engine kits

[TreeFrog]

thinking about buying a rebuild kit for a 383 from summit...any comments on kit brands..such as Federal Mogul etc.....

[tactransman]

It's all good!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Chryco Psycho]

I like to put together my own parts using the best parts available 

[moper]

I ususally let the machine shop sell me the right sized stuff the first time. I have had "boxed wrong" type errors, and it's a phone call and their problem. No shipping, boxing, guessing. The parts they sell are decent, and the price is good, but I wouldnt order a kit until the crank has been turned, the bores mic'd, and all the other stuff checked out.

[Rob C]

Have all your block machine work done first, then order the kit. If fordged pistons are wanted, tell the macinest first because there machined to exact specs for each piston.
Summit racing will sub any part in there kit.
Fed-mougals are fine. Not a thing wrong with them.

[Follicly Challenged]

Let the machinist order the parts, after he/she has bored the block to ascertain where it cleans up. Then, AFTER the pistons have arrived, he can can correctly hone-fit the clearance. Same goes for the Crankgrinding, etc., etc.

Tech Note; 383 .030" over Pistons. 1 set new "outa the box" may measure 4.2785 to 4.2788. a second set, "outa the box" may measure 4.2772 to 4.2774. If you're wanting .0022" clearance, why would you "PREHONE" your block to 4.2800" ? No way to tell which set you're gonna get until you recieve them and measure.

The LAST guy you wanna beat pricewise is your engine machinist. Find a GOOD, REPUTABLE shop, and let them do their thing, PERIOD !
If you want Federal Mogul parts, tell them that, I'm sure it's no problem. But, PAY THEIR PRICE, don't try and nickel and dime crap, lest ye pay elsewhere !

You get what you pay for is generally a good rule of thumb, but, the most important thing is to find a GOOD shop, and NOT cheap out !

Ask them up front if they have a torque plate for a BB Mopar ! Good indicator of their commitment to quality product and cylinders. If they respond "you don't need that", WALK AWAY !

Just my 2 cents

[TreeFrog]

understood....agree

now what is a torque plate? 

[Rob C]

It's a plate screwed onto block inplace of the head to simulate the forces applied buy the head when it's on the block, AKA running engine.
When you use this on a block as your bore and hone it, it will keep the cylinders stright and round. If you don't use it, when you put the head on and torque it down, it will distort the cylinders to out of round.

[TreeFrog]

awesome, makes sense....