Well, after months of frustration and many visits to this and other sites the 383 is finally running smooth. And what exactly was the problem you ask? Well after going through 3 starters, a couple of flexplates, 2 power valves, and many other inconveniences we found exactly what was wrong. People said to look for a vacuum leak, we did but couldn't find one anywhere. Tonight, while I was at work my dad called me...he and my brother had gotten it to idle and everything! And there was a vacuum leak, my brother took off my carb to test it on his motor when they pulled up the charred gasket on my motor they found 3 washers UNDERNEATH the gasket on the studs. After taking those off, putting on a new gasket, and placing the washers in their correct position the engine started right up and idles with a very nice lope.