67 Satellite 383 refresh - questions/advice

[copper67sat]

Christmas came early! Just received the Stealth aluminum heads I ordered from 440 Source. Haven't fully unpacked and inspected them, but the sure look pretty in the box!

We've been busy getting everything ready to have friends over for Easter tomorrow so progress has been a little slow. I've been cleaning parts and measuring things.

Cam journals are spot on the FSM specs. Still checking the lobes. Also measured the crank and it measures -0.010" on main and rod journals as expected.

 

[TorRed]

Just an f.y.i. 440Source recommended a std gasket saying the all steel ones don't do well over time between and iron block and the aluminum heads. At least that's what they told me 5-6 years ago when I ordered mine. Love the thread.

 

[RemCharger]

Just an f.y.i. 440Source recommended a std gasket saying the all steel ones don't do well over time between and iron block and the aluminum heads. At least that's what they told me 5-6 years ago when I ordered mine. Love the thread.

True. Some will argue they don't mind the brinneled surface, or they don't get enough miles to worry. Pretty much every single auto manufacturer is now using the favored MLS gasket. They were created for applications such as this.

 

[copper67sat]

Just an f.y.i. 440Source recommended a std gasket saying the all steel ones don't do well over time between and iron block and the aluminum heads. At least that's what they told me 5-6 years ago when I ordered mine. Love the thread.

Thanks. I have seen the same recommendation. I decided to go with Cometic head gaskets. Pricey, but they were the only ones I found in my desired thickness - 0.027", so close to steel shims.

 

[copper67sat]

Quick update...it took me a while to find a machine shop in the area that I trusted with my engine. Was talking with some coworkers and got a referral to a shop about 45 min south of me. The guy that runs it is a drag racer that is well known in the Mustang community, but his shop works on all makes and he runs a clean, modern shop. I have spoken with him several times and have a good feeling about the work they do and their attention to detail. His price is on par with the other shops nearby that I have less confidence in so he has my parts now. I should have them back by the end of the month and will post an update on how they come out. In the meantime, I still have a lot of parts to clean and prep for paint. I also have some cleanup work to do in the engine bay. I'd really like to repaint it while the engine is out, but that may be more than I am equipped to do. Work and life have also been super busy so it feels like it's taking me forever to get things done, but I try to make some progress each week.

 

[Don Frelier]

My 383 short block in the charger was put together by a ford engine builder.

It's been perfect for 27 years now