Effects of sitting 33 years in a dirt floor shed

olmoparnut

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Sitting in a dirt floor shed for 33 years was more than even this old 361 could handle. #7 cylinder obviously was sitting with open exhaust valve allowing moisture penetration. The cure? '66 383 4 bbl should fit nicely in "Grace", the '62 Newport. Newport 040.jpgNewport 042.jpg

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Looks like a complete rebuild is in order.Try cleaning up the cylinders first and see how things look. It will probably have to be over-bored,but that goes without saying.Hopefully it didn't eat into the cylinder walls necessitating the need for resleeving the cylinder.
 
I've already sourced a low mileage 383 4 bbl out of a 66 Chrysler. Since the '62 is not a high-dollar collector car I've opted to do the swap and junk the 361.
 
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1-25-15: S-L-O-W progress is better than no progress: Work on "Grace" progresses as time permits. The '66 383 4 bbl sits with all new gaskets, water pump,etc. awaiting paint. Had a "suprise" of finding 3 stuck intake valves .."RoseAnna, RoseAnna Danna...It's always something"!

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My goal is to have all my cars done and painted and cruise to where ever it is 70 degrees and has a car show/race after I retire....
 
Sometimes it's nice not seeing the same typical engines in cars,like got a hot rod,lets just put a small block Chevy in it! I'm all for having something a little unique and out of the ordinary.

And the thing is you can't really tell the difference between a 361 from a 383 from standing and looking at it in an engine compartment. ;) Your better off with the 383 anyways.;)
 
SBC's are about as exciting as watching grass grow. The only thing that the magazines haven't shown is how build one under water. I had a 361 and the 383 does look identical though. Speaking of different engines, I think the poly 318 is a cool and different engine. Very reliable as well...
 
SBC's are about as exciting as watching grass grow. The only thing that the magazines haven't shown is how build one under water. I had a 361 and the 383 does look identical though. Speaking of different engines, I think the poly 318 is a cool and different engine. Very reliable as well...

My 70 Custom Suburban's 318 just turned 100k miles (I just got the wagon in October and I only got to drive it 100 miles before it went into winter storage) and I hope it is as reliable as the one that my Dad bought new in 1970 and passed on to a new owner in 1987 with 180k miles.
 
My 70 Custom Suburban's 318 just turned 100k miles (I just got the wagon in October and I only got to drive it 100 miles before it went into winter storage) and I hope it is as reliable as the one that my Dad bought new in 1970 and passed on to a new owner in 1987 with 180k miles.

With the proper care, you will get 100k+ more miles out of it. Just check the timing chain at about 110k and you should be good to go. My buddies van had 341k on it when he sold it. The 318 in it would not die.
 
I had a 361, and the 383 does look identical though..

A 361 is identical in every way to a 383-2 bbl, other than the pistons. I've been 13.95 @ 102 mph in the quarter with my 3.23-geared 361-powered '66 Coronet, with a Direct Connection purple-shaft cam, stock '68 383 cast intake with Carter AFB carb.
 
A 361 is identical in every way to a 383-2 bbl, other than the pistons. I've been 13.95 @ 102 mph in the quarter with my 3.23-geared 361-powered '66 Coronet, with a Direct Connection purple-shaft cam, stock '68 383 cast intake with Carter AFB carb.

That is impressive. If a 361 was all I had, I would build it for sure.
 
The 383 with it's new coat of "Chrysler Green" engine paint ( Dupli-Color # de-1619 ). Color appears very light in the picture but actually matches original color quite well.0130152029a.jpg

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