Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

greg82255

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Re: Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

Here are some pictures so far:

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90stingray

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Is that air cleaner going to be on that engine, in your boat?

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greg82255

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Re: Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

Is that air cleaner going to be on that engine, in your boat?

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I was planning on using it.. I was actually unsure of it so I kept the box and receipt. Is it not going to work?
 

RogersJetboat454

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Re: Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

I was planning on using it.. I was actually unsure of it so I kept the box and receipt. Is it not going to work?

Need to use a flame arrestor to be legal.
Looking real sweet Greg! Let me know if you want to borrow my primer shaft. ;)
 

billbayliner

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Re: Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

Greg, I think that if you used the 8 stop method [with the followers dry and with the intake not installed], you should not have to go back through the adjustment.
Just be sure that you set these from the cam manufacturer's specs and with the rocker arm ratio as part of the equation.

Your spark plug gap will be determined by the type of ignition system, not the heads. If the spark output is standard, then stay with a standard gap. If HEI, then the gap can increase some.
Watch your ignition advance. Don't let any automotive guys suggest what to use.
 

Friscoboater

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Re: Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

Nice work on the engine, but you cannot run that cleaner and be legal. It has to be a certified flame arrestor. Same with the distributor, alternator, and starter. That must to be marine versions.
 

SuperNova

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Re: Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

I was planning on using it.. I was actually unsure of it so I kept the box and receipt. Is it not going to work?
If you want that look, just put a K&N filter element in instead of the paper air filter element. I may be wrong, but I believe the oiled K&N element qualified as a flame arrestor. You can probably double check it easily enough.http://www.knfilters.com/marine/boats.htm
Scroll a little more than half way down the page to see the universal 3-piece air filter assemblies and adapter for breather tubes. I'm not sure if you have to use their entire assembly to qualify as a flame arrestor, I can't think of anything that would be special about their chrome pieces. But even if you do have to get the assembly, you still end up with plenty of airflow for that engine and have the look you're after.

I re-read the details. The metal parts aren't chrome, they're stainless.
 

greg82255

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Re: Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

Nice work on the engine, but you cannot run that cleaner and be legal. It has to be a certified flame arrestor. Same with the distributor, alternator, and starter. That must to be marine versions.

Alright, I'll return that cleaner to Autozone and get a USCG approved flame arrestor. All the other parts are USCG approved - the alternator, dist, and starter came off of the other engine have the USCG approval on them. I'll order a new flame arrestor this weekend.
 

greg82255

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Re: Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

Now I need to decide what to do about an exhaust... I've been searching ebay and craigslist for used exhaust without any luck. I don't want to end up using the standard Merc manifolds..
 

90stingray

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Then buy some headers... http://www.custommarine.com/ You can sell your originals to recoup some of the cash. This project has kinda spiraled out of control hasn't it? I remember when you talked of just swapping in a marine 350 long block :)

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greg82255

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Re: Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

Then buy some headers... http://www.custommarine.com/ You can sell your originals to recoup some of the cash. This project has kinda spiraled out of control hasn't it? I remember when you talked of just swapping in a marine 350 long block :)

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I LOVE the CMI headers... I've been looking at them every day and searching ebay at least 2 times a day looking for a set. Same with Stainless Marine and IMCO Powerflow. The project has spiraled out of control which is why I'd like to find something used and cheap. I'll probably do the initial startup with the stock manifolds and keep searching for headers until its ready to drop in the boat. I may just go for it if I can't find a better option. CP Performance sells a set of stainless risers that bolt onto the stock manifolds that claim to add 10hp, for $750.. Slightly better than 2000 for CMI..
 

greg82255

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Re: Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

Dodged a bullet today.. I was bolting the bracket for the ignition coil onto the intake and I dropped a washer down the distributor hole. After a few minutes of going nuts I came to my senses and was able to fish it out with one of those long retractable tools with a magnetic tip. I think I'll throw some duct tape over every hole from now on..
 

John_S

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Re: Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

I've been reading that NGK BR6FS with a .060" gap will work best with vortec heads. Those are the same plugs I ran in the original Merc 260. It also recommended Champion RV8C (I've also heard never to buy a Champion plug) or AC Delco MR43T.

No, those are the WRONG plugs for vortec heads.


You want NGK BPR6EFS or AC MR43LTS. As mentioned gap is based on ignition system, but probably in the 0.040 - 0.045 range.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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Re: Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

I LOVE the CMI headers... I've been looking at them every day and searching ebay at least 2 times a day looking for a set. Same with Stainless Marine and IMCO Powerflow. The project has spiraled out of control which is why I'd like to find something used and cheap. I'll probably do the initial startup with the stock manifolds and keep searching for headers until its ready to drop in the boat. I may just go for it if I can't find a better option. CP Performance sells a set of stainless risers that bolt onto the stock manifolds that claim to add 10hp, for $750.. Slightly better than 2000 for CMI..


I know a few people with Hi-Tek marine units as well http://www.hitekmarine.com.au/

however if cash is a bit tight, look into a set of BARR manifolds they flow a bit better than the stock Mercruiser castings
 

greg82255

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Re: Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

No, those are the WRONG plugs for vortec heads.
You want NGK BPR6EFS or AC MR43LTS. As mentioned gap is based on ignition system, but probably in the 0.040 - 0.045 range.

Thanks John - very good to know. I'll get the BPR6EFS. For now I'll be running the Delco Voyager EST ignition system. Do you know anything about it/what the gap should be for it? Here's a link to it:
http://www.michiganmotorz.com/delco-voyager-marine-electronic-distributor-p-119.html

I know a few people with Hi-Tek marine units as well http://www.hitekmarine.com.au/

however if cash is a bit tight, look into a set of BARR manifolds they flow a bit better than the stock Mercruiser castings

I looked at Hi-Tek as well. They're also in the $2000+ range. I think I'll run the manifolds for the initial start up and keep searching for something lightly used.
 

John_S

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Re: Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

Thanks John - very good to know. I'll get the BPR6EFS. For now I'll be running the Delco Voyager EST ignition system. Do you know anything about it/what the gap should be for it? Here's a link to it:
http://www.michiganmotorz.com/delco-voyager-marine-electronic-distributor-p-119.html

If it was not in the documentation you received call MM or delco.


I'd wait until the engine is mounted in the bay, to see how much height you have to play with, before deciding on flame arrester.
 

greg82255

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Re: Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

If it was not in the documentation you received call MM or delco.


I'd wait until the engine is mounted in the bay, to see how much height you have to play with, before deciding on flame arrester.

I already know that I'm going to have to raise the hatch a little to accommodate the taller engine. I think the shortest flame arrestor that doesn't restrict air flow will be the best choice.

The assembled engine looks good Greg, love the blue.

http://www.keitheickert.com/c-252-flame-arrestors.aspx

Thanks Joe - I love the Mercury Racing blue. I'm actually surprised with how well it came out. It looks like the shortest flame arrestor there is 1-5/8" tall. Will this restrict air flow or will it work well?
 

joewithaboat

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Re: Here We Go: My 383 Stroker Winter Project

It looks like the shortest flame arrestor there is 1-5/8" tall. Will this restrict air flow or will it work well?

The small ones are restrictive. Maybe you could use a dropped base K&N filter

looks like the shortest one here

http://www.knfilters.com/search/product.aspx?Prod=59-3214

vent adapters

http://www.knfilters.com/search/product.aspx?Prod=85-1350


K&N marine carbed area...double check for other sizes.

http://www.knfilters.com/marine/boats.htm
 
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