We are in the process of re-assembly of my new 383 and ran into a problem. We are trying to get the timing chain put on right now and had no problem getting the dots to line up, but when I go to spin the crank something hits and we cant spin the crank any further. I spun the crank by itself without any timing chain on it and it goes around smoothly. Same with the cam, when there is no chain on it it spins freely. But as soon as we put the chain on and spin them both at once something hits. Anyone have any ideas as to what may be hitting? I cant visually see anything, but we can definately hear it hitting somewhere.

 

I know the Crank position sensor needs removed with a double roller, and there is a little grindng you have to do to the inside of the timig cover.

 

Should have mentioned that this is a stock timing set.

 

is the valve train setup?

 

no, no valvetrain

 

it only runs into problems when the chain is on, when its off the cam and crank spin fine.

 

Put some grease on the cover and see where it is hitting.
Looking from the side are the sprockets lined up? Ya will need a straight edge to check it.
Is the reluctor wheel on correctly?

 

Your cam could be to big for your setup.
You might need to get a small base circle cam.

 

that's a good point!

 

I'm inclinded to agree with same, I think you have a rod crashing into the cam. When you spin them alone they are getting by one another, but as they spin together the rod is catching the peak of the lobe.

As for clearancing covers. Its really a crap shoot. I use 96-7 covers on most of my stuff and only have to clearance maybe one in ten if that.