NEW GUY HAS 383 QUESTION

[170cuda]

I have a 383 with KB 162 pitons that are .022 in the hole with 516 heads. I have compression figured to be about 9.0 with felpro .040 gasket. Will swithing to the mopar .020 gasket bring it up to 9.5? How much of a horsepower gain is there by doing this? Thanks for help...

[matt63]

Here is the link to the KB compression calculator.  I don't think that it will make alot of difference compression or hp wise.

[Chryco Psycho]

I make it 9.27 : 1 now , you will likely hit 9.5 with the thin shim .020 gaskets , I doubt you will feel the difference

[matt63]

Here is the link to the KB compression calculator.  I don't think that it will make alot of difference compression or hp wise.

oops! http://kb-silvolite.com/calc.php

[sleepychallenger]

i thought that the factory 383 hat 10:1? that is just from some of the things that i have read. is this incorrect?

[170cuda]

The main reason I am doing this is I was told the block was zero decked and now I found its not. So I'm trying to get the quench from .062 to .042 without re machineing anything. From what I've read it seems worth while. Has anyone ever experimented with any thing like this before to say whether its worthwhile?

[matt63]

I'm not sure that the zero deck quench idea works with open chamber heads.  What heads do you have?

[170cuda]

Heads are 516 closed chamber.

[Chryco Psycho]

you will have good quench with the 516 heads & .042 clearance & yes you will feel that difference 

[170cuda]

I got the steel head gaskets today and need to know if I should put anything on them? Any problems leaking around water jackets?

[170cuda]

Also wanted to thank you guys for your help. This engine is in a 70 cuda that currently runs 12.40 1/4 mile times. I'm switching from a 230 duration 480 lift hydraulic cam to the mopar 528 solid and getting the quench right with the head gaskets. Hoping for a 12.00 next week.

[Chryco Psycho]

You are welcome , sounds like the car runs strong !!
 I use the Spray Tack gasket coating on the steel shims

[170cuda]

It runs good for a low compresion 383. Heres the rest of the setup. .030 383 KB162 pistons stock rods and crank. Aerohead racing 516 heads with 2.14 1.81 valves with bowls blended. No other port work. 727 trans. with 4500 dynamic converter. 3.91 gears and a 29 in. slick. 1.68 60 ft. 7.84 660 at 86.85 12.4043 1/4 at 106.89 with the old cam and head gaskets.