I started a thread on the finished stroker and why I took the 383 out. I spoke of the lack of power and not being able to get out of its own way. I had been through everything but the bottom end of the engine. Well, last week it was pulled and replaced with the 512 stroker. So, We dove into the old 383 to see what the issue is/was. The camshaft and timing gears were set at zero as planned. Considering what else we found, degreeing the cam I don't think would have made much difference. We will never know know. But it will have some degree going back!
First, there was absolutely no end gap in the rings! Zero! Way too tight on all 8. Fortunately the bore was fine and rings weren't broken or stuck.
Second, there was about 150 thousands space between top of the flat top pistons and the deck. Plus the gasket. That would explain the very low 7.6:1 compression and why it took the motor awhile to get any speed going!
Everything else seems marginally ok. Little bearing wear, it does have a good forged steel crank. It kind of looks like it was dry started once or twice before I got it. I'm thinking the p.o. Didn't realize to prime before starting.
The other little issue was many things were loose. The oil pickup tube was floating in the base and the end of it (screen) is severely damaged and dinged up.
That's all I've found so far. It's enough! Hope this will help someone out. Bottom line is, "you gotta know what you're doing and what you want when you build a Mopar engine"
First, there was absolutely no end gap in the rings! Zero! Way too tight on all 8. Fortunately the bore was fine and rings weren't broken or stuck.
Second, there was about 150 thousands space between top of the flat top pistons and the deck. Plus the gasket. That would explain the very low 7.6:1 compression and why it took the motor awhile to get any speed going!
Everything else seems marginally ok. Little bearing wear, it does have a good forged steel crank. It kind of looks like it was dry started once or twice before I got it. I'm thinking the p.o. Didn't realize to prime before starting.
The other little issue was many things were loose. The oil pickup tube was floating in the base and the end of it (screen) is severely damaged and dinged up.
That's all I've found so far. It's enough! Hope this will help someone out. Bottom line is, "you gotta know what you're doing and what you want when you build a Mopar engine"
