Recent content by Dibbons

Finally removed the connecting rod caps from the 340 connecting rods after I had a shop install ARP rod bolts and recondition the large end. I noticed right off the bat one nut could not be removed by hand after it had been broken loose with a breaker bar. First tried a different nut but same...

My parents new 1971 383 automatic shifted into second and third at exactly 4,500 RPM at full throttle. At the drag strip I would manually shift at 5,500 rpm. But my question today is: At what engine speed does the factory 904 in the '71-'74 BBody 318 shfit at full throttle? Thank you.

Update: Checked main bearing clearance with plastigage. Unfortunately, in my haste I placed the clay on the bearing and placed the crankshaft on top, then the caps, then torqued the caps. i should have placed the crankshaft first and then put the plastigage on the crank journal, followed by the...

Can anyone determine from this wiring diagram where the choke controller gets its source of current? Can't tell if it's ignition switch, ballast resistor, or somewhere else.

Anyone have a part number or source for such gasket? Thank you.

According to the photo on ebay, this does not have the wire. I believe #1407 has the wire.

Evidently the factory Thermo-Quad equipped 1973 340 (intake manifold casting #3671918) used a thermostatic choke along with an electric wire that attached to a solid state "controller" that assisted in opening the choke a little quicker than from crossover heat alone. Common knowledge/experience...

Back in the 1970's I remember re-torquing the steel shim head gaskets on a 273 build after the first cool down period after breaking in the camshaft. I did not loosen the bolts, only re-torqued them as they were. I read online today that when re-torquing, the bolt should first be backed off a...

From comment section of same video: "According to the service manuals, the 1971 cast crankshaft was two barrel 383 only and most 1971 383 two barrel engines got forged crankshafts anyway. So maybe late 1971 two barrel only, but not common. In 1972 all 4 barrel 400's got steel cranks and all 2...

My parents purchased a new '71 Road Runner 383 automatic (see photo of it in present condition back east somewhere). According to Uncle Tony, during that year an automatic 383 had a cast crankshaft and the four-speed had a forged crankshaft (I never heard that before).

I hope you can work it out one way or the other my friend.

Back circa 1985 a lady from Thailand I was dating brought over the Thorn Bird Series to watch with me. I have to admit, I had a box of tissues there on the table during the show for me, not her.

Update: I performed what I believed would be a final cylinder block cleansing before assembly using a powder laundry detergent mixed with hot water and various diameter cleaning brushes. Then blew partially dry before spraying all surfaces with WD40 and then blow drying again, followed by 10W-30...

Back in the 1970's the guy dating my sister at the time said I reminded him of Peter Townshend. My photo is the one with the Direct Connection Tee-shirt.

Update: The black valve spring retainers I have are slightly smaller than the 340 factory springs (don't remember the manufacureer). So far only one of the 273 rocker arms is contacting a valve spring as soon as the rocker shaft is snugged down (@ 5 ft./lbs for testing). I used a Dremel tool to...