V8 Grief, Now what do I do? Options

[Howard]

Bottom line. Seller listed it as a '383 Chev with less than 300 miles on rebuild'. Also was supposed to have 'tall geared transmission'. Neither.

Thing was running incredibly rich and using 1 qt per 100 miles. Compression all over the map. Tried the obvious things, but gave up and took to a pro who tore it down.

It's a 305 that's .030 over (310ci??). Looks like a fairly fresh rebuild with good parts, but wrong valve springs, so cam went flat. Lots of metal in oil, needs new cam, springs, rings (never seated and cylinders glazed), bearings, oil pump, valve job, and several yada yadas.

Seller is a licensed CA auto dealer, I have copy of ad showing 383 and transmission mod's, so am confident he will get stuck with at least part of the bill if I go to court. But for now:

My wrench says he can put it back together just fine , but advises I go to a crate 350 for about $1200 more. 383 is out due to 901 transmission. It would be nice to try to stick PO for a fresh 383 ($2500) tall geared tranny ($3000) and ~ $2000 for installation, but don't really want to go that far.

305, 350, or the works??

[Levi]

Howard, as you know I am running a 327 with 283 forged crank and late 80s IROC heads for a 302. Should be around 340- ft lbs torque. This is run through the stock trans.
I would have to say that this is an extremely user friendly combo.
I have more than enough off the line power and autocross low end torque. I would do it again, even if I were to have a motor built by someone.
I have to concur with the option of the "crate" motor, great way to go. Not that much more $$.
Keep us posted, we would all like to know what your conclusion is.
Also any time for golf while in SJ in June for the WCC??
CCLINICOULDHAVE AV8

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Actually, he is correct, GM took a 327 block and destroked it with a 283 small journal crank to create the Z28 motor in 1967. Very popular with the racers back in the 70's. Joe Buckle is building that same engine. The only year that had a mass produced 302 was the 69 Z28. Anything before that was the 327 destroked.

Yup,
See I only think I know it all... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol2.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol2.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/chairfall.gif)