I just noticed that you had said you are strongly considering black.I’m strongly considering going with the black just to make everything else really shine.
Is that picture painted with the last link that you posted? I think I have a new favorite color idea! Thanks for the help!Somebody had this posted on ClassicOldsmobile.com
VHT SP404 Gold Flake, Hi-temp.
Duplicolor SP404 VHT Gold Metallic Flake Engine Metallic Spray Paint Aerosol | eBay
I think this is a winner!
Edit: I just noticed that this color seems hard to find, and the ones on eBay are charging high shipping, and are limited quantity... like "last one". That color would be great if you want gold.
View attachment 623333
You have a very good point that I didn’t consider! I’d hate for someone to think I just bought a crate motor off the shelf and dropped it in. The 385 rotating assembly should be ordered in the next couple days, I just have to verify a few things with the distributor and the machine shop.I just noticed that you had said you are strongly considering black.
My reaction to black, as a "spectator", would be that you bought a crate motor, and didn't bother painting it.
Black is the standard GM crate motor color...
Something like a bronze, as curtis73 mentioned, or an aged copper, would offset the polished and chrome stuff, but wouldn't look "unfinished" like black would.
But it's your truck...
Yeah, the post with that picture said it was VHT SP404.Is that picture painted with the last link that you posted? I think I have a new favorite color idea! Thanks for the help!
I also found it locally available at one of the auto parts stores! Thanks againYeah, the post with that picture said it was VHT SP404.
All I was seeing on my searches for it were high prices and/or out of stock.
But I just searched for it on Summit and it's $19.99 and In Stock!
VHT SP404 VHT Engine Enamels | Summit Racing
They typically have Free Shipping on $99, so a few cans of this, head gaskets, and valve cover gaskets, and you're there... since you're building the motor, I'm sure there's plenty of other bits you'll need.
That gold beats orange any day.Somebody had this posted on ClassicOldsmobile.com
VHT SP404 Gold Flake, Hi-temp.
Duplicolor SP404 VHT Gold Metallic Flake Engine Metallic Spray Paint Aerosol | eBay
I think this is a winner!
Edit: I just noticed that this color seems hard to find, and the ones on eBay are charging high shipping, and are limited quantity... like "last one". That color would be great if you want gold.
View attachment 623333
They are factory iron heads that have been rebuilt. That’s what started this whole mess right before show season. I knew the heads needed some work, but when I took them off we found that the rings were also bad. On top of that, the crank journals were bad so instead of just swapping the crank and putting new rings on the existing pistons, I’m ordering the 385 rotating assembly. I could have it back together next week, or delay the show season a little longer and do the stroker kit while we have it all apart. It was a tough decision, but I think I made the right choice.A question on your heads... I assumed those in the picture are factory iron heads.
If so, I'm assuming that you'll be getting new heads...?
If you go with aluminum heads, I'd strongly suggest painting the heads too, if this color looks as good as it does in that picture. Iron heads you'd obviously paint...
I'd paint the block first, to make sure you love the color.
Then scuff the aluminum heads with 400 grit, and use self-etching primer before the paint.
If you don't scuff them, it won't stick well.
The instructions are a little different too... very light coats, etc. so pay attention to that.
VHT SP307 VHT Primer Coat Paints | Summit Racing
That primer is an olive drab color, so I'd go over it with a light gray primer afterward, so that your gold is nice and bright.
VHT SP148 VHT Engine Enamels | Summit Racing
Actually, since you've already had the heads rebuilt, you'd be better off just rebuilding the 350.
All of the comments from the most knowledgeable guys on this forum have indicated that factory small block heads aren't a good match for a 383, for various reasons.
If you haven't ordered that rotating assembly yet, I'd suggest that you start another thread, and get some advice from the gurus here...
I've seen some 383's for sale with Vortec heads, and I thought that's what I was going to do at first, since I have a good used set of Vortec heads... but the guys here shot down that idea, with detailed reasons why.
So, if you do a 383 short block and put those heads on it, I doubt that you'd end up with something that's any better than just rebuilding the 350.
Another question there is what you're doing for a cam... whatever short block you go with, you'll want a cam and heads that go well with the short block and intended use.
Start a thread with details on your planned usage/desires for the motor, and get some opinions.
Also things like trans, differential/gearing etc. would be good to include.
It sounds to me like your plan will need some changes.
Personally, I'd say if you aren't racing, just cruising, rebuild the 350, and get advice on a cam that makes the most sense for your usage, which I'd assume is cruising and sounding good.
Your situation seems like a 350 with a cam like the Comp L79+ would be all you need.
Just enough duration for a sporty idle, without screwing up anything else.
9-9.5:1 compression would probably be best for a cam like that, but I'll let the gurus give you the best advice on all that.
It sounds like you haven't ordered the rotating assembly yet, so I'd just say STOP, and run this whole thing by this group of experienced guys.
They've saved lots of people from spending money and ending up with a bad experience.
Post your thread Sunday morning, and I'd bet you'll have all the info you need by Monday morning...
www.hotrodders.com
