I've had an oil consumption issue(1000 to the quart) since day 1 of owning this engine. On my very first pass also, it has had a tendency to spit oil out of the dipstick tube under hard acceleration. The oil consumption is now down to about 750 miles. The engine has just over 40,000 miles and feels as strong as ever. Now, I am always prepared for the worst(I had to be with this car!!) and am ready to take some hints or pointers from some of you when this motor comes out and gets checked over. A VERY reputable local machine shop will be doing the work.
I would like to avoid the oil usage and especially remedy the dipstick tube ordeal. Again, it's done that since day 1. Did a ring not seat right or is one cracked? Also...it's been a little noisy on start ups(bottom end) but again, I'm ready for anything. I hear a quick knock and then it's fine.
fire away with any opinions, suggestions. I've never had a problem with consistent oil pressure as well so that's a major plus.
Re: [Soon, my LPE-383 is coming apart] Details inside (clem zahrobsky)
I'd start with Clem's recommendations first. These days almost everyone, certainly LPE, uses moly rings on their performance buildups (unless they're forced induction with stainless/chrome rings) and they seat practically immediately.
oh not to worry, i am fully prepared to do a leakdown. my luck it'll leak OK :lolg: if not, i am completely prepared for it to be removed.
thanks fellas, and i will keep you posted on it's progress.
i know this is the BRUTE POWER board...but i saw an l98 photo today of the engine painted the same color of the car. i DO like that look and might consider it.
Monty, I kid you not and if He could type better than one word per hour ;)( :jester ) Frank would tell you. He had the EXACT motor I did before that beast of a 434 found it's way between the frame-rails in His camaro. It was a 383 done by Big John, d port vette heads, 219 cam etc. This was in late '91-'92. 440 hp n/a pump gas smog legal back then was tough to come by..so you see where I got the inspiration to do it. Frank beat the hell out of that thing for God knows how many miles...so I had to have one.
It has stayed in one piece even with repeated detonation and oil usage which shows LPE does build a strong engine. But at just over 40,K miles it shouldn't need a re-build, nor should I be spitting oil out the dipstick tube.
Thanks again for your feedback and for allowing me to rant a little.
Re: [Soon, my LPE-383 is coming apart] Details inside (JD 90 383)
Yeah, my vette uses about a half a quart every 1K miles too. But then, I just ticked over the 142K mile mark.....I want to do either a 383 or 396 N/A build in the next year or so. I have the top half so far.
I meant to state that I get a noisy start up every now and then too. I just attribute it to piston position at that particular time and whatnot. Never amounts to anything really.
I wouldn't care much IF the oil wasn't going at the rate it was, or if the dipstick didn't spit out. Those two concern me. And for the $ I spent for this engine, I really should NOT have to address these issues with the low mileage on it. BUT that's how it is.
Don't think it hasn't crossed my mind :) (Cast crank 420 seeing they're like the 383's and don't spin past 6000 the spendy stuff isn't required.) :cheers:
At the time, my car had a severe detonation problem that was being worked on by LPE. The oil thing was the last thing on my mind at the time. I also wanted to get the car back from them a.s.a.p.
Corvette Store
[Soon, my LPE-383 is coming apart] Details inside
