bent pushrods with new roller rockers

[langss]

As "Biker" Said... Make Lemonade. I personally have seen way worse, thrown together just to go to work on "Monday" morning, and still running just the same years later. So check everything, make sure all the threads in the block are good...lay the head bolts out and and measure them, just in case the ones that were near that cylinder got stretched... make sure the heads are flat, maybe have the heads gone over...you get the idea...As long as the engine had good oil pressure and ran ok, putting it back together and running it should be a good choice. That's what I would do. The original SB that was in my truck, went 46,000 more miles after finding both cylinder heads cracked.The machine shop that did a Quick Rework on some junk yard 882's I picked up, said the affected cylinders probably had cracked pistons. And when I tore the engine down after replacing it, they were right... So Get Busy Making Lemonade.

 

[sandlapper]

Yes, make lemonade --- that means to Optimize what you have.

As for the SPO xxx ID --- I found an online "mention" of same (Not a "reference"). Based on that and your description, I Also think they are probably "Sealed Power" (speed pro parent) and are +thirty oversize. They're clearly 4VR flattops and are probably cast.

So, seems motor is a common +30 over 350 (aka 355). NOTHING wrong with that!

What is the combustion chamber volume of your ProMaxx heads? 64cc Or 67cc Or 72cc Or 76cc Or whatever?

BUT --- we don't KNOW pistons' Compression Height aka Compression Distance. They may be a "short" rebuilder special or Not? If you go back and measure again when at Top dead center --- that measurement can become critical in choosing the "Best" thickness of head gasket. Go back and measure Accurately how far down below deck they are when at TDC and post that here.

As for any legal recourse --- if the seller advertised it as a 383 or a stroker (it ain't) --- then hold him liable for the BS --- and don't let it languish --- there is always a Statute Of Limitations (time) on these sorts of false claims actions.

 

[Fan SS]

Having had similar problems with 7000 rpm BB, my issues were always because of amount of preload. I know you will cringe, but here it is, I preload the lifter at contact plus 1/2 of a turn and run them later. My current 505 inch power plant is contact plus 1/4 turn. Good luck and break in like Granny.

 

[accelo]

If the cam was indexed incorrectly it would bend more than one cylinder's valves.
You might need to replace the lifters. I would do it before the motor was started.

 

[sandlapper]

As for priming oil system:
For years, I've been successfully using an old OE distributor with its teeth ground off; which I spin with a drill motor.
BUT within last week, saw a gent on some TV car program that showed an elegantly simple, cheap & effective primer method I may try out.

He began with a common, plastic 1-gallon garden sprayer with a vertical pump handle and a wide fill mouth --- the last one I bought was on clearance sale last year & during off-season --- I paid $5 at WM --- I just looked online & they're now $14 - $15 regular price --- cheap enough.

He snipped the spray-wand away from hose. Then assembled a simple brass fitting comprised of a 1/8" npt to screw into block, and screwed into that is a hose barb to fit sprayer hose. He poured a quart of oil in it and pumped on it while watching for oil at rockers --- he periodically stopped and rotated crank a quarter-turn until he'd made 2 complete revs (1 cam rev) --- he had a gage on block and that hand pump made about 20 psi (plenty for prime) --- and he did Not expend a great deal of pump work. Looked like it worked AOK. Does motor oil soon degrade-wreck garden sprayer innards? dunno? Do know that many insecticides/herbicides also have petrochem base.

Just so ya know, ya Must have a dist stabbed in sbc/BBC while priming --- or the oil will simply pour free from lifter oil galleries & won't rise up pushrods to rockers.
Sorry, I can't recall TV show title.

 

[scrap--metal]

I am a little surprised a reputable site as Bring a Trailer allows crooks like this on their site

This is sad. Sorry you got duped, but thank you for bringing it to everyone's attention. I thought BAT was a reputable site, too. Now I kow better.

I am using brake clean, engine degreaser and carb cleaner I assume these are OK to use as well as plastic brush, red scotchbrite, paper towel, a razor and some plastic scrapers.

If you do reassemble this engine, which is sounding more and more unlikely now, you have the right idea. The deck can't be clean enough, and a razor blade alone can be insufficient (ask me how I know). Also, don't forget to chase (not tap) the holes in the block to remove any thread sealer. There are thread chasers made specifically for this. Any gunk in those holes will affect your assembly torque on your head bolts.

I think everything else has been covered by the resident experts.

 

[camarochevy1970]

I am not too worried about it being a stroker or a 350. At the end of the day it is a low tech dime a dozen engine with abundant parts availability. I am a little surprised a reputable site as Bring a Trailer allows crooks like this on their site (I bought this car from BTA). I will make sure and toss it back to BTA when I am done with it and make sure and expose the site and the sellers in my listing.
Here is a link to when I bought it:

1970 Chevrolet Camaro RS

Bid for the chance to own a 1970 Chevrolet Camaro RS at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #25,677.

bringatrailer.com

BTW the "original" engine which is supposed to be rebuilt is complete trash.

I will post details when I put it back on the road. I am sure I will need some input as I continue.

Thanks for all feedback.

I'm not sure how this is a Bring a Trailer issue. Did you complain to them? Looks like you bought the car in 2019, so how long before you started having issues?

That said, BAT is an auction site, not a dealership. They are only as good as the honesty of the seller. It is up to the buyer to ensure they know what they are getting

 

[G72Zed]

@ erhan ergin

All in all, you have a very nice looking ride.

Unfortunately, looks like the "engine" portion did not have, or received the experience or skill set required to properly build & assemble a quality piece.

In reading your posts, and looking at your situation (pic's), at this point, I would remove the engine and have it professionally inspected with a thorough/written repair plan drawn up with a reputable qualified engine builder/machinist so you can make the proper choices of what you want in an engine package so as to enjoy your fine ride for years to come with a worry free mind set.

It looks like your heads are not true, issues on number 8 as we know, and also in #4 & 6 as well. I bet they had a hard time tq'ing up the center bolt, and that lead to the inter cylinder issue with ex. 4-6 that I see.

I also put money on that the head bolts where not tq'd in proper sequence, lacked the sealer required, and perhaps done with a cheap a$$ tq wrench as well.

Nothing wrong with a properly built 350, I would take a good 350 anyday over a "china" cheap 383 stroker rotating assembly.......

I think getting this engine corrected and built right is a no brainer, if not....you may be chasing problems and it's going to cost you more money in the end, not to mention leave you on the side of the road when the "next thing" fails......

Just my experience here, take it for what it's worth.

NB: I have taken a "douro" block with 80 grit paper and have "re-faced/profiled" block decks in the past for minor imperfections and RA issues for MLS gaskets. And it was not for 400hp engines either...just saying.

 

[scrap--metal]

I'm not sure how this is a Bring a Trailer issue.

Directly from their website...

Obviously not true in this scenario. Maybe they should start describing themselves as a glamorized Craigslist.

 

[camarochevy1970]

they are an ebay equivalent. Again, I would say this is a buyer beware situation. I wouldn't even walk onto a dealer lot and drop down this kind of cash on an old car without personally inspecting it, not sure why someone would think an auction would be safer. BAT is like ebay, mecum etc. They help write the description based off the sellers feedback. If the seller lies, they have no way of knowing it.