383 build questions
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From: Northwest, Indiana
383 build questions Hey guys.
I have a 1994 Z28 that is too damn slow. My current mods are pacesetter mid-lengths and a K&N FIPK. My budget for this project is $3,500.
The car runs fine right now, but the oil pressure is getting somewhat low. That being said, I would like to rebuild the engine. I will do all of the work myself, so please factor that into the cost.
I am also going to rebuild the 4l60e and purchase a stall.
Now I would like some ideas from you guys.
Remember the budget is small.
so..... WHAT SHOULD I BUILD?!
Will i have enough money for a 383 build? Or should I just rebuild the 350 to stock specs and maybe spray it??
All input is welcome!!
I have a 1994 Z28 that is too damn slow. My current mods are pacesetter mid-lengths and a K&N FIPK. My budget for this project is $3,500.
The car runs fine right now, but the oil pressure is getting somewhat low. That being said, I would like to rebuild the engine. I will do all of the work myself, so please factor that into the cost.
I am also going to rebuild the 4l60e and purchase a stall.
Now I would like some ideas from you guys.
Remember the budget is small.
so..... WHAT SHOULD I BUILD?!
Will i have enough money for a 383 build? Or should I just rebuild the 350 to stock specs and maybe spray it??
All input is welcome!!
You want to rebuild the motor, rebuild the trans, and pick up a new stall for $3500? Unfortunately that's not going to happen.
For $3500, you can probably get a base stock-ish rebuild on the motor with a cam swap, and that's about it.
For $3500, you can probably get a base stock-ish rebuild on the motor with a cam swap, and that's about it.
if you were just saying engine I'd say you'd be able to do it, but trans is atleast another $1500+ for the build and then cost of convertor. basically you'll have <$1500 for a motor rebuild
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Verdad Gallardo Most people leave rebuilding A4s to the professionals. I went through Performabuilt to build my 4L60E. Cost me $2200 with a custom converter.
Take the block to the machine shop for new bearings and zero deck. If the cylinders are OK, just have them honed and install new file fit rings. Reuse the stock oil pump if it looks OK, but upgrade to the 4130 shaft and steel collar, also use the white spring in the pump. You should be able to accomplish that for $1K. Send your heads to LE or AI and have them ported and have them spec a cam for you. Use a felpro 1074 head gasket to keep the quench to about .039". Watch for a good deal on a 52 or 58 T/B and get a tune. You should be able to do that for $3500. Might even have enough left over for some gears. Good luck!
Take the block to the machine shop for new bearings and zero deck. If the cylinders are OK, just have them honed and install new file fit rings. Reuse the stock oil pump if it looks OK, but upgrade to the 4130 shaft and steel collar, also use the white spring in the pump. You should be able to accomplish that for $1K. Send your heads to LE or AI and have them ported and have them spec a cam for you. Use a felpro 1074 head gasket to keep the quench to about .039". Watch for a good deal on a 52 or 58 T/B and get a tune. You should be able to do that for $3500. Might even have enough left over for some gears. Good luck!
Last edited by RamAir95TA; Aug 29, 2009 at 07:01 PM.
OK, I guess I take it for granted that align boring goes with the fitment of new bearings, my bad for not specifying that. I do think the cylinders can be honed without boring as long as they don't have a taper or out of round confition. The guy is looking for a $3500 performace upgrade and I think I gave him a solid plan rather than no hope and critisizm.
I think you can put together a good motor and trans with $3500 by doing it yourself.I would do a few upgrades to the trans and use some good steels,clutches,and band.Try to find a good stall in the classified,I don't see the trans taking to much of your budget and they are pretty simple to rebuild. Unless the cylinder walls looked bad I would not bore it,but if you are going to buy new pistons I would bore it.Tonskiguy has a good plan for your engine.You might can even get you some gears also.
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Lilburn
Shop build i rebuilt my 350 and bored it and stroked it to a 383 stroker! Comp Cam XFI cam and high compression pistons, racing rings, whole valve kit and everything and at the end of it all i spent over $8,000 just engine alone. I did have a shop build the engine!
OK, I guess I take it for granted that align boring goes with the fitment of new bearings, my bad for not specifying that. I do think the cylinders can be honed without boring as long as they don't have a taper or out of round confition. The guy is looking for a $3500 performace upgrade and I think I gave him a solid plan rather than no hope and critisizm.
$3500 will get you a basic reliable rebuild with a cam swap on stock heads. Fact is the overwhelming majority (probably 4 out of 5) of folks doing rebuilds, swaps, etc., go over their budget. Been there, done that.
JMHO.
I spent over $5K doing my Heads/Cam right. Not sure how you could do an entire motor for $3500 without using inferior parts, or skipping key upgrades. (Of course I also upgraded my clutch, flywheel, fuel pump, TB, EWP, tune, etc.)
my 383 build cost around $2k if I remember correctly
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Kingfisher Oklahoma
A good hone with torque plates will take out any irregularities. if you can lay a straight edge across the saddle of the mains and its in spec why would you line hone a block.