I found my engine!

Author Topic: I found my engine!  (Read 2559 times)

Offline 68cuda_dream

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I found my engine!
« on: December 07, 2005 - 06:21:17 PM »
 It's me again. I'm still in Iraq for another month but I wanted to get as much info as I can before I get home. I have a 68 cuda all original fastback with the stock 318. This car is in bad need of restoration. I bought a 383 that came out of a 66 newport for $100. I was looking for a 440 but I couldn't pass that deal up. I'm still new to mopar so I'm not to sure of what I have to work with. I can handle the suspension and body but when it comes down the the engine I have a hard time matching parts. The 383 was still running when they pulled it. I want this cuda to blow the doors off of all the little ricers around town. I'm so sick of them talking smack about all the old muscle cars I love. I want to teach them a lesson. Can you guys help me??




Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: I found my engine!
« Reply #1 on: December 07, 2005 - 11:44:41 PM »
I don`t see a problem

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Offline 68cuda_dream

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Re: I found my engine!
« Reply #2 on: December 08, 2005 - 04:58:45 AM »
I want to rebuild it but not sure what parts to use. Not sure on what setup would be be good or what brands to use. The basic bolt-on parts I know but the internal parts I need help with. What do I do about the motor mounts? Will I run into any other snags swapping the 318 for a 383?

Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: I found my engine!
« Reply #3 on: December 09, 2005 - 12:33:51 AM »
to start with Use Michigan 77 full groove brgs , Melling oil pump HPressure not High Volume
 not sure what to do for a piston , the Speed Pro L2315F is a good choice with a closed chamber head
True roller timing chain , get the rotating assy Balanced ,
 use a windage tray
 replace the rod bolts with good new bolts , Pioneer or ARP etc

 I use 1.81 exhuast valves in the heads ,
 the rest   depend on what you want , cam & intake have to match & it depends where you want the powerband, valve train is also dictaed by Cam choice
 to be  SCumakers has the engine mounts www.engine-swaps.com

Challenger - You`ll wish You Hadn`t

Offline Plum6Pak

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Re: I found my engine!
« Reply #4 on: December 09, 2005 - 06:59:10 AM »
Hi 68Cudadream, glad to hear you will be coming home soon, thanks for your time over there for all of us!
You will need a big block transmission and as Chryco already said, big block motor mounts, everything else pretty much will work as long as the 383 is coming with the attachement brackets for the alt, PS, the pulleys, distributor etc. Did your car have A/C? The reason I ask is if it did, you may already have the heavy duty cooling and wouldn't need to upsize the radiator, if not I'd be looking for a 26" or aluminum radiator to help that big block bad boy keep it's cool! Good Luck and have a safe trip home!

Offline 68cuda_dream

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Re: I found my engine!
« Reply #5 on: December 09, 2005 - 03:56:44 PM »
Will a 727 mount up to it? I can't wait to get home to play with my new toy.The thing is I've never even seen my cudain person. I've only seen pics of it that my wife sent me.

Offline MEK-Dangerfield

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Re: I found my engine!
« Reply #6 on: December 09, 2005 - 04:14:26 PM »
I can't imagine what you are going thru with the suspense.  :o Yes, the 727 is your ticket to paradise.  :thumbsup: I hope you enjoy the ride.

  Mike

Mike

1970 Challenger - SOLD
2016 SXT+.  1 of 524 SXT+'s in Plumb-crazy for 2016.

Offline 68cuda_dream

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Re: I found my engine!
« Reply #7 on: December 09, 2005 - 05:55:24 PM »
I want to rebuild the 383 but i've never been this far into ant car. what should i look for in a rebuild kit? i want to build it myself but i know i'll have to send it to a shop to get the machine work done. anything i should look out for?

Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: I found my engine!
« Reply #8 on: December 10, 2005 - 12:54:29 AM »
there are 2 727 trannys , you will need the big block version , the small block will not bolt up
 try to find a meticulous machinist , it makes all the difference
 A rebuild kit should have the makes & parts I listed  , don`t buy a kit if it has a compromise buy the parts separatly if nessisary

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Offline 68cuda_dream

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Re: I found my engine!
« Reply #9 on: December 17, 2005 - 09:18:05 AM »
There is a chance I will nun Nitrous :naughty:   Is there any internal parts I should put in???

Offline Grancoupe

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Re: I found my engine!
« Reply #10 on: December 17, 2005 - 10:54:09 AM »
I would stay away from the stock flex plate between the block and converter. I wasted 3 of them along with a bunch of tranny parts that went with them when they let go. I have had a solid one from B&M for a really long time and it held up great. Has a number of different bolt patterns to fit almost any setup.

Offline 71383bee

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Re: I found my engine!
« Reply #11 on: December 17, 2005 - 04:17:03 PM »
There is a chance I will nun Nitrous :naughty:   Is there any internal parts I should put in???

Whoa there cuda...hold on a second.  It's good to see that you're into speed, but you gotta understand the physics here. 

The stock 383 A-body cuda's could barely keep the tires from frying!  Not to mention that it is an extremely tight fit in that engine bay.  Not saying it can't be done, but it is a lot to chew on for a first time resto.  You will have your hands full just getting things to fit nice and run.  Most BB cuda's have cut up fenders for the headers and on anything not a straight line the car handles poorly.  For drag racing they were killer though.  Just a mildly built 383 is all you'll need to impress the locals.  No need for laughing gas.  Those things can always be added later. 

Considering that your suspension, brakes, cooling, and rear drivetrain are all gonna need to be substantially upgraded you allready got plenty to chew on. :2cents:

Stay safe out there and keep up the good work you guys and gals are doing. :wavingflag:
71 - 383 FC7 Super Bee

Offline Grancoupe

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Re: I found my engine!
« Reply #12 on: December 17, 2005 - 04:23:19 PM »
One of the things you  need to consider about Nitrous is it eats a motor up if the motor isn't set up for it. Otherwise its as good as any other type of boost out there. I have a set of Nitrous pistons in my 383 from Wiseco. They cut an additional expansion groove in the piston. Take into consideration fuel supply and ignition systems that can accomodate a Nitrous environment.