Cascade Crew

QwkTrip · Posted: Mon May 10, 2010 3:46 pm Post subject: What does "filled block" mean?

I'm looking at a 383 stroker and the block has been filled. What is it filled with, why do it, and is it still reliable and streetable?

townaj · Posted: Mon May 10, 2010 3:56 pm Post subject:

I was under the impression that they fill some of the coolant passages around the cylinders with some stuff that hardens and helps to keep them from distorting. If thats the stuff it usually isn't recommended for street use. Usually its racing. But thats just what I Think it means. I could be totally wrong...

QwkTrip · Posted: Mon May 10, 2010 4:09 pm Post subject:

Thanks. That's all I needed to know. I'll be staying away from that engine.

aaron_sK · Posted: Mon May 10, 2010 4:17 pm Post subject:

Pfft. Stroker. You got stroke plus bore in there right now. Razz

chevymad · Posted: Mon May 10, 2010 4:30 pm Post subject:

You need to know if its a short fill or long fill. Old school 383s needed to be at least short filled because of the grinding needed to clearance the block. New rods eliminated that.

A short fill is fine for the street, long fill you may have overheating problems. It's basically a concrete that you pour in. Normally filled up to the bottom of the water pump holes is ok. Not only does this seal off the bottom of the block so that if you grind through it doesnt leak, but it also stiffens the block so that it will take more power. A block needs to be bored or at least finish honed after being filled. The filling can distort the cylinder walls.

And as usual.. there are exceptions to every rule.

QwkTrip · Posted: Wed May 12, 2010 6:52 pm Post subject:

Turns out it is a short fill just up to the freeze plug. That doesn't sound bad. The engine is a really nice little 383 with AFR 195 heads and a mild roller cam. Thinking about making a trade for my big block and going back to an engine that will actually fit.

aaron_sK · Posted: Wed May 12, 2010 7:11 pm Post subject:

Are you gonna stick with the forced induction setup, or go back to na?

QwkTrip · Posted: Wed May 12, 2010 7:20 pm Post subject:

Naturally aspirated. This engine is 10.25:1 compression and the rings are gapped for nitrous. The owner (another engineer in my building) was planning on a 200 Hp shot. I'm not up for that, but 100 Hp might be nice.

Alphius · Posted: Wed May 12, 2010 7:28 pm Post subject:

If it's built for 200, why shoot less? Razz

Go big or go home man.

Laughing

aaron_sK · Posted: Wed May 12, 2010 7:32 pm Post subject:

Schultzy89GTA · Posted: Wed May 12, 2010 8:52 pm Post subject:

I agree. Of course there is serious and then there is serious.

Razz

-Schultzy

Alphius · Posted: Thu May 13, 2010 5:32 am Post subject:

QwkTrip · Posted: Fri May 14, 2010 3:38 pm Post subject:

Here's the engine. I'm pondering this pretty seriously. What do you think?

aaron_sK · Posted: Fri May 14, 2010 3:59 pm Post subject:

Once again ruining the topic for everyone...

But what the crap is up with the Chevy engines painted Ford blue? Seriously now.

QwkTrip · Posted: Fri May 14, 2010 4:01 pm Post subject:

I knew you would like that. Laughing

Schultzy89GTA · Posted: Fri May 14, 2010 4:14 pm Post subject:

aaron_sK · Posted: Fri May 14, 2010 4:29 pm Post subject:

QwkTrip · Posted: Fri May 14, 2010 6:59 pm Post subject:

I've still got a Holley Projection 900 CFM system. It would work really well with that engine.

blue89 · Posted: Sat May 15, 2010 2:16 pm Post subject:

QwkTrip · Posted: Sat May 15, 2010 3:07 pm Post subject:

Do you have oval port heads? If so, you should just buy my supercharger and make your big block sing. It won't be any taller than what you have now.

I am leaning really hard towards making a deal because, 1) It will be less expensive and easier to finish my car; and 2) It will get finished. The other guy is giving it a lot of thought, too. He just doesn't know whether he wants to use my engine or build his own 496 stroker. He's just going to drive on the street so my engine really could keep up with a street trim 496 and get him there a lot cheaper. Hopefully, he'll come to the same conclusion.