the problem! I took the head down to the machine shop today and found out what went wrong. The heads were built to the specs of what was on the cam card. Specifically 1.5 rockers. Since I used 1.6 rockers the retainers were hitting the guides and chewed up the valve stem seals. This was a mis communication between the builder and my self since he never asked if I planned on running a different ratio, and me not telling them. Live and learn I suppose. I took the other head off tonight and will have it to them Saturday some time. Heads should be done Monday afternoon.

The engine builder took a look at the valve stems to see where the rockers were wearing. Judging by that the push rods were only .050-.100 off from where they should have been. All things considered, the car should be running again some time next week.

-Pete-

 

The car is finally finished. I got everything back together and have been driving it around for a few days. I can't believe how great it drives. Just cruising around town its relatively quiet and well behaved. It makes 10lbs of vacuum at idles in gear, and does all this with the stock 2.73s and stock torque converter. It's loud and sounds nasty when I get on it and have negated the use of first gear In case anyone is wondering about the exhaust its hooker coated long tubes with 1"3/4 primaries to a 3inch Y pipe to a hooker aerochamber cat back.

This is completely daily drivable and I've been getting around 17mpg in town on 93. There will be more mods to come later, i.e. heads, more boost, stall, gears... but hot damn, I am happy with the way it came out.

-Pete-

 

congrats, glad to hear you got it all worked out.

 

Dang man! 17 mpg with a SC 383 LT1?? Do you guys not have much traffic around town or what? I am lucky to see 17 mpg around town with my bone stock LT1.