I'm building my 383 over the winter and am contemplating some oiling modifications. Came across some new ideas (to me) and wanted some experienced builders thoughts. Three mods I came across are:
1. Drill oil passage at front of block to supply oil to the cam thrust plate, as per David Vizards Camshaft and valvetrains book.
2. Compliments of Crane Cams; Cut .030 oil passage on distributor. Accomplished by tapping into main oil feed at rear of block allowing oiling of the camshaft/distributor timing gears.
3. Oil restrictors installed in rear of block.

I am stroking my L-98, a roller block with Hyd Roller lifters. For this reason (HYD Roller lifters) I am questioning these mods. I have already cleaned up the Main cap, oil filter head and cleaned lifter valley oil returns. I will be running a Melling stock replacement pump (M-55). Will these mods compliment the oiling system well (adding longevity/durability) or will I lose too much pressure at the bearings/risk pressure to the lifters? Thanks for your input.

 

The first 2 are good.

DO NOT use oil restrictors with any hyd cam, roller or otherwise.

Drill only the 2 oil passage plugs that are at the end of the lifter passages; not the center one, above the cam bearing bore, that oils all the bearings.

Cut your groove (or file a flat ... IMO better) on the dist housing such that it's above the camgear/distgear interface when the dist is installed.

I customarily do both of those mods to my motors. I use the M55 pump, 55-S screen tacked to the pump, IS-55E intermediate shaft with metal collar, and Mr Gasket 26 spring.

 

Let me offer this idea, While the engine's apart and everything is nice and clean. JB weld some screens into the oil drainback holes in the head. I do this whenever I've used roller rockers because those little needle bearings just love to find their way into the oil pump. It's cheap insurance.
You'll thank me later............

 

Thanks! Block and heads are at the machine shop so I have to visualize the screen installation but it sounds like it has merits.

One other question. What benefit is realized by tapping the three front oil plugs? Reliability in sealing is all I can think of...

 

That's it.... if you drill and tap them and use threaded pipe plugs instead of welch plugs, they're alot less likely to fall out.

 

RB83L69,

Thanks for all the replies. Your assistance has been great! My build is going slow but meticulous and I am re-assembling now.

I need to know what size drill bit you use for the front two oil plugs offset from and above the cam bearing bore? I know the answer is probably a small one, but would like to ensure I don't compromise oil pressure to the top of the motor by going to big.

Thanks

 

I use about a #65 one.