Engine Opinions Please

[Jono69RR]

I have a project that I was going to bail on completely, that's a whole other long story, but have instead decided to build the car. I don't have a ton of money to put into it but will do things as right as I can as I go along. Anyway..... I'm looking at this engine on Ebay -

1969 Road Runner 383 magnum engine. It has been totally rebuilt. Kieth Black Hyperutectic,.040 forged pistons.With extra valve clearance in pistons. New rings New crank bearings New rod bearings. Reconditioned piston Rods. Forged crank. Mains and rod bearings are 10/10. High volume oil pump. Windage tray.Has 906 casting heads with new valve seals and 3 angle vale job. Has a 292 duration 509 lift purple shaft comp cam Hi performace valve springs. New comp. Push rods. New comp hydraulic lifters All new gaskets . No intake . $3200

It's originally a 383/4 speed car. I want to be able to drive it most days to run to the store, go for dinner, cruise on the weekends, that sort of thing. I've done research on all the parts listed so I have some idea of what I'm looking at but wanted to see if anyone had any real world experience with that sort of setup?? Thanks!

 

[69hemibeep]

Are they a flat top piston? I see they are valve relieved so they probably are. The cam is a bit bumpy but will work with a 4 speed

 

[quikbird]

.040 piston means this engine has probably been rebuilt before. The average is 030 so either this is the second rebuild or a pretty deep first one. Wall thickness in the cylinders needs to be a concern. 060 is generally considered the max. I agree cam is a little long on the duration. Price doesn't sound too bad

 

[dmartin]

Man your braver than especially on evil Bay me personally I would rather have one in pieces than chance getting it in the shorts

 

[Jono69RR]

69hemibeep, I'm not sure on the pistons but I can ask.

dmartin, buying it off of eBay is definitely a concern, which is why I wanted some opinions. It does make me nervous and I in no way wanted to rush into buying the engine.

Again, it's a long sad story but the engine that is in the car right now is a POS stock '76 440. None of that was any of my doing but one way or another I have to do something different.

 

[Basketcase]

make sure he has receipts for the work

 

[RKNRLR]

If the parts check out, and the build is true, sounds like a solid buy. I thought that purple cam was a factory option?

 

[69hemibeep]

If the parts check out, and the build is true, sounds like a solid buy. I thought that purple cam was a factory option?

Its made by Mopar performance but way beyond what the factory would use in a new car. It would never pass emission standards of the time.

 

[Russ69Runner]

Yep my buddy found a guy that had head for his motor. They where bad. He got lucky and the guy took them back but their is shipping money. Well I would feel better to get something in person or buy from a company. It is the roll of the dice. Good luck and keep us informed. Russ.

 

[ArmyInspector]

If the engine has never hit a dyno where they can prove how it ran I would personally stay away from it, especially if its not in your area. Try your local craigslist or try calling local engine builders and see what they have.

 

[dmartin]

I would seriously get a motor of a friend of a friend they are out there believe it or not just have to ask that's how I found mine