Scrap TPI. Back to 383.

[MaineShark]

New plan. I keep forgetting I really don't plan to keep this particular car more than 4 or 5 years. So, upgrading to TPI is not a good investment on this one (next car will definitely be fuel-injected, though).

And, I was recently reading through Hot Rod's archives, and came across this article, and I am warming up to the idea of building my own engine, both for bragging rights and experience.

I figure I can find a decent used block, and build a 383, then just swap out my old block for the new one (that way, I can drive the car while the engine is being built, and I'll have the original in case any future buyer cares).

If anyone has read the article, and has an opinion about the buildup they describe, or the accuracy of their price list, please let me know what you think.

Joe

 

[69MyWay]

I built one 383 for my 85 Vette. It was actually very easy.

I found a solid four bolt 350, and had my machine shop get a 400 crank and rods for me. I ordered pistons specific for a 383 build and slapped it together. The shop did the notch on the block for the crank/rod spacing....and the rest was text book.

In this case I had to run a 400 flywheel and front ballancer.


The newer aftermarket kits give you more flexibility.

It was fun, and a minimal additional expense to do it this way.

Oh....did I add, that it still had the TPI on top??? What a torque monster!