Introspective

 
     
 

     (Updated:  26Oct06)

  
 

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I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.

--Rosa Parks (1913 - 2005)

 

 

 

 

Initial Problems

and Issues:

      
         

--  383 stroker engine uses oil.
   

--  Small oil leak that no one could find.

    

--  Engine vibration beginning at  3000 RPM and worsening to 6000 RPM.
   

--  Endless issues with the Borla headers and Y-pipe.

    
   

--  Left O2 sensor requires a harness extender.

    
   

-- Sparkplug wires require routing over the valve covers.

    
   

-- Only the right motor mount is Poly... I couldn't change the left one.

    
   

 

    
  What I found:

 

    
  (The carnage)

 

    
   

--  Engine cylinders were honed to too large a final diameter(4.033 in.). 

   
   

--  TPIS camshaft was ruined.

    
   

--  Bracket securing the back of the A/C compressor was broken.

    
   

--  Pistons had apparently been exposed to VERY high temperatures.

    
   

--  Oil ring expanders on all 8 pistons were 'sprung'.

    
   

 

    
   

 

    
  What I changed:

 

    
   

 

    
   

--  Switch from Borla to MAC headers(Jet-Hot coated).

    
   

--  Switch from Total Seal Gapless® second rings to Gapless® top rings.

    
   

--  Switch from standard header flange bolts to Stage-8 bolts.

    
   

--  Went back to routing the sparkplug wires in the stock(factory) location.

    
   

 

    
  Final results: -- After 1500 miles, engine STILL uses oil !!!!!    
    -- Oil leak stopped!  I believe this was comming from the water pump drive seal.    
    -- Engine vibration stopped.     
    -- No more leaking exhaust flanges.  Thanks to Mac Headers.    
         
         
         
   

 

    
  What I've learned:

 

    
   

 

    
   

--  Don't trust that the parts/services you recieve will be correct for your              

   
         application.   If they ARE correct, they may not work as you had hoped!    
   

--  Measure EVERYTHING--  TWICE!!!!!  

   

   

--  Nothing is sacred...  EVERYONE is capable of errors, oversights, omissions

   
         and/or conflicting opinions.