Got my heads off and something tells me I may have a minor problem. I think its the valve guides...lol

 

So. how did that happen?
What's the history of the engine?

 

Idiot I got car off of said he was just poking along at 60 when car started to run like crap. Instead of pulling over, car was forced to drive home, or as far as he made it. Right in front of my house. I installed new gaskets and have roughly 20 - 30 miles since replaced. Not a daily driver. Was going to deck the block and surface heads, but chose to just replace gaskets for now. If it blows again, will just get new short block. Could last 10 more miles, or 10,000. Have pounded gas down several times and so far, all is good.

One question I do have, I was told after replacing gaskets, I should re-torque heads after so many miles. True? If so, how many miles? I used red thread locker on head bolts. Torqued in proper order and in two stages.

Thanx for any info...

 

No, you don't need to retorque. Also you're not supposed to use thread locker on head bolts, you're supposed to use thread sealant. I expect you'll be getting some coolant in your oil soon.

I'd guess the block got warped, but it's hard to say. Drive it and find out eh?

 

According to previous owner, tranny has only 3000 miles on it, car has a hair over 80k. Rides like a Cadillac. Rear tires new, fronts older, showing some wear and minor cracking/dry rot. Planning on swapping tires front to back, then go have some fun. I fully realize engine was cooked at one point in time, however, when I replaced gaskets, there was no oil in coolant or vise versa. Just a total loss of compression. Also, it wasnt red thread locker, it was blue. Still thread locker though.

Why using thread locker on head bolts cause leakage?

Anyway, looking forward to finishing off this engine. Might get some video and post to youtube. Maybe some smokin, slidin, dragin, hopefully no crashin...lol Have feeling engine wont last long under them circumstances. Been awhile since I last checked, but I can get a replacemrnt engine for under 2000 depending with who I go with. I hear to stay away from Autozone. Pretty sure NAPA can get factory GM replacement engines. Anybody know a good reputable place to get one, priced reasonably?

Also, after I get new engine: 350 block, 400 crank, flat top pistons, does this make a 383 stroker? If so, does anything else have to be done to car (timing, ECM/Prom, dizzy)? Does somebody like JEGS or Summit sell it in a kit?

Sorry to throw so many questions at everybody. Just trying to get some answers in least amount of space.

Thanx

 

The thread locker will be fine. The block didn't need to be decked, but there is a 100% chance that the heads were warped and should have been resurfaced. You'll get another chance to do this.
The gaskets look like a rebuild where the head bolt holes weren't chased out and the bolts didn't pull down tight.
There's a litttle more to building a 383 than the above parts. Different rods/or clearancing the stock rods/or small base circle cam. 383 pistons have the wrist pin hole located higher (can't use 350 pistons). Heads that will give the correct C/R with the longer stroke, different balancer and flexplate etc.

 

Thread locker has very little sealing properties. Most head bolts go straight into the water jacket, so they need to be sealed.
Just keep a close eye on water getting into your oil.