[ImpalaGuy]

UPDATE: THE 383 IS (finally) IN!

I actually started the install two weekends ago at my friend's shop and buttoned it up a few days ago. The main reason it took two weekends was because the machine shop gave me crappy advice. He wanted me to buy a flexplate to balance the rotating assembly, and I said "I've got an LT1 one here, will it work on the truck?". He assured me it would. Well, as you can imagine, he was wrong. The truck takes the larger diameter wheel vs. the smaller one on the LT1s. I didn't know it until the new motor was installed, buttoned up, fluids topped off, and I turned the key. The starter spun in open air. We called it quit for the day.

So last weekend I pulled the tranny, replaced the flexplate, and bolted her back up. Fired up on the first try! Adjusted the timing and valves, did my best attempt at a program and took her home. Here's some pics...

I mentioned my friend's shop. His dad owns a 1000 acre cattle farm here in the hills of Kentucky and built a BEAUTIFUL equipment shop a few years ago. It's over an hour away but it's heated and has LOTS of space. An absolutely wonderful place to wrench. That's my buddy Chris in the pic -- I owe him a big thanks for his help and use of his shop. Check out the pic...



Here's a shot of the engine compartment with something missing...



And here's a shot of the new 383 and the old 350 on stands. (Can you believe this shop?)



Here's the motor nestled into position, but not quite ready to fire...




And here's a shot of the motor right now. Gotta love that sexy air cleaner, eh?




I got it running with my own program, but after several attempts I decided I would be better off spending $200 and getting Brian's help at TBI chips. He's been great. We've quickly realized that I need to put a higher volume fuel pump and I need to stay FAR away from full-throttle until then. I ordered it today.

I'll keep you guys posted.