Topic: Ordering new 383 long block. A few questions
in Forum: C3 Engines
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Morning all, i plan to order a 383 long block this week and had a few questions i'm hoping someone can assist with.
First, the reason for a long block is i have a lot of good aftermarket parts on my stock L-48 which i want to re-use such as the intake, carb and corvette signature valve covers.
To help ease installation, i wanted to get a new oil pan and was wondering if the C3 uses the standard small block chevy oil pan or if there was a larger capacity one i could use that would fit the chassis.
Also, since i will have the motor out, there would be no better time to put a new clutch, pressure plate and throw out bearing in. Does anyone have recommendations outside of an OEM replacement ?
Thanks in advance
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Duncanville, TX - USA
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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
First, you need to determine if the engine you are getting has a one-piece rear main seal, or the older style two piece. If it is a one piece seal, your original oil pan will not work anyway. If it has the two piece rear main seal, you can swap your oil pan with no problems. You will need a Corvette specific oil pan if you decide to change it, regardless.
Check to see what oil pump they will provide with the engine...you want a high volume pump, not a high pressure pump. You'll also want to make sure the crankshaft will accept the clutch pilot bushing/bearing....some stroker cranks will not.
Clutch-wise, you can't go wrong with a stock type, LUK set up. Most parts houses either stock LUK brand, or can get it.
Check to see what oil pump they will provide with the engine...you want a high volume pump, not a high pressure pump. You'll also want to make sure the crankshaft will accept the clutch pilot bushing/bearing....some stroker cranks will not.
Clutch-wise, you can't go wrong with a stock type, LUK set up. Most parts houses either stock LUK brand, or can get it.

Joel Adams
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Thanks Joel !
i have an email out to the builder to find out about the 1 vs 2 piece oil seal. On the oil pump, I've confirmed it is built using a Melling high Volume pump. I will ask about the bushing, i had never thought about that. I would assume they would since one of the specs they ask for is auto or manual transmission. But i don't want to assume since that would be disastrous !
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Overland Park, KS - USA
Joined: 7/9/2003
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Vette(s): 1973 Orange Metallic Coupe (orig owner), L82, 4 spd (WR), PS, (A/C & PW (I installed from wrecked 73)), leather, AM/FM Stereo, ran with '65 FI unit earlier & will again some day.
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Might want to consider a needle bearing pilot bushing while you're in there.
1973 L-82 4 spd
73shark said: Might want to consider a needle bearing pilot bushing while you're in there.
I've heard that's not a good idea because they can come apart.
I have no experience myself.
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Overland Park, KS - USA
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Vette(s): 1973 Orange Metallic Coupe (orig owner), L82, 4 spd (WR), PS, (A/C & PW (I installed from wrecked 73)), leather, AM/FM Stereo, ran with '65 FI unit earlier & will again some day.
2023 Accelerate Yellow HTC Stingray
Hadn't heard that but they use them in trucks.
1973 L-82 4 spd

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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20224
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Needle bearing pilots are fine, when used with a trans that originally had a needle pilot. If used on older applications that were designed for a bushing, the bearing rollers will eat into the input shaft, since the pilot end of the shaft is not hardened properly to use on a steel bearing surface. A properly installed bronze pilot bushing will last just as long, and in some cases longer than a needle bearing pilot. The bearings don't have a lot of room for lubricating grease, and what they do have eventually turns to muck, leaving the bearing and shaft with NO lubrication.
Bronze pilot bushings are oil impregnated, so they continuously have some lubrication as they wear. The biggest issue with the bronze bushings is folks that insist on schmearing grease in them when they install them. Grease stops up the pores on the bushing, and keeps the oil from lubricating the bushing, leading to early, sometimes terminal failure. Folks...NEVER use ANY grease on a bronze pilot bushing...install it as it comes...your trans and clutch will thank you.
Bronze pilot bushings are oil impregnated, so they continuously have some lubrication as they wear. The biggest issue with the bronze bushings is folks that insist on schmearing grease in them when they install them. Grease stops up the pores on the bushing, and keeps the oil from lubricating the bushing, leading to early, sometimes terminal failure. Folks...NEVER use ANY grease on a bronze pilot bushing...install it as it comes...your trans and clutch will thank you.

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
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Overland Park, KS - USA
Joined: 7/9/2003
Posts: 916
Vette(s): 1973 Orange Metallic Coupe (orig owner), L82, 4 spd (WR), PS, (A/C & PW (I installed from wrecked 73)), leather, AM/FM Stereo, ran with '65 FI unit earlier & will again some day.
2023 Accelerate Yellow HTC Stingray
Learned something new today. I will pull out the needle bearing and get a new bronze bearing to put in in its place. Glad I hadn't installed the engine yet. Thanks for the info. Hope it comes out easily.
1973 L-82 4 spd
Wow.. yes definately learned something new. I confirmed the crank is ready for a pilot bushing. So i think all my questions have been answered !!!
So time to place the order. 2-3 weeks lead time for the build. Then i figure i'll pull the motor and transmission in the mean time that way i can have a shop go through the transmission while it's out. Easier to confirm now rather than wait to take it out later.
Thanks for the WEALTH of knowledge !
in Forum: C3 Engines
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