Hi all, first time posting on here but have been a reader for some time now. I am currently swapping in a 383 stroker into my 1989 Firebird Formula 5.0L TBI. This project is just beginning and I am only at the disassembly phase and ran into an issue. On the motor being swapped in, it does not have the accessory brackets on it. Can I use the stock accessory brackets? I will include the block numbers from the 383 because I know that will help.

Secondly, I picked up the block from a woman who's brother passed away so I dont know much about the motor. I was going to take it into a shop to have it inspected, but are there a few things that the amatuer home mechanic can do to help me identify what I have? Knowing will obviously help me because I need to know how much money to throw at my rear end and 700r4. I am willing to take pics of the engine but let me know specifically what you're looking for so I can keep the thread from being cluttered with 100 different pics haha.

I'm hoping I have a 400hp machine here but would mind if its less. I want to install a TBI system on it btw and I already know what you're going to say. I dont have the cash for a better EFI, but I do have the perseverance and confidence to try a heavily modded 4bbl BBC TBI. I am a computer engineer so ECM work doesnt scare me. I just want a reliable machine who's EFI setup doesnt slow them down. Sorry for the long-winded thread. Thanks in advance for all your help and input.

 

all your front assecories will bolt up to the 383. Other will chime in but i do know you need to drop the pan and check what crank is in there. I didnt see my crank when it was installed so am not sure if the crank has numbers on it or not.

But a starting point before someone chimes in, is to take the pan off

 

That would require me to have an engine stand haha. Its sitting on a cart I made for it right now because I had to move it there in a hurry in order to get the motor for as cheap as I did. But anyways, here are the engine numbers:

40GM - 3970010

Initial research shows that this is a late-60's block, which I heard was good because theyre bulletproof. Anyone care to elaborate? I'm thinking that I will have to get some new motor mounts to get it to fit properly?

 

Any receipts paid to the machine shop from the build helps tons.

 

Newer blocks are better then the older blocks, plus newer blocks have a 1 piece rear main seal which is better ( less places to leak compared to a 2 peice RMS block ), and newer block is a hydrolic roller, though you can make the non roller blocks roller, will just cost alittle extra money for retrofit parts.

I would invest in an engine stand, there only $150 or so, and will make life much easier to install front brackets rather then doing it in the car. Your Motor mounts in the car now should work just fine, but seeing the blocks going to be out, probably would be a good idea to replace them anyways, there not exspensive

 

Unfortunately the gentleman who knows most about this engine isnt with us anymore. And I wasnt about to ask his sister for the receipts to be sure! At any rate, I hope to get the oil filter into a shop soon so they can cut it open and take a look at the engine's health. I know a guy who owns a nice shop and offered to lend some hardware help if needed. What exactly will I be looking for when I pull off the oil pan? I called him and he said that he could come pick up the motor and take it to his shop for a few weeks so I lucked out there. What other clues could I look for that would give me an idea what kind of monster I have here? I appreciate the quick replies!

 

pull the heads and see what pistons are in there and check the cylinder walls.

What intake and carb are on it?

 

Intake is an Edelbrock Torker II. I have an Edelbrock Performer as well and cant really tell which one would be better for it.

The carb was an Edelbrock 650cfm model: 1406. This is a fuel economy carb so I'm concerned that this a milder stroker build. What should I check for on the pistons when I look at them? I can spot wear and tear but I assume that I'm looking for a clue as to what kind or type they are.

 

hate to say it but from the looks of the intake and carb it is a VERY mild build, even if it is a 383.

 

Yeah i thought so too. Well thanks for the help today, I
ll get this thing dissassembled soon and will re-post with my findings.