Posted By: 4BBodies
383 rebuild - 12/28/08 01:17 PM
New project guys, I started on my 383 block for my '69 Bee. It is a '71 block, that came with the car, which was apart in boxes when the car arrived. Ok, I am doing a budget rebuild, the engine appears healthy overall, there is only a slight ridge, and the original pistons look really good. Here is my question......the pistons were just thrown in a box, and were not marked in any way, as to which bores they came from. Am I going to need pistons now? Or can they be cleaned up in a way so that they can go back in any bore? The rods are tight on the pins, and basically they look like they only need a good cleaning. Any thoughts?
Posted By: hemiluver
Re: 383 rebuild - 12/28/08 01:48 PM
If they have no scuffs and look good. I would think there fine as the pistons dont touch,only the rings touch.
Posted By: gtx69
Re: 383 rebuild - 12/28/08 02:10 PM
If the rods are still attached to the pistons thee bore number will be stamped on the bottom side of the rods
Posted By: 4BBodies
Re: 383 rebuild - 12/28/08 02:25 PM
Thanks, you are right.........I just checked. Not all are readable, I will clean them and see.
Posted By: Fab64
Re: 383 rebuild - 12/28/08 04:56 PM
Before you go thru all the work of re-assembly, you may want to have the block checked for cracks, squareness, etc. I mean, the P.O. must have taken it apart for a reason, right?
Posted By: 4BBodies
Re: 383 rebuild - 12/28/08 06:00 PM
The numbers were barely readable, but I managed........my shed is too dark.........and they missed the flat machined spot on a few of the stampings........so I am all set. Thanks again!
Posted By: Baxter61
Re: 383 rebuild - 12/29/08 07:43 AM
standard engine assembly practices will tell you if it will go together again. Checking bores for taper, piston to wall clearence, all those good things and if everything checks out then your in the clear! Also, I would have it magged and tanked as said above as there probably was a reason it was taken apart.
personally, I would never go through the hassle and expense of re-assembling an engine that you know has taper in the bores, using original pistons that you're not sure of, not knowing why it was torn down to begin with. It's gonna cost you darn near just as much as a full new bottom end. In the end, at best you'll end up with a sloppy, out of spec motor that, sorry to say,... needs a rebuild. At worst, it'll come apart (again??) and take the rest of the new parts with it, leaving you back at square one.
a simple bore and hone, resize of the rods, new rod bolts and set of pistons will only set you back about $800 if you shop around. IMO, Don't even think twice.