Hey guys!
I'm looking at buying this 383 shortblock.
It's a driver's side dipstick block ('69-'79). I'm trying to figure out what the differences are between a driver's side dipstick block and a passenger side dipstick block. Obviously there's more difference than just the dipstick placement.
What I want to do is use the heads from my '88 L98 block with a Holley Stealth Ram. Can I do that?
What kind of cam will I need to use? Hydraulic roller or flat tappet?
Can I just replace my block with this one and be good to go or are there a lot of modifications I'm going to have to make, such as to my wiring harness, etc.?
Any and all help is greatly appreciated.

 

That block would have a 2 piece rear main seal, yours should have a 1 piece so you would need a different flexplate. I think the dipstick would hit the factory manifolds, but thats kinda pointless since your most likely running headers with it.. thats a flat tappet block so you'd use a flat tappet cam..or go aftermarket roller.. oil pan would be different.. heads and intake would bolt up.. compression may be an issue looking at the table they had at the bottom.. you should have no problem mounting sensors or anything like that.. hmm thats all I can think of right now.. im sure someone else will chime in...

 

The disptick routing is no problem. I'm running Hooker shorties and I can always bend the dipstick tube a little if I have to.
The aftermarket roller, is that a conversion kit?
I was wondering about the compression myself. If it will be a problem, I can always order it with the flat top pistons. It's the same price.

 

timing chain is diffrent also. you will need to buy lifters with link bars and a cam of your deires if you want to stick with a roller cam, you should be able to find kits with a cam lifters and timing chain, some may even have springs, and uh didnt i see this before lol