We Built A 383 Stroker TORQUE BEAST To Replace Our Customer’s JUNK 327!

There were definitely a few setbacks along the way... but this 383 stroker should smoke some tires!
Make sure you check out the entire playlist if you haven't!
• Building A 383 Stroker...
Instagram: @jamsionline
Facebook: JAMSI Online
TikTok: @jamsionline
Websites: www.jamsionline.com
www.jimsmachineinc.com
For business inquires: Contact [e-mail]
#383stroker #automotivemachining #jimsautomotivemachineshop

[@kipeagan8543]

I'm a retired aircraft mechanic and we used the vacuum technique to seal leaks on wet wings all the time.

[@Airman..]

8802 fuel tank sealant is a whole different animal

[@mg-kv4dw]

Been there done that

[@drewschumann1]

Hate working on wet wings. Retired now

[@jamesberdine8574]

Did not mind too much working with 8802. Digging out the old sealer was the real problem. I was a A&P for 45 years.

[@knottd]

😊Repaired a gas tank with jb weld once on a homebuilt. Stopped dripping on my knee for about a month. Then sent it to a shop to reweld.

[@PatandDoopypoopy]

I need to point out something for your viewers. Please notice the engine hits peak hp and then carries basically at peak for several hundred rpm. It doesn't fall off a cliff or appear as a big spike. That shows valvetrain and related parts doing the job properly. Many many dyno videos of other channels show a big climb then a big emmediate drop off. Guys you did great. A fantastic example for all to see. Sorry for my posting multiple times. This was a great build and video. I hope it gets proper recognition. Thank you both.

[@paulmryglod4802]

This can also be an indication of head flow being a limiting factor.

[@PatandDoopypoopy]

They called it a torque beast aiming for easy smoky burnouts. I think they nailed exactly what customer wanted and I bet more.

[@seanoneil277]

Well balanced, maintains its momentum. Immediate falloff = poorly balanced.

[@truracer20]

That's not how it works at all. Your generic drop off point does not reference specific rpm, or cylinder head flow characteristics. Most KZbin Dyno videos are race engine oriented, where the cam is intended to make peak power just before the limitations in cylinder head flow and valve train stability. The majority of Chevy 383 Dyno pulls for this reason would end at 7,500 rpm+ 383's like to rev. And BOTH hp and tq would be up substantially throughout the curve and as long as there is a reasonable margin between max HP and valve float, then all is right with the world. For a street engine this has a really nice fat curve right where it'll be useable. And it'll still do a reasonable job on track. Street and track are opposite sides of the coin. Here's the first 383 dyno video KZbin recommended after this video, kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4XVZmOZp92rmsksi=NCAnV66cB43G6svO comparing the two this has a peakier HP curve and more drop off but wider HP curve making over 522 hp from 5300 rpm to 6800 rpm with a max of 554 HP at 5900 rpm, and 500+ HP from 5000 rpm through 7300 rpm, and 500+ tq from 3500 rpm through 5900 rpm, this was dynoed with a 750 cfm VACUUM secondary carb. The head flow is 5cc more on this head. Probably the main difference is in cam choice. Area under the curve says this build would be faster on track everything else being equal. But again for some reason JAM didn't Dyno beyond 6000 rpm so who knows where the HP drops off. I'd be happy with either in a street vehicle that sees a drag strip often.

[@PatandDoopypoopy]

@@truracer20 383's like to rev? The traditional 4" bore, 3.750 stroke??

[@busterdee8228]

My dad was a fantastic mechanic. Early on he taught me that, if you don't know what broke something, you haven't fixed it. Your oil leak chase reminded me of him. In the military, we used to find radar rotary joint problems the same way. Thanks for this fine, educational video.

[@Adam_Poirier]

Jim is a legend. Full of tricks and knowledge accumulated from years of experience. I don't see how anyone could leave even the slightest negative thought or comment about you guys. I still wish he would start making farming videos. Awesome video.

[@brian_2040]

Anyone who criticizes what this guy is doing has never been around a farm. 😂 Farmers are the best engineers. Good job fellas.

[@noahingram8052]

Who cares

[@frankc1430]

No! They're just cheap!

[@wildcoyote34]

@@frankc1430 you evidently have never been around very many farms , because i have yet to meet any sort of farmer who is cheap ,, i don't know any farmer who has a shop and mechanics on call to fix broken equipment ,, the mechanic IS the the farmer ,, and nearly every farm i have worked for has a shop of their own of some sort

[@frankc1430]

@@wildcoyote34 I live in the middle of a farming community! I know a lot of farmers! Anything else you want to know?

[@dirtfarmer7472]

@@frankc1430 Yes, we are cheap bastards

[@utahprepper8925]

The air and vacuum "trick" is brilliant. This is what 40 years of experience gets you.

[@tomdave42]

I just find it amazing that you guys find the time to do this channel and still are able to be farmers. I don't think America appreciates their Farmers enough. I live in Michigan, and people get so angry about farmers slowing traffic. They don't think about that slab of bacon they ate for breakfast in the morning or the eggs that they had for their omelette or the grains for the toast they ate.

[@-tr0n]

To be fair, shutting down an entire highway with a 36 tired trailer behind a track job at 6.30am is really impolite.

[@JohnnyAFG81]

One hell of a teaching moment. Great way to trouble shoot an oil leak!

[@samrodian919]

That was Epic guys! The cleaning guy (aka dad) knows his onions and a few tricks lol. I really loved the oil leak fix trick. I'd never have thought of using a shop vac to suck silicone sealant into the gaps! That was really neat. The customer should really love this engine. Fit the engine and visit the tire shop immediately lol

[@Drmcclung]

A word of advice specifically for all the retrofit TBI systems, (doesn't matter what brand) is that if you're running a dual plane manifold, the notch between the left and right banks has to be cut so that there's communication between the two planes. This is irrelevant for single plane intakes, but for dual planes and that type of throttle body injection you can't have the two planes sealed off and separate from each other. Most dual planes have that notch already cut in but a lot of them don't, and this type of injection just won't work without it.

[@albertgaspar627]

agreed, a single plane intake works better, and for a chevy, finding a "street" intake manifold should be easier than other brands.

[@shtboxyj8406]

I remember this from engine masters a while ago. On the most recent sniper episode I'm surprised they didn't note that.

[@JAMSIONLINE]

This manifold has the notch in the divider. The issues mentioned in this video with the EFI were strictly user error due to us not having proper O2 sensor placement. The similarities in the dyno results between the Fitech EFI and the Edelbrock 750 reassure me that the Fitech was working as intended on the second day, and with further time to allow the unit to self tune (and the ability to make parameter changes for further tuning) it will likely continue to outperform the carb. For those who feel we should have went with a single plane intake; this is a street engine, not a race engine. We're hopeful the customer will be conscious of the fact that the higher RPM this engine is run, the wear on components increases dramatically and as such, the life of the engine decreases dramatically. With that considered, we felt the dual plane manifold would put us exactly where we wanted our power range to be. In a perfect world with unlimited time and funds, it would be great to test multiple different manifold options and make an educated decision based on the goals of the engine from there.

[@Drmcclung]

@@JAMSIONLINE yeah I know, just wanted to put the manifold thing out there into the ether, the manifold thing can be a nightmare for the unsuspecting. Felt like a good place to put that out there. That's a fantastic build BTW! I should have said so!! Sorry!

[@JAMSIONLINE]

@@Drmcclung no, I absolutely appreciate the comment and the information for other viewers! :) Just offering some more clarification everyone lol

[@WalkiTalki]

I once had this problem with a smog small block where I decked the block and installed higher compression heads. Doing both of those changed the angle of intake manifold enough that if I put lots of silicone it wouldn't leak right away but eventually after a day or two it would start. My elderly neighbor suggested that I check that. Once the intake flanges were machined and I port matched the runners that little small block would wind up like a rubber band and it never leaked at the intake ends again.

[@sprocket9200]

Was it me, or could you see the angle difference of the intake and head?

[@mazevx2451]

I've seen that quite often, and I wonder if the different manufacturers have different ideas of 90° angle...

[@bradgotschall3259]

I was thinking along those lines myself but don’t have much personal experience to go on.

[@bluecollar58]

If you deck the block doesn’t that change the geometry of the intake angle ? That would explain why it leaks on just one side. I always let the silicone firm up with the parts lightly assembled so that it compresses rather than pushes out when it’s torqued.

[@user-ym6hs5en7k]

@@bluecollar58 Exactly. Depending on the amount of material removed from the deck and/or cylinder head surface, not to mention the aftermarket manifold, the fit needs to be checked of the intake manifold to the block and heads. Usually the bottom of the intake that meets the wall of China has to have some material shaved off. It can't be too tight against the block or the sealer will squish out and not seal.

[@Dalbayob69]

Love videos like this where the old timers are sharing their tricks. Knowledge is priceless.

[@Cfchild1]

The 383 is my favorite configuration for the OG SBC. Massive power in a compact NA package.

[@MichaelHeinrich1]

Didn't expect that much power. Good work pays off. 👍🏻

[@Joshie2256]

The keys to this build are the good cylinder heads, correct compression and enough valve overlap. The supporting equipment also has to be up to the task. With a tighter lobe centerline angle (107° would be better) this combination would have made even more torque.

[@Bill-xc8le]

@@Joshie2256 They should have used a single plain intake on it

[@kingnull2697]

@OneIssueVoter No, he does have a 522HP engine. See the difference between engine horsepower & wheel horsepower.

[@ironmike742]

​@@Bill-xc8leno they shouldn't use a single plane. They are looking for low end torque.

[@ironmike742]

​@OneIssueVoteryou are wrong my friend.

[@ni_wink84]

Customer is definitely going to enjoy that HP level! 530Ftlbs is a tire killer

[@Geezer1320]

I had an oil leak on a fresh engine build at the front of an oil pan. It was already in the car. Leaking near the timing cover. We we’re at the track. We just squished some silicone in there and let it dry. Worked great, never leaked again. Ran that motor several seasons. Wasn’t pretty but it worked.

[@solomontorluemke7702]

I’m glad you were willing to talk about the problem and showed how you went about repairing the problem.

[@mazevx2451]

Finally, an engine that is hitting numbers that are at least acceptable for its displacement! Great build, lot's of attention to detail!

[@whodat90]

I’ve gotten to the point that I don’t ask people what’s wrong, I ask the symptoms and the desired end result. Much easier than doing exactly what the customer wants but doesn’t fix the problem.

[@farmerkevin]

Dude! I've been reading and watching engine builds since the mid 80s. This is one of the best I've seen and I love this motor. Keep them coming.

[@GrandPitoVic]

I remember years back. A SBC 383 was strong at 425/425 or 425/450. Nice build. I love the valve covers.

[@ipoopmuffins]

man i just love those copper colored valve covers

[@WingspeedGarage]

This was a awesome build! I most say I didn’t think the syringe trick would work but nothing makes me more impressed than to be proven wrong! Good job guys! Would love to get a engine build by Jim’s Automotive

[@Calmarsden]

You guys are so fortunate that the "cleaning guy " is such a talented machinist. Such a fantastic build ! Job well done , I'm sure the customer is going to be so pleased.

[@oldscoutinks_7482]

That’s awesome! I’ve heard about doing the syringe method before, but I have never actually seen it done. Glad everything worked out for you guys!!!!!

[@brianalbrecht4423]

Hats off to your honesty...!..easy fix...clever...!..it wasent like u were hide'n a bad part...always impresed with the level of pride & quality work...!..& its "always" cool to see a father & son work together & get along so well..!..nowadays...!...thanks 4 an enjoyable series on this 383 build...well done..!

[@brianjacobitz8319]

I don't know what happened to scat but the last 2 350 cranks I got from them had rod journals with almost a half thousand taper on the same journal

[@BerlietGBC]

Always so impressed by you guys, the calm approach you take with everything is spot on

[@aldonchristian1209]

I haven't even seen the whole thing and I loved it. These guys love what they do and it shows. Very informative videos and I enjoy watching all of them. Hats off to you gentlemen, job well done 👍🏼

[@calebgriffiths9062]

Great work guys, thanks for the warts 'n all presentation. That real life experience of the difficulties is pure gold. Terrific result!

[@mr19471985]

To see real repair work rather than replace is something that is rare today. You track down the problem and experience won the day. CONGRATULATIONS

[@tomfeller6707]

Nice work. Great to see the two of you working together.

[@bbek-pc8ht]

Thanks guys for showing the machine shop steps and explaining everything. my dad and i built many engines but never saw this part of the build. I just found you channel and am now hooked! Keep up the great work guys!

[@gregoryschmitz2131]

I am amazed at using an old block and then the intensive work gone to make this a Class A++++ job. Phew. Now I have to see you guys build an engine that NEEDS a custom block! As always, a treat to see the process and detail that goes into good work.

[@GaryElce]

This was an awesome series to watch. I am amazed at the level of detail y'all go into and it is very much appreciated.

[@gizmonova]

Great video, I had this exact same scenario on a SBC in my Nova. I had the same Idea of pushing a little silicon just like you did but I didn't think to use vacuum. Great tip, I appreciate your honesty.

[@1320pass]

She's a runner! Going to be a tire flying machine. Really enjoy how you guys work together.

[@lamarw7757]

A real polluter. Atta boy.

[@ironmike742]

​@@lamarw7757go mow some grass with your electric lawn mower. You're on the wrong channel here.

[@mikewilliams2072]

Very knowledgeable man, lot of this knowledge is acquired over 40 years experience and lots of trial and error! Wish I knew half as much as Jim about building engines ! He reminds me of my uncle who was a motor machinist and was very particular with his work, he wanted everything to be perfect when it left th shop!!!

[@miceinoz1181]

Wonderful work! So many bits from different manufacturers always takes a lot of time to get right. At least you did not have to take the manifold off and machine it to match the valley angles better (like I did last engine). That was a real pain! I am going to remember this silicone injection under vacuum trick, what a gem of an idea.

[@jimc4731]

Don’t know if it’s still done but what I did way back in the 60s was to O-ring the block and use the factory head gasket No trouble even with a 6-71 supercharger on a small block Chevy engine! JIM ❤

[@ericstalker7973]

Just watched this video. All I got to say is the things your dad did is absolutely brilliant. I learned some cool things. Thanks for sharing this

[@vortecmacs]

The positive and negative pressure trick was brilliant. I’ve used the vacuum to keep oil from draining from the pan before, but I’d never have thought of this.

[@wildcoyote34]

i use the negative pressure trick to keep from getting oil on me when changing oil

[@benjaminsmith5811]

Thank you. Very enjoyable video. Love the old school tricks to stop a small oil leak..

[@goldsgarage8236]

Great video and awesome build guys, congratulations! Also a good example of no matter how professional and detailed you are, you can still encounter issues. Also giving viewers an appreciation of how much time it takes to build an engine like this properly. AG

[@NGH99999]

Well done. Love these old "farmer" tricks. I backyard-wrenched for years in the late 80s and into the 90s (pre-internet), and if I heard tips like these from others I always felt like I'd struck paydirt. Many times, the best knowledge is the simple, slick tricks that can get you out of a bind while saving you time and money.

[@southronjr1570]

Ok, that vacuum trick is awesome. I've been working on motors and machines since I was a kid and never would have thought of that but danged if it doesnt work beautifully. Thats a trick I will definitely keep in mind.

[@josephwebb5833]

If you installed the O2 sensor near the end of the collector without an extension pipe (at least 18 inches) it could cause the O2 sensor to be exposed to too much ambient air back flowing into the end of the header. This would cause the O2 sensor to read lean at the sensor sending a signal to the fitech computer to add fuel causing a rich condition. I have seen similar issues with holly sniper systems so it may be worth looking at. Good luck, love the channel.

[@paulb354]

Those valve cover are beautiful, as are the numbers, solid build!

[@timlee4204]

These guys are experts in their craft, never have I viewed engine building like this !! So easy to listen to and follow. Well done guys.

[@ipmike232]

This has been one of the coolest build series, I’ve ever seen!

[@Cnightz]

I'm impressed with the power output. Great numbers for a small block. Good job fellas. Look forward to seeing more of your videos. Keep up the excellent work.

[@leebattick5874]

Ive used an actual vacuum pump for this type of fix before but I gotta say, the shop-vac is the most farmer thing Ive seen since I left Oklahoma. Love it!

[@CarlBright]

Excellent! I wish more channels were like this

[@jamesstreeter2565]

We may need a tips and tricks episode. Pretty cool trick, i would have pulled the intake.

[@iaial0]

Heh, that video would last a lifetime

[@mikekenyon3322]

34 degree's at full advance is the number my late model SBC liked also. Nice HP and TQ numbers

[@henryfriesen8133]

Nice work, gentlemen! Just a word of caution on the “self-tuning” of those ECUs: as you saw with the O2 sensor placement, the engine lives and dies by that O2 sensor. It is important to limit the amount of trim adjustment the ECU can do once a decent fuel map has been “learned” to, for example, 10% or so. I don’t recall if the FiTech has the ability to limit the trim learning as it’s been a while since using one, but similar Holley systems have that capability. If those learn limits are left wide open, the engine is one failing O2 sensor and a good burnout away from coming back to the shop.

[@wilsonrawlin8547]

The system has limp mode safeguards just like a stock ECU.

[@vicswanby454]

That was a great idea to use a syringe with RTV there are so many great hacks that some of these old guys if they don't share them they're going to die off with them. Thank you for letting us know that this will work. I have chased this same issue and installed and pulled a intake to fix the issue to find it out why it was failing to seal this gentleman has a lot of knowledge and has seen great different things that will work. Great video that just got you a new subscriber. Thanks again.

[@michaelmartinez1345]

Excellent Episode! A lot was learned from this!!! Amazing power - and torque, that this engine puts out!

[@eliminator1978]

Love the attention to detail and fixing the oil leak.

[@o.mearing9113]

Excellent job guys! Was a great watch 😊 thanks for uploading 👍

[@DoesItTho]

Sweet build! Great gathering of objective evidence with the failure mode analysis and an even cooler repair! These two are the real McCoys

[@brucekappel7337]

When available, we cleaned the leaks, then used zyglo developer (powder) and ran the engine. Leak areas became very visible. Good video. Liked the vacuum & syringe.

[@samheumann5640]

Root cause analysis is key. Thanks for sharing this journey.

[@lucascb750]

O2 sensors will need to be at least 18 inches from air, Ie. End of pipe or exhaust leak. It will read way leaner than it is.

[@SeanLynchXY]

Thanks guys, this series was a lot of fun and brought back fond memories of building small blocks with my buddy Fred in the seventies.

[@franktrujillo9348]

You guys are great thanks for your knowledge and honesty.

[@JohnH20111]

@JAMSIONLINE hearing that beast on the dyno is beautiful music and when the secondaries kicked in and that beast came alive and put out over 500 horsepower and torque was absolutely beautiful brought tears to my eyes watching it keep up the outstanding work y’all are doing

[@austinjames3525]

I worked at a performance machine shop for a short time and we did exactly what you did when looking for and sealing that oil leak. So much better than removing that intake and cleaning all of the silicone off to reseal it.

[@JRRott-mj5jq]

Anyone who has rebuilt a small block knows you always gotta put a nice amount of gasket sealant in the V where head and intake meet you always put a nice glob there or you get leaks as yall did but it’s understandable since yall don’t do many of these. Y’all did really nice work tho on the machine work I’d definitely use yall for the machine work and balancing 👍🏻👍🏻

[@timothyengland3]

Awesome work guys, thanks for the videos along the way

[@kennogaj7311]

Jim great job on the engine ,power looks great. My shop builds around 3 to 6 383 combos a year real similar combo as your ...you and your father hit the mark. Ken

[@Bobthebuilder.69]

Love this build y'all! I have the same 638 casting 4 bolt main block in my 92 stepside reg cab 2wd. Its now a forged flat top 355 with a decked block (slugs are .007 in the hole), Dart iron eagle heads with 2.02/1.6 and mild port work. A big Comp hydraulic roller with Vortec roller lifters, dog bones and hold down tray, It has a 1980s torquer 2 intake port matched to the heads that was my dad's from the back in the 80s, and a quick fuel 850 e85 carb. I took it to Dyno day at my local tuners place and in 95° heat, it made 456/448 thru a 700r4 and a 1998 explorer 8.8, the factory 10 bolt didnt like multiple 300 ft long burnouts. That engine is 10 years old now and it still runs like O.J Simpson

[@markgannett3577]

I have a mind that jumps to conclusions. The systematic approach is always best. You would be a great neighbor to ask for an opinion in a crunch ! Kudos.

[@jeli1347]

I like those valve covers, they're super unique. Love the old school approach of your channel gentlemen, thank you.

[@Andy-ib6xd]

Well done guys!! Awesome build!

[@jamolepley9340]

Good job Fellers I love it when I watch a video and I learn a new trick thank you

[@harryjules369]

I like how you two analyze your problems.

[@purebredamericanmutt]

Glad it wasn't a problem with the heads. I have a set of the same heads going on my 327. Waiting for the head studs and pushrods to get delivered. Sitting in a 84 El Camino with a monster ss 700r4 and 3:73 carbon fiber rear. I bought the transmission kit and had my local shop put it together. I'm hoping for the same horsepower but wish that much torque. That needle trick is amazingly simple but affective. The motor does sound sweet. Good job.

[@vbboricua]

Love it! Simple, yet successful.

[@craigtittsworth9440]

Very impressive guys, Great work!

[@aaronsitz5168]

Love the content guys always enjoying watching

[@tonymiller8826]

I used the vacuum trick to seal up water jacket cracks in my Model T Ford engine block. I dished out the cracks a little with a die grinder drilled the ends of the cracks to keep them from spreading then sucked in JB weld. It's been holding water tight for more than 10 years.

[@blakedismuke3656]

That’s a bad dude. Nice job man. I like the high numbers all the way through the pull.

[@rustyaxelrod]

Enjoyed the videos guys! Slick repair on the oil leak. 👍

[@wilsonlaidlaw]

I have in the past used Captain Tolley's creeping sealer for tiny leaks, while pulling a vacuum on the engine. It is also very good for leaking corners on automobile screens, where it osmoses its way into microscopic fissures. It lasts for at least 10 years.

[@jakewade7388]

I ran across this same leak once before using AFR heads. Since then, I always put a small bead above the head gasket and China wall before setting the head on.

[@davidbo5823]

The first machine shop I worked in was in 1978. The last machine shop I ran for twelve years. I used this method, especially for older engines that had poor sealing technology. It's a great way to have a leak free engine.

[@karstenjacobson1725]

I have used this same trick to pull wood glue into a crack to fix wooden things. Great trick!

[@jcnpresser]

The syringe is a good idea. Never thought of that. Might have to try that one. Most of the stuff I do is machined metal to metal, so it may be too tight to work. That a perfect scenario to use that.

[@paulgrindley8192]

That vacuum trick is pretty darn slick. I’m sure I’ll use that trick sometime. Thanks for sharing.

[@golf25radioman]

Very interesting video. Long time since I've worked on engines/cars/etc., but still have that fire burning inside for them. When the oil leak first was being looked into I thought possibly that the amount the block was decked could have caused a "gap" between the head/intake/rear of block that was too great. But your diagnostic process showed that it was just a small leak due to insufficient silicone on the back of the block sealing surface. Ingenious in the repair, using the syringe/silicone to inject into that gap. Cool! Thanks again for the detailed video showing everything.

[@phillipschneider1965]

Great idea would of never thought of it. Great idea.

[@collingalbraith4343]

Always love the tricks you teach

[@masterhacker1989]

I love you stand behind you work, that's rare nowadays

[@charleshenshaw9099]

Great job guys. It's been a long time getting here. The owner is going to be able to enjoy this engine for a long time. Cheers 🍻

[@kenholt8297]

OMG! I LOVE the sound(got my jollies too)and looks! Flipping sweet! Whished I had that baby in my old 69 Firebird!

[@mitchfleming274]

Brilliant repair....and great power and torque!

[@brianr8581]

Thank you so much for the tips! So much appreciated

[@toralfcross3819]

I have also found countless oil pressure sending units causing a leak from the same area as where you find the rear main seal leak. When you repair a leak like that the customer is very happy.

[@MULTIMOONSHOTS]

Very impressive guys!Great work!👍💯