Chevy 383ci - Stroke It!

Using a calibrated torque wrench, Matt torqued all of the crankshaft main journal caps to 70 lb-ft each.

After all of the crankshaft main caps were torqued, the crankshaft "end-play" was checked using a height gauge; 0.004-0.007 being the end-play parameters.

The timing gears were installed to the crankshaft gear (small) and camshaft gear (large) linked with the timing chain. Notice: To index the crankshaft and camshaft the gears, the dots on the gears must be aligned. The small white circle on the upper crankshaft gear must align with the small orange dot on the camshaft gear.

After installing the timing cover gasket, Matt tightened the bolts to secure the timing gearset cover.

A special piston design was used to create a proper piston to work with a longer stroke. Notice the ring grooves are closer together and the top compression ring is 1/16-inch thick, the second-or middle secondary compression or scrapper ring- is 1/16-inch thick, and the bottom oil ring is 3/16-inch thick. This allows the piston wrist-pin hole to stay lower on the piston skirt, but still allows a higher wrist-pin location.

With the piston laid flat on the counter, Matt inserted the wrist pin into the piston, all the while allowing the connecting rod to pivot or rock during the crankshaft rotation.

Using a pair of ring-spreader pliers, Matt installed the last two top compression rings.

Standing at attention with the pistons, rings, connecting rods, big-end (crankshaft) bearings, the rod-cap bearings and rod caps are ready to be installed.

Using a ring compressor, Matt carefully inserted the connecting rod and piston down into the cylinder. We are using a brand-new standard 4.000-inch block. Technically, the engine will displace 377 ci. M&R still calls it an HP383 to avoid confusion with a destroked 400ci block.

The connecting rod cap bolts were torqued to 70 lb-ft.

The oil pump and pickup were secured to the block. Notice the tac weld, it will keep the oil pickup screen from rotating. A 3/16-inch gap was left between the oil pan and pickup screen.

After installing the oil-pan gasket, Matt aligned the 7-quart Champ oil pan to the block.