Ok here is the deal, last year I built this engine with a friend who has some experience, but the rings never seated?? It smokes like crazy now, so I want to use the same block but build a 383 like I should have in the first place. The parts that I would like to know if I can reuse in the bottom end are, 6" eagle forged rods, .30 over forged flat top (pro true) pistons? Will the rods and pistons still be compatable with the new crank?? What else has to be done to the block? Can I still use the stock oil pan? Sorry for all the questions, I am just trying to figure out what new parts I will have to collect. Just for a little extra info, the rebuild has about 6k on it now. Any info will be great!!

Cory

 

You could reuse the pistons with a 5.7" rod, or you could reuse the rods with the right pistons, but one of them has to change. If you use those on a 383 you'll end up with the pistons sticking up about 1/4" out of the block.

To build a 383 you'll need to check for rod clearance at the cam lobes, bottoms of the cylinders and near the oil pan rails.

If you really want to reuse everything, don't worry about building a 383, just hone the block for new rings.

 

Apeiron, those were exactly the answers I was lookin for!! I was going to buy a pro charger next year, but now I need a rear end and trans rebuild, go figure. So I guess I will build something to be N/A higher comp. for now. I will keep the rods and go with new pistons most likely. Any suggestions on rings?? I really could not tell you what was used the first time, but is there a ring that is easier to seat and good for N/A applications?

 

if i had the choice i'd keep the pistons and get some scat 7/16" capscrew rods from racers outlet or dirttrack thunder whoever has them in stock.check ebay.rods are cheaper than pistons.the hastings rings that come with the pro tru pistons have a pretty good track record.you need a good hone job to seat plasma moly rings.iron moly rings will seat with just a dingleberry hone.
scat makes a nice internal balance 383 crank that would let you reuse your balancer and flexplate or flywheel too.
get the assembly balanced!
Eric B

 

Great advice, thanks!!