It's taken a lot more time to get the 383 SBC/T-56 combo setup in the 74 and ready to start. My target was late september but as always things just slow down.
A bit of history. I picked the 383 Stroker off Craigslist for under $400 as the owner had purchased the car from the original owner that had the engine built and could never get it to run without a bad vibration. In frustration he sold the car/engine combo to a fellow that just wanted the Firebird for it's body. He decided not futz with the SBC but just get what he could.
When I got the engine on a stand it looked brand new inside and miked in at under 0.002" on the crank. It looked like the vibration was coming from the harmonic balancer that had no key in it so it just moved occasionally messing up timing and balance.
I pulled the heads 2.02/1.60 SS valves and did a port match to the Wieand Warrior manifold I purchased to replace the iron one on it originally. The carb and dissy are from the 83 Avanti before I went to EFI. A new Summit balancer and Centerforce Flywheel were added to allow adding the T-56 I picked up on Craigslist. Remember, this is a 4-speed car. I've documented all the installs to get here. The Dana 44 is rebuilt by me with a 3:55 posi added.
I've also added Turner Brakes to the front and all new brake parts and lines. The power steering pump, ram and valve are all rebuilt with new hoses added. The exhaust is a 2 1/2" setup fabricated between my local shop and me. A new Speedway wiring harness was installed far enough to allow the ignition, electric pump and fan to run. The fan is an electric unit as described previously.
Enough blabber, let's see if it starts. Want to bet what happens, I posted it so ---
When I looked at the video my first question was, Why didn't he hit the choke. I had done that prior to startup to be sure there was gas in the carb. This is the first time this engine has been started, it started quicker than any I can remember, so it must want to run. It has been turned several times to set timing, build oil pressure and check fuel pressure.
I let it run at various RPM to break in the new Lunati Voodoo cam and lifters for about 20 minutes and took it for it's first drive with me.
First impression, this thing is "VICIOUS". We've kicked around is 3:55 enough? I know there is about 500# to be added but I just hit the accelerator half heartedly out on the road and it's strong.
Now to add the Wide band O2 sensor and start tuning when the body work is finished.
Even better news!! Brakes work, clutch feels right and no leaks.
Let the remainder of the body work start, Dang cold weather coming though.
I'm pumped, This thing will murder the 83.
Bob
A bit of history. I picked the 383 Stroker off Craigslist for under $400 as the owner had purchased the car from the original owner that had the engine built and could never get it to run without a bad vibration. In frustration he sold the car/engine combo to a fellow that just wanted the Firebird for it's body. He decided not futz with the SBC but just get what he could.
When I got the engine on a stand it looked brand new inside and miked in at under 0.002" on the crank. It looked like the vibration was coming from the harmonic balancer that had no key in it so it just moved occasionally messing up timing and balance.
I pulled the heads 2.02/1.60 SS valves and did a port match to the Wieand Warrior manifold I purchased to replace the iron one on it originally. The carb and dissy are from the 83 Avanti before I went to EFI. A new Summit balancer and Centerforce Flywheel were added to allow adding the T-56 I picked up on Craigslist. Remember, this is a 4-speed car. I've documented all the installs to get here. The Dana 44 is rebuilt by me with a 3:55 posi added.
I've also added Turner Brakes to the front and all new brake parts and lines. The power steering pump, ram and valve are all rebuilt with new hoses added. The exhaust is a 2 1/2" setup fabricated between my local shop and me. A new Speedway wiring harness was installed far enough to allow the ignition, electric pump and fan to run. The fan is an electric unit as described previously.
Enough blabber, let's see if it starts. Want to bet what happens, I posted it so ---
When I looked at the video my first question was, Why didn't he hit the choke. I had done that prior to startup to be sure there was gas in the carb. This is the first time this engine has been started, it started quicker than any I can remember, so it must want to run. It has been turned several times to set timing, build oil pressure and check fuel pressure.
I let it run at various RPM to break in the new Lunati Voodoo cam and lifters for about 20 minutes and took it for it's first drive with me.
First impression, this thing is "VICIOUS". We've kicked around is 3:55 enough? I know there is about 500# to be added but I just hit the accelerator half heartedly out on the road and it's strong.
Now to add the Wide band O2 sensor and start tuning when the body work is finished.Even better news!! Brakes work, clutch feels right and no leaks.
Let the remainder of the body work start, Dang cold weather coming though.
I'm pumped, This thing will murder the 83.
Bob
'63 Avanti R-1384. sold 12/10.
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