Hey guys I am in the process of swapping my 305 out for a 383 stroker and I am having a case of the jitters. I think you guys know what I mean, I am just trying to make sure I have all of my bases covered. I am hoping you guys can give me some confidence and/or remind me of something I am forgetting. I really appreciate the help and I'll feel better with some input from the experts so here goes.

I am removing my 86 LB9 and installing a 383 stroker with a super ram intake. The stroker was in a 91 Vette so all the super ram stuff is setup for speed density. I am prepared for the following....
1. I got a bronze distributor gear for my original dizzy because the 383 has a roller cam
2. The 383 has a 400 crank with 2 piece rear main seal so I have a new flywheel for the 2pc rear main seal.
3. I am buying a 52mm throttle body from Summit. It appears the same part number is for the 85-88 and 89-92. Does this mean I can use the same throttle body on my SD plenum along with my old style throttle cable?
4. I am also going to have to plug off my cold start injector. I understand Jim85IROC sells plugs to plug the fuel rail and I'll use an 89 .bin when I have it custom tuned.
5. the engine came with its own harmonic balancer so I am good there
6. I am using the stock corvette oil pan with windage tray and all. I will be running Hooker 2210 long tubes so I dont need the space for an exhaust crossover
7. I am running the water pump and radiator from the 305 with a high flow 180 degree thermostat, I assume this will be enough.
8. I bought a knock sensor for an 87 L98
9. I am running the old style accessory drive system so I have all the holes in the heads I will need already (the stroker has ported L98 heads I have L98 heads on my 305 right now so I know I'll be fine there)

Well that's the only special cause items I can think of. what am I forgetting that I will remember when I try to start this thing the first time and it wont run? Thanks guys!

 

Do not use a bronze distributor gear it will not last.Use a mellonised gear from GM they have two types one for large cap distributors and one for small cap.They are made for roller cams .Cost about 35$.

 

Wow really? I never heard of that. I'll look into that. Thanks.

 

I am going to be doing the same swap this winter. Except I will be putting on the tpi intake for now and see how it runs then put on the LT1 intake conversion that I have.

What cam are you using in the 383?
What pistons are you using?
What compression?
What heads?

If you want, you can give me some data and I can put it into my DeskTop Dyno.

Good luck with your swap!
I'll keep tabs on your posts!

One question, why did you get a knock sensor from a L98?

 

The 383 I am using is actually a real Lingenfelter engine. (I have all the paperwork and the heads are even hand engraved "LPE 5880") It is the 440hp 480tq 383 with super ram intake, 219/219 roller cam, CNC ported L98 heads, JE forged pistons, 400 crank and 400 5.565" rods. I honestly dont know the compression of this engine. That is really sad I know but I have not seen it published, but I know these are street engines so I would guess it to be around 10.5:1.

I am using a 350 knock sensor because the 305 and 350 do not use the same knock sensor, the part numbers are different. I assume the sensors are calibrated differently for the difference in the bore size.

Anyone else heard about the bronze distributor gear thing? That is totally new to me. I will be driving the wheels of this car though so maybe I should use a GM gear...

 

YES THE BRONZE DIZZY GEAR IS JUNK!! I called a friend of mine that works for Summit Racing in Cleveland and he said that the bronze gears last about 1-2 oil changes! I will be shuffling right over to the GM dealer for a better gear. Thanks for the heads up Steve!! You saved me a ton of trouble!

 

Glad I could help! I have been up and close with the problem, and hoped you wouldn't go down that road!
Steve