purchased 26 year old project engine,...how to proceed?

[Grumpy]

Looking for suggestions on what you should do to refresh a new 26 yr old 383 Stroker. Full tear down, inspect & rebuild or just replace all gaskets and go through normal breakin process?

I had an opportunity to pick this up from a friend and could not pass it up.
I'm waiting for the engine to be delivered but here's what I know:
• 383 built in 1992 by a well respected So Cal machine shop as a spare backup engine to a matching spec engine installed in a street rod the family of a former SCCA race enthusiast still drives today.
• Never installed or run
• '71 010,020 nickel block, surfaced, bore honed
• 4 bolt splayed main caps
• Ross pistons, Corillo rods, Crower crank
• Dart heads
• B&M Blower

Attachment: SBC-Blower.jpg (101.06 KB) 1 View(s)

Attachment: SBC-Blower2.jpg (344.08 KB) 1 View(s)

Attachment: SBC-Blower3.jpg (294.46 KB) 1 View(s)

Attachment: SBC-Blower4.jpg (137.79 KB) 1 View(s)

right now your assuming a great deal, about the components that were used in that engine, and their current condition,
only by taking the oil pan and heads off and measuring and careful inspection and replacing the related gaskets,
will you be dealing with known facts,
Id suggest its worth many times the cost of the few hours effort and gaskets that will need to be replaced to know exactly what your dealing with ,
and the components used and their current condition,
and having inspected the engine to have made and adjustments or repairs required.

 

[Mark Bradley]

Here is my 2¢.
Tear it down and inspect it or pay someone to do that.
Why take an otherwise great deal and risk tossing it out the window because of a decade + human error that results in big dollars.
If the parts are good you are only out tha cost of the gasket set and the cost of a good machine shop for a few hours.

 

[busterrm]

I agree with both of you. But I would tear it down and at least check all the clearances and check the block,make sure it’s it’s all in good shape and reassemble it very meticulously. Also calculate compression for boost the blower is giving, for dependable street use. Check the cam to make sure it’s blower friendly, etc....

 

[Maniacmechanic1]

Drop the oil pan and take a look.

 

[T-Test]

Drop the oil pan and take a look.

Some will look and still not know what it is they're looking at. Don't believe anything you hear and only half of what you see when someone will lie to make a sell. Have even seen fake blowers without the screws in them but still had the whine.

 

[Maniacmechanic1]

If the Engine was Assembled with the Old Clevite Bearing Guard that is Yellow that is Good.
I have 1 bottle here that is 25 years old now.
Still like new and Pourable or able to squeeze out of the bottle.
About 2004 its was changed slight with a Red Dye.
All I like to use on Crankshaft main and rod bearings.
Cam bearings too.

 

[Mark Bradley]

There ya go! Ask a question that allows for opinions and that is exactly what ya get... a bunch of us with opinions.

Please keep us posted on what path you take and how it works out for ya!

Cheers