[gtofreek]

Standard blocks are very weak. I have never seen a T-block but the standard block has 7/16" main bolts instead of 1/2" on 1-4 and 1/2" instead of 9/16" on the rear. I had one that seized up and broke the crank in 3 pieces and ripped the 3 center main webbing's out of the block. The main webbing was very thin. I would be afraid to use a standard block for any of this. It was a 79 301 in a Grand Prix.

[Overkillphil]

Stock cranks were subcontracted to Lenox.

[Scarebird]

Originally Posted by tom s

Dave said the only way he would do another is to start with new,the old alu had too much impuritys.Tom

Years ago when I was bending tin I was going to build a 93-97 LT-1 style intake for my 400. I had just transplanted a 85 IROC TPI into an 83 Camaro (everything from the gas tank forward) and thought that the ECM while primitive would adapt well to a Pontiac. Made an assembly fixture to build an intake but did not follow thru. This short deck assembly would make a better candidate for this - and as stated would fit later cars, ie 82-92 Firebirds better.

[rad400]

Tom very cool. Post this on 301garage forum. I know they will love to see this.

[72blackbird]

Originally Posted by rad400

Tom very cool. Post this on 301garage forum. I know they will love to see this.

Whatever you do don't do that- half of the 301 owners will flood PY with questions and the other half will insist they can make 1000 hp with the stock crank, heads and twin turbos.

Better to build the engine and show them that it takes 326-400 parts to make a better 301.

Geno

[tom s]

LOL,actually posted there days ago but no pics.There is someone on there already that is doing a 4in stroke CV1 race type engine,looks hi dollar,diff from my on the cheap(sort of) street build.Tom

[77 TRASHCAN]

Originally Posted by tom s

LOL,actually posted there days ago but no pics.There is someone on there already that is doing a 4in stroke CV1 race type engine,looks hi dollar,diff from my on the cheap(sort of) street build.Tom

The more that I think about this project.... I commend your for your effort!!! It's the type of build that most of us would be leaning towards.

Although the more I learn about the 301T block, the less I like it (the block, as the foundation for this build). I've read rumblings of a possible short deck block from the AllPontiac folks (or was I dreaming again???) I hope the 383 holds up, and meets your expectations!!!

You must have picqued Dave Bisshop's curiosity a lot, to get him to build that intake. As busy as we all know he is, it's a great looking piece. The single plane setup makes the most sense, from ease of fabrication point, a dual plane would have been a lot more difficult w/ the sharp turns and getting everything lined up, at the head.....

Keep on keeping on....

[tom s]

As far as I know there is NO short deck block on the drawing board.There is and has been "shorter" deck blocks on the market.It would take a change in the oil filter pad to make a true short deck block.Tom

[blueghoast]

Wow what a neet piece. Can't wait to see the turn out on this build.
I'd like to see a big cam and make it a high winder but thats another story.
This is a very interesting build though and can't wait to see the results.
It's going to be a neat piece.

GT.

[tom s]

Crank went to the machine shop for turning today.Shim is being built.Joe and I have decided to run the 3122-3115 cam with 1.65s on the intake and 1.50 on the exhaust.The 3122 I is a 380 lobe and the 3115 E is a 400 lobe.Still not sure about lifters,Comp told me the pontiac hyd roller lifter should be good(SHOULD?)Tom

[77 TRASHCAN]

Tom
How goes the 301???

[tom s]

Crank is done,have bearings,waiting for my friggin machinest to make the bearing shim.He is holding up the whole deal.Called Rick Johnson this morning to see if he could knock a couple out for me.If there are any machinest reading this,I need a shim 3 1/4 ID and 3 3/4 OD and 69thou thick.Need a couple ASAP.Tom

[gtofreek]

What do you need the shim for?

[tom s]

the thurst bearing web is 69 thou narrower on a 301 block than a 400 bearing.Much like a 428 block compared to a 400.Tom

[Scarebird]

This may be easier to have laser cut out of 14 gauge cold rolled then lightly sanded down. What holds it in place?

http://www.sheetmetalguy.com/sheet_m...auge_chart.htm

[gtofreek]

Originally Posted by tom s

the thurst bearing web is 69 thou narrower on a 301 block than a 400 bearing.Much like a 428 block compared to a 400.Tom

I thought the 301 would take 400 bearings. I have never built one. Did not know they were different.

[mrennie]

Originally Posted by Scarebird

This may be easier to have laser cut out of 14 gauge cold rolled then lightly sanded down. What holds it in place?

http://www.sheetmetalguy.com/sheet_m...auge_chart.htm

The recess in the cap & block will hold the shim in place I believe.

[455Grandville]

Originally Posted by johnta1

Almost 383 CID



You know, the bore of the 301 is larger than the 350, which required notches when the 2.11 valve heads were used.

Yours probably wouldn't need notches and you could use a RA IV head.
(or a RA V)

Did they ever have a HD 301 block I thought a few were produced or somethin - I read about a T/A that Herb Adams had in 77 or 78 and it was a 301 race engine or some such thing -

[Ragtop Man]

Nope, the "HD 301" blocks were leftover 303's that had been stacked in the shop, someplace.

I do wonder this: would hard-blocking a 301T block help with some of the strength issues?

Anxious to see how this one turns out. Have always regretted that Pontiac killed the traditional V-8 for the SBC in the Third Gen Firebird. The lighter V8 with the turbo woulda been a killer in that one.

Likewise, always wondered what a true 303 Turbo in the last of the Second Gen Firebirds would have been able to muster... with real Pontiac heads, a good crank and decent rods.

[72blackbird]

I'm waiting with great interest as well- small-bore Ponchos have always been ignored as a real performance engine, and a 301/383 stroker would definitely bring the 301 into the fold as real Pontiac high-performance V-8. I don't think a turbo would really be necessary unless you're trying to get power like a built N/A 455 (500-600 hp)- and at that level the stock 301T block would no doubt be the weak point. I think the point of the build is to make as much N/A power as possible with as many off-the-shelf 326-455 parts as possible and still retain use of the 301T stock block.

Even a 301/383 with traditional ported iron heads and a HFT cam should be able to pull down 400-425 hp with some revs. The 3.75" stroke crank should give it more than enough torque to impress most Pontiac guys.

Geno