1968 Road Runner 383...appearing stock?

[JScherbik]

Hi All,

I am currently planning out an engine teardown, including mods for reliability and modernization. Any suggestions past hardened valve seats and upgraded modern seals would be welcome.

I would like to keep the engine looking stock when it all goes back together, but that limits my ability to make performance modifications, I know.

Is there anything I can do to the stock exhaust manifolds that will improve performance? Is a good internal cleaning the best I can do? Is there anything else I can do internally? I will also ceramic coat or paint the exterior.

Does anybody know of any performance intake manifolds that appear stock or pretty close to stock?

I have considered doing the bolt on mods listed in this link but I am heavily leaning towards keeping a clean, stock appearance.....

http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/engine/mopp-0209-383-engine-restore/

Thanks in advance!

Jay

 

[WRB426]

It comes down how much power you're looking for and how much money are you willing to spend. F.A.S.T. class can give you plenty of tips to look stock and run fast. Stroking and head work is the beginning.

 

[JScherbik]

I wasn't aware of F.A.S.T. until just now. Thanks. This is exactly what I was looking for. I see they get up to some pretty big displacements and very respectable numbers with "stock appearing" power plants!

 

[TekHousE]

My 383 is for from stock..This is how it looks. The air cleaner I run on the street. My stock one goes on for shows. I am running CPPA Streetfighter Alloy heads, Edelbrock Performer RPM, 750 Holley.

 

[SlinktRR]

The FAST mods may be the way to go for you. A dual plane mopar aluminum M1 intake and 440 source stealth heads look stock when painted. The m1 looks exactly like an iron HP intake...and your back will thank you when you install it.

 

[Lionized]

I'm considering honing my stock HP exhaust manifolds this winter. If you youtube "Flex Hone Exhaust", do not follow what the guy demonstrating does. I'm absolutely positive you want to use these hones with some type of lubricant.

I run a Mopar M1 dual plane with an Edelbrock carb.

 

[67coronetman]

Very nice car i love it.

 

[Phil McGrath]

If your going too build a low deck do a it with a 400 block and take advantage of the much larger bore, real easy too unshroud the valves and get a whole lot of free ponies. Use the 383's forged crank too keep the strength up and the cost down. Pretty easy too make 400+hp with a basic rebuild, the extras are up too you.

And if your going too use the cast iron magnum exhaust manifolds port match them and hog out as much material as far back as you can reach.

 

[JScherbik]

That's very nice, TekHousE!

- - - Updated - - -

Thanks to everyone who responded. Great ideas; just what I was looking for!

 

[fratzog lover]

DP4B manifold.