Banzaiii67
Well-Known Member
So, I'm faced with a decision here in the coming weeks.
Background: I've got somewhat of a low compression 383 in my Satellite based on my calculation it's somewhere around 8.8:1 (bought it without better knowledge, KB 162 pistons casualty). It's got stock valved 346 heads, comp xe274h cam, edelbrock rpm intake, doug thorley 1 3/4" headers, FBO Ignition and dist, 3.73 gears, 2800 stall w/ stage II shift kit. The engine was balanced and blueprinted when rebuilt.
Problem: I've got a bit of a ticking coming from the 6 or 8 cylinder. It's much more noticeable with the engine warmed up than it is cold. I haven't pulled anything apart but I fear I've got a stuck/bad lifter or a possibly a bad valve. Couple people on forums have said the comp xe series cams are pretty ticky, but it seems to be more noticeable on the passenger side.
In addition to that, I've been running lean (stinky burn your eyes exhaust smell), sucking false air somewhere, I've tried chasing it down with starter fluid but I can't find any leaks. So it brings me back a valve issue
So before I pull this all apart... I was thinking about switching to aluminum heads, with increasing compression and horsepower as the motivators.
Solution: It seems my choices are the new Edelbrock E-Street 75cc heads, 440 source stealth heads or have the iron heads milled and ported. It sounds like from current owners of the 440 source heads say they need quite a bit of prep and are not bolt on ready per se, and the E-Streets are brand spanking new without a lot of testing out on the open market, and I'm not even sure I can mill that much off a 88cc head without serious repercussions.
What would you do?
Background: I've got somewhat of a low compression 383 in my Satellite based on my calculation it's somewhere around 8.8:1 (bought it without better knowledge, KB 162 pistons casualty). It's got stock valved 346 heads, comp xe274h cam, edelbrock rpm intake, doug thorley 1 3/4" headers, FBO Ignition and dist, 3.73 gears, 2800 stall w/ stage II shift kit. The engine was balanced and blueprinted when rebuilt.
Problem: I've got a bit of a ticking coming from the 6 or 8 cylinder. It's much more noticeable with the engine warmed up than it is cold. I haven't pulled anything apart but I fear I've got a stuck/bad lifter or a possibly a bad valve. Couple people on forums have said the comp xe series cams are pretty ticky, but it seems to be more noticeable on the passenger side.
In addition to that, I've been running lean (stinky burn your eyes exhaust smell), sucking false air somewhere, I've tried chasing it down with starter fluid but I can't find any leaks. So it brings me back a valve issue
So before I pull this all apart... I was thinking about switching to aluminum heads, with increasing compression and horsepower as the motivators.
Solution: It seems my choices are the new Edelbrock E-Street 75cc heads, 440 source stealth heads or have the iron heads milled and ported. It sounds like from current owners of the 440 source heads say they need quite a bit of prep and are not bolt on ready per se, and the E-Streets are brand spanking new without a lot of testing out on the open market, and I'm not even sure I can mill that much off a 88cc head without serious repercussions.
What would you do?