The 78 gets a heart transplant - A big one!
 

After four months of intensive therapy, Pancho's new heartbeat came alive on Friday with a thunderous startup!

Here's a short video clip (click the image) of the motor idling and a little romp at the end:

Re: The 78 gets a heart transplant - A big one!
 

looks good and sounds better

Re: The 78 gets a heart transplant - A big one!
 

:agree: Looks and sounds real healthy!

Re: The 78 gets a heart transplant - A big one!
 

wow nice:metal:


wish Mutt's heart was as healthy

Re: The 78 gets a heart transplant - A big one!
 

i thought i peed my self but it ended up being a little bit of seamen lmao

Re: The 78 gets a heart transplant - A big one!
 

That's funny! The engine sounds healthy.

Re: The 78 gets a heart transplant - A big one!
 

No fair posting stuff like that without listing any specs!!!!!

Re: The 78 gets a heart transplant - A big one!
 

My bad, swb85, didn't even think about the specs!

Engine specs:

383 stroker
Comp cams gold rockers
heads (new) 76cc
Comp Cams 268 XE cam
Edelbrock RPM intake
Edelbrock 1406 Carb (600)
Lots of polished/chrome accessories

Re: The 78 gets a heart transplant - A big one!
 

That engine sounds good! Nice work.

Re: The 78 gets a heart transplant - A big one!
 

Sounds sweet! I can't wait!!!!!!

Re: The 78 gets a heart transplant - A big one!
 

Sounds good! But don't run it too long without water.

Re: The 78 gets a heart transplant - A big one!
 

Did you already have the timing set? I am curious if it will keep that lope to it when it's said and done. My buddy is building a 383 with that exact cam and a set of Dart Iron eagle 64cc heads. Should be a real power house.

Re: The 78 gets a heart transplant - A big one!
 

The initial timing was set by the builder/machine shop. I'm sure we'll need to fine tune it, once we get it ready for a test drive. It's very responsive where it is right now. Immediate throttle response, so it probably won't vary too much.

Re: The 78 gets a heart transplant - A big one!
 

sounds like a lot more duration than a 268 comp cam --what's the compression ratio > that has an effect on the sound as well .

Re: The 78 gets a heart transplant - A big one!
 

Thats what I am thinking to. It does sound like more cam that's why I had asked about the timing. I am sure you will find that you need to increase the timing to get it to act right under load. All and all though it does sound killer. I am sure it will shred some tires. Are you running a stall converter as well?

Re: The 78 gets a heart transplant - A big one!
 

I'm not sure what the compression is (actual number), however, the goal was as close to 9.5 to 1 as possible to keep on pump gas. When talking with my builder, early on, we talked about Vortec heads, but the challenge there was that they are 58cc heads. To get the compression down for pump gas, we really needed to be at a 76cc head, which is what we went with.

I went with the 268 cam after reading quite a few threads here by others using that particular cam. The impression I got was that it was about mid-way between mild and wild. Didn't want to go wild, and wanted a little more than mild.

Converter is stock, for now. Once we get it road ready, I'm taking it to the performance shop that rebuilt the 700r4 for it, and have them determine the best converter and double/triple check the transmission cable is properly set. Have heard some pretty bad stories about how finicky the 700r4s are on the cable being set just right. Not going to take a chance.

Re: The 78 gets a heart transplant - A big one!
 

On your tv cable you will need a bracket to correct the geometry. So it pulls the cable the right amount. I had issues when I swapped to a 200R4 in my El Camino. These people know all about it. They supplied me with everything to control the trans and the cable bracket as well as details on how to adjust it.

http://www.transmissioncenter.net/

Re: The 78 gets a heart transplant - A big one!
 

Once you get exhaust & mufflers on it'll calm down. Everything sounds rowdy with open headers. Motor looks/sounds great!!