• When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Engine Opinions Please

Jono69RR

New Member
Joined
Nov 8, 2014
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Location
Va. Beach, VA
I have a project that I was going to bail on completely, that's a whole other long story, but have instead decided to build the car. I don't have a ton of money to put into it but will do things as right as I can as I go along. Anyway..... I'm looking at this engine on Ebay -

1969 Road Runner 383 magnum engine. It has been totally rebuilt. Kieth Black Hyperutectic,.040 forged pistons.With extra valve clearance in pistons. New rings New crank bearings New rod bearings. Reconditioned piston Rods. Forged crank. Mains and rod bearings are 10/10. High volume oil pump. Windage tray.Has 906 casting heads with new valve seals and 3 angle vale job. Has a 292 duration 509 lift purple shaft comp cam Hi performace valve springs. New comp. Push rods. New comp hydraulic lifters All new gaskets . No intake . $3200

It's originally a 383/4 speed car. I want to be able to drive it most days to run to the store, go for dinner, cruise on the weekends, that sort of thing. I've done research on all the parts listed so I have some idea of what I'm looking at but wanted to see if anyone had any real world experience with that sort of setup?? Thanks!

 

69hemibeep

Sponge Bob Square Wheels
Joined
Sep 10, 2008
Messages
22,143
Reaction score
2,351
Location
AZ Desert,
Are they a flat top piston? I see they are valve relieved so they probably are. The cam is a bit bumpy but will work with a 4 speed
 
Last edited:

quikbird

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 1, 2014
Messages
3,230
Reaction score
1,022
Location
Sarasota, florida
.040 piston means this engine has probably been rebuilt before. The average is 030 so either this is the second rebuild or a pretty deep first one. Wall thickness in the cylinders needs to be a concern. 060 is generally considered the max. I agree cam is a little long on the duration. Price doesn't sound too bad
 

dmartin

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 30, 2013
Messages
952
Reaction score
344
Location
Georgia
Man your braver than especially on evil Bay me personally I would rather have one in pieces than chance getting it in the shorts
 

Jono69RR

New Member
Joined
Nov 8, 2014
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Location
Va. Beach, VA
69hemibeep, I'm not sure on the pistons but I can ask.

dmartin, buying it off of eBay is definitely a concern, which is why I wanted some opinions. It does make me nervous and I in no way wanted to rush into buying the engine.

Again, it's a long sad story but the engine that is in the car right now is a POS stock '76 440. None of that was any of my doing but one way or another I have to do something different.
 

RKNRLR

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 27, 2017
Messages
705
Reaction score
653
Location
Sydney, Australia
If the parts check out, and the build is true, sounds like a solid buy. I thought that purple cam was a factory option?
 

69hemibeep

Sponge Bob Square Wheels
Joined
Sep 10, 2008
Messages
22,143
Reaction score
2,351
Location
AZ Desert,
If the parts check out, and the build is true, sounds like a solid buy. I thought that purple cam was a factory option?
Its made by Mopar performance but way beyond what the factory would use in a new car. It would never pass emission standards of the time.
 

Russ69Runner

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 4, 2016
Messages
7,704
Reaction score
3,243
Location
Lake Wales Fl.
Yep my buddy found a guy that had head for his motor. They where bad. He got lucky and the guy took them back but their is shipping money. Well I would feel better to get something in person or buy from a company. It is the roll of the dice. Good luck and keep us informed. Russ. :D
 

ArmyInspector

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 18, 2012
Messages
163
Reaction score
6
If the engine has never hit a dyno where they can prove how it ran I would personally stay away from it, especially if its not in your area. Try your local craigslist or try calling local engine builders and see what they have.
 

dmartin

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 30, 2013
Messages
952
Reaction score
344
Location
Georgia
I would seriously get a motor of a friend of a friend they are out there believe it or not just have to ask that's how I found mine
 
Back
Top