The car is a 1979 z28. The car has been sitting for probably 6yrs and hasnt ran or moved. This is the first time im attempting a project like this. Can anyone point me in the direction on website or books i can look into for information on doing a complete build like this. I plan on pulling the motor out and sending it to a machine shop to be cleaned up and probably bored out to maybe a 383. Im definitely a noob at this but im excited to get the project started.

 

Start here with a rotating assembly:

http://www.ohiocrank.com/chevsb_rotate.html

And here for a decent set of heads:

http://www.jegs.com/i/GM-Performance...oductId=955894

 

You can also check out Whites Performance, they too have great products. I just purchased my parts for my 388 stroker from them.

For the rotating assembly

http://whiteperformance.com/RotatingAssemblies.htm

Heads

http://whiteperformance.com/AluminumHEads.htm

Like cambirdracing pointed out the ZZ4 Aluminum Heads are decent set as well.

Hope this helps a little. Good Luck

 

Your budget ultimately determines what direction you get pointed. Those ZZ4 heads from jegs are priced individually; not for a pair.

I'm in the process of building a cheap motor; if I didn't already have a good set of vortec heads and short block my build would have went a lot differently.
Basically just did rings, cam bearings, rod/main bearings, crank was turned/cut, hone, Comp Cams 276HR camshaft, Edelbrock 2716 intake, Holley 80457 carb, 2,500 stall converter. My heads were tanked, received a valve job and new springs/retainers/locks/rocker studs. Should be good for about 350 horse/400 ft lbs. On top of all that it is fitted with a 100 shot of nitrous to send those power numbers up a bit more (around 450 horse/500-550 ft lbs).

 

There are many books out there, but you can always have your local speed shop put the engine together for you if you don't want to screw anything up.

 

In order to get yourself a 383 you will have to have your block (assuming its a 350) bored .030 over if not already done, you will have to use a custom fit 3.75 stroker crank or use the stock crank from a 400sbc and have mains turned down to fit your block. May also have to have different pistons as I believe the wrist pin locations are different for the 383 striker. Hope this helps.

 

thanks for all the info guys, are there any kits out there to do a 383 build? Also is it smarter to have a shop do the bottom end of the motor and then i do the top end? Im not a mechanic or anything so i dont want to mess up putting the crank and all that into the motor but im not looking to spend a ton either....my power goal is whatever it takes to get the car into the low 12's high 11's

 

Keep in mind what zraffz stated when deciding to build an engine it's about what your pocket can handle and what are you wanting to do.

Yes they're are kits out there to do the 383 build. Check the link I suggested earlier and you will notice the kit comes with a crank, rods, pistons, rings, bearings,flex-plate, and harmonic balancer.

If you do not know what you are doing then it would be wise to let a well known shop/builder put your engine together complete from pan to carb.

If in fact you want to get your hands on knowledge going get you a junk complete 350 break it down alone with books and or dvds and put it back together. I wouldn't attempt to put something together with no knowledge to run on the street.

Good Luck on your build