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Tech / General EngineIs your car making a strange sound or won't start? Thinking of adding power with a new combination? Need other technical information or engine specific advice? Don't see another board for your problem? Post it here!
Purchased an 89 IROC 350 TPI and restoring. I started to yank the block and when I pulled the valve covers it looked very clean. Then I yanked the intake and very clean again. I tracked down the prior owner and he claimed it was rebuilt. So I put a camera in the cylinders and can see the cross patterns and the gaskets on the heads and pan appear change. Can't really verify the bottom end going down as far as I did. I already put it all back together with new injectors and rail seals etc.. Looking at the cross patterns they look very fresh. What you think by the pictures about mileage that could have been on the engine after rebuild. I sort of took a chance and it runs perfect. I just pulled up enough to clean and paint the block since it was not painted. I guess I will never know for sure if it was completely rebuilt. Why you would rebuild one and leave the engine unpainted I have no clue.
Rebuilt replacement, most likely. Those aren't TPI heads.
If we had a clear pic of the top of the pistons, or you had measured the cylinder walls, that may have told whether the cylinders had been bored oversize.
The cross hatch pattern angle looks a little on the flat side. Probably a dingle ball job. People never move them fast enough. If it has good compression, good oil pressure, and doesn't smoke - WOT.
Rebuilt replacement, most likely. Those aren't TPI heads.
If we had a clear pic of the top of the pistons, or you had measured the cylinder walls, that may have told whether the cylinders had been bored oversize.
The block number is 14093638. I noticed the head numbers but could not find anything saying if they used those with TPI or not. Not sure what I lose with these heads. I really just want a good driver and not really after a load of HP.
The cross hatch pattern angle looks a little on the flat side. Probably a dingle ball job. People never move them fast enough. If it has good compression, good oil pressure, and doesn't smoke - WOT.
GD
Thanks, yea the compression is spot on and the oil pressure is good. I assume with them being so visible that is was not to many miles since rebuild.
Thanks for the reply's. I'm just turning this one into a driver and going over everything to just have a solid dependable fun old car. I am just looking for a feel good about going with what I saw that is was rebuilt at some point. I love these cars! I spent so much on my 83 I am scared to drive it for the fear it will get hit. Not looking for HP just dependable. I am one of those people that starts rethinking stuff.
Thanks for the reply's. I'm just turning this one into a driver and going over everything to just have a solid dependable fun old car. I am just looking for a feel good about going with what I saw that is was rebuilt at some point. I love these cars! I spent so much on my 83 I am scared to drive it for the fear it will get hit. Not looking for HP just dependable. I am one of those people that starts rethinking stuff.
David
If it runs good it is good, change the plugs, filters and leave it alone just drive.
The block number is 14093638. I noticed the head numbers but could not find anything saying if they used those with TPI or not. Not sure what I lose with these heads. I really just want a good driver and not really after a load of HP.
That's a pretty common block. I had one that was a ZZ3 crate motor. It was a 350 block, and they dressed them up a bunch of different ways.
If you just want a good driver and not a load of HP, the 193 heads theoretically would be a good match with TPI (although the factory never did it). They share a sweet spot. I was just pointing out that the claim of a "rebuild" suggests the original engine was rebuilt, while the heads tell you at least they are not from the original build. But at least it still has roller lifters.
That's a pretty common block. I had one that was a ZZ3 crate motor. It was a 350 block, and they dressed them up a bunch of different ways.
If you just want a good driver and not a load of HP, the 193 heads theoretically would be a good match with TPI (although the factory never did it). They share a sweet spot. I was just pointing out that the claim of a "rebuild" suggests the original engine was rebuilt, while the heads tell you at least they are not from the original build. But at least it still has roller lifters.
05-10-2017, 10:21 AM
I spent so much on my 83 I am scared to drive it for the fear it will get hit. Not looking for HP just dependable. I am one of those people that starts rethinking stuff. 
