I have an 88 GTA with a 350 TPI. This spring I'd like to rebuild it and have it bored out to a 383. Do you guys think it could be done by a capable mechanic in about 9 days? I was planning on taking a week off from work to do it. I figure if I order all the parts and have a machine shop ready, I could do it. How long did it take for you guys to do your 383's from start to finish? What kit did you get? I was looking at the Summit kit. It's $1100. Anybody used this one or recommend another one? Do most kits come with valve guide seals? I know mine need to be replaced. If I just do the 383 rebuild kit without changing my cam, I won't have to mod the computer or anything right? I just want to get the 383 mod done for now. Thanks for any info! Matt

 

It's possible, but it might be a tight squeeze. The machine shop would have to get it done within a day or two for you to have it back together by your deadline. Personally I never rebuild a motor (or do any serious mods) on a limited time table. I tend to find other things to replace while I'm in there and it ends up taking a lot longer than I ever expected.

 

took me over 4 weeks just to get the block back from machine shop for my 408. i think there are too many variables to say 9 days is enough.

 

Sounds like a good way to overlook something important. Need to take your time and check everything.

 

I agree with the above. This is a major operation, and will not be feasable in the time frame allowed. If you had another motor to rebuild, and just had to do the swap, you would be ok. But, the machine shop is not going to be able to turn your engine around that quickly.

Find another way.

 

Order a 383 shortblock. I got it on a Monday & had the car running on the following Sunday, working only a few hours a day on it.

 

I just got my shortblock back after 5 weeks. It ran me a total of $3055.41. That included new crank, h beams, rings , pistons, bearings, 30 over bore, align hone cam bearings hot tank assembly, stud mains. Basically everything. Itwas about 850 in rotating assembly, 1600 in machine work which included assembly and degreeing cam. What hurt me was when balancing they had to add a motherload of mallory metal to the front counterweight to internally balance it.

 

my 408 is over 2000 now and i do my own heads, cam bearings, and freeze plugs among other things most people have a shop do for them. i wanted to be real cheap about it since i want to sell the car it's going in next year. trouble is my builder engine i picked up needed a lot more work than i figured on. that's why i wouldn't count on doing anything like this with a strict time line to follow.