Hey guys,

Well, my motor is approaching 100,000 miles - and i'm starting to think about a new motor (not that anythign is WRONG with my current motor - i just like to be ready). I plan on doing it piece-wise, and I plan on doing a 383, but I have a few questions first.

I'd buy the crank and block from my friend (he has a SCAT cast 383 crank thats been shotpeened and balanced), but I'm not sure where to get all the bearings i need, and also not sure where to get a GOOD deal on forged pistons and rods. I'm thinking Eagle H-beam rods with ARP bolts as well as JE Pistons. I plan on running 11:1 compression if possible.

Also, What is the typical cost for building the bottom end of a motor? I'm thinking $600 to bore and hone, plus assembly and balancing. I plan on having my cam at the same time (XE 230/236 114LSA), so i'd have that put in as well, and probably plan on using the stocker oil pan and pump (unless Canton or melling pan/pump come highly recommended). Also, would it be worth it to let the machine shop buy the rods and pistons? Just need some advice on preparation steps i should take. I'd like to get out of building the motor for less than $3500 (i'd be assembling the top end myself). Need advice on new injectors, ignition upgrades etc... i just hope i can find some good deals..

thanks!

 

Let me help. First, if you want to drive the car while you work like I did, buy an engine from seller or junkyard.

Next find a machine shop that is good. Plan on doing splayed caps so depending on where you are in the country, plan on 200 for bore and hone. 300 for align bore.

The best advice I could give you is find a good kit that is already balanced from a reputable company. PAW has them, Scoggin-Dickie has them, Nu-tek specializes in LT-1's talk to them. It is much better than trying to balance seperately purchased parts. I did it trust me.

I noticed that you want to run 11:1, therefore I suppose you will not want to spray or use a blower. You need to think about that for the future. You will limit future changes by doing so, not to mention the fuel problems

good luck to you

 

Hey,

thanks for your input, I'm second-guessing running 11:1 ... maybe stock 10.5 or maybe even 9.5-10:1 .... still haven't decided on that - i'm going to check those companies out here shortly ... i just dont want to get reamed on prices, that's the only thing (and i'd like to do it over time, as my budget allows) .... hope this doesn't absolutely nuke my wallet haha...

thanks

 

oh ... but no, i dont care for blower or spray really... i like all-motor

also i plan on putting in a BMR chromoly K-member and upper/lower A-Arms to take some more weight out of the front .... good idea? Also, chromoly control arms and adjustable panhard rod. Torque arm I was thinking chromoly too, but i dont know what all this will do for my weight distribution... any ideas on that?

i plan on trying to balance between a fast car off the line, and a car that can actually handle well....

 

I would suggest contacting board member SStrokerAce at bret@bauer-racing.com We are in the process of building my 383 and it is a BUDGET motor thats going to be sick.
Just drop him an email and let him know what your looking for and he can lead you in the right direction.

 

I got all my stuff from www.nu-tekmotorsports.com

Best prices I could find.