Update on "the Bird"

mopardog · Post by **mopardog** » Fri Aug 23, 2013 3:11 am

Been a while since I posted any kind of progress report on my baby. Pretty excited, going to parts house in am to pick up the front suspension parts and delivering them to mechanic so he can begin working on her. Once the front is done, we're going to tear into the rear and replace everything that needs it.

Heads should be done next week. Come to find out they were a little more far gone than I expected. They had to be completely rebuilt. The good thing is though, they will be as good as new when done.

I was talking with the guys at the shop about my quest for a 72 400 block and they showed me one that had been gathering dust for a couple of years on their shop floor. They are checking with owner to see if he would be willing to sell it. I am crossing my fingers but if it falls through, will go ahead with the 383 that I already have until I can find a block. I am thinking of tracking down original owner of car to see if by chance they still have the original drivetrain. Would be awesome if they did and would be willing to part with it. That's about it for now.

moparite · Post by **moparite** » Fri Aug 23, 2013 9:10 am

Heads should be done next week. Come to find out they were a little more far gone than I expected. They had to be completely rebuilt. The good thing is though, they will be as good as new when done.

Good as new is not always a good thing. Depending on what head casting/year you have. Don't forget gas back then had lead in it. The lack of lead in today's gas will tear up your valve seats if they are not hardened. I hope you looked into this before you got them rebuilt.

mopardog · Post by **mopardog** » Fri Aug 23, 2013 6:15 pm

I know what you mean. They are putting in the hardened seats. The folks who are doing them own a speed shop and have an excellent rep in my area. Alot of the classic car guys as well as folks who run the local drag strip have their work done there. This is the second time I have used them on a project.

mopardog · Post by **mopardog** » Sun Sep 22, 2013 11:24 pm

Been a while since I posted. I figured I better put up some kind of progress report....Parts are continuing to trickle in for the suspension. I pretty much have everything to make her brand new on the underside and my mechanic assures me that the next available spot that comes open in the garage will be hers and parts will start going on.

My heads should be ready by the first of Oct. I still haven't decided which way to go as far as a block. I have a great 383 candidate sitting and ready to go together but am still looking for a 72 400 block to build. Of course deciding which way to go on the block determines which way to go on the heads as far as springs etc. Have thought about building the 383 and painting it to match the correct 400 paint code....not sure...would hate to go ahead on the one only to find a 72 proper 400. What do you all think? would the correct engine type (400) really make that much of a difference value wise over putting a 383 in? I know there's no taking away from the fact that she is a true RR, just curious about value with respect to motor. thinking about going back to original owner on the astronomical chance that they might still have original drivetrain which was "blown up years ago". Again what do you all think? Is it worth the effort?

Post by **sdweatherman** » Mon Sep 23, 2013 12:02 am

Hey mopardog,
Since she is likely not going to be a numbers matching ride, go with the 383. Its a good engine and will make you smile just as much as a 400 when you are cruising it down the road. Just my 2c. Scott.

Post by **Eric** » Mon Sep 23, 2013 5:34 pm

Tough decision. My opinion, if you're trying to do a stock restoration then keep looking for a 400 block. If you're taking other liberties with the resto then go ahead and use the 383.

kenny · Post by **kenny** » Mon Sep 23, 2013 8:13 pm

if you have the 383 ready to put together and run do it! then take your time looking for the 400 you want, once you have the car running you are much more likely to be patient enough to find something great. my car is a 71 and i did get the original 383 with it, in the trunk in peices, but complete, however i have still chose to use a 69 440 that was done a couple years ago for another car before it was traded instead of having it machined and rebuilt. my thought was that way i could put more money toward other stuff for now without delaying hitting the road.

mopardog · Post by **mopardog** » Mon Sep 23, 2013 10:26 pm

Thanks for the advice guys. I have really been on the fence with the motor issue. I think I will go ahead and look at getting the parts to put the 383 together and start getting it ready to use. I will continue to search for a 400 block and will try to contact the original owners to see like I said if by some chance they still have the original drivetrain. Betting they won't, but you never know. It really is a shame that the motor/trans wasn't with the car....A true all the way numbers car would be awesome! But will focus on getting it as close as possible. I can't believe, that all in all, things are continuing to come together as they are. It won't be long now. I keep telling myself anyway. I'm already planning road trips for when she is done. I can already see her rolling down 66. Windows down, engine purring, and exhaust rumbling!!!!!!

mopardog · Post by **mopardog** » Sun Oct 13, 2013 9:49 pm

Well, guys at the machine shop were finally able to get to working on the heads and bad news, one head has a crack. GRRRR! Oh well, expensive lesson learned. Should have suspected something when cylinders were rusted beyond repair on one side. Not all is lost, think I am gonna cut my losses and focus on getting suspension, brakes, and wiring squared away now and start from square one on locating some heads when body is done. Engine was going in last anyway so, I guess it all kinda works out. Still frustrating though.

mopardog · Post by **mopardog** » Mon Oct 14, 2013 4:31 pm

Spoke to the guys at the machine shop this afternoon. When I last spoke to them, they mentioned that they might either find another head to match my good one (902s I think he said) or could get their hands on a good core set. They told me that they located a set of 452s ( which I guess are popular) and were cleaning them up as we spoke and they should be ready in a couple of days, I told them it would be a couple of weeks before I can pick them up. I have been patiently waiting for about 3 months which was cool because they've been covered up and it's not like they were keeping the car off the road. Best part is, that since I have been patient and all, no extra charge on the replacement heads....so it's like I took those heads to them from the beginning. So a little patience and understanding goes a long way.

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