Tune-up Specs for '83 350/Auto - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

*Ticker* · 08-06-2010, 10:15 AM

I apologize as this is going to seem a little lazy

A friend in need is bringing over an '83 he just bought tomorrow for a thorough tune-up. The guy's out of work and he's doing side jobs on his truck...so he's completely dependent on it. I figured I'd work back to front changing fluids, etc.

I'm a '72 guy...and I wasn't able to find a service manual locally that covers the '83 (go figure). I'm trying again tonight at a few other shops...but would someone be willing to post/PM "the basics" of fluid types and capacities, timing specs, etc? I've got a good NAPA locally that I can get the filters, gaskets, etc. from but I trust this group far more regarding the other information

Sorry :/

*nbpro* · 08-06-2010, 11:20 AM

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=290498

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=157669

79gmcc15 · 08-06-2010, 02:17 PM

Ticker the specs for the 83 is just like any other Gen 1 sbc. Unless it has esc. And that is one thing I know nothing about. Also, typically speaking the timing is set to 8 btdc. The 83 should be just out of grasp of the government sniff testing. So do whatever you want to make it run right!

*Ticker* · 08-07-2010, 06:53 PM

Thanks folks. Finally found a manual this morning and dove in.

- Diff cover was installed with no gasket and was seriously leaking and low on fluid.
- Changing plugs was a PITA, especially #8.
- Hoo boy...emissions controls everywhere. Replaced a bunch of bad hoses.

Still need to get through the trans fluid change. Any tips for getting the pan off? Looks like a few tough bolts by the crossmember. Then a final tune of the HEI and I'll call it good for now.

79gmcc15 · 08-09-2010, 05:49 AM

IIRC when I did my TH350 I used a swivel extension on my socket. I don't know how to do it without making a mess! LOL you could try loosing all the bolts just enough then break it free. then slowly take out the bolts and pour it into the pan. lol I'll be doing mine again soon. Don't forget to grease the suspension! a flex hose is a good friend to have. and if memory serves right. their was 13 zerks. And like I was saying, anything 86 and newer is smog checked. so if you want to yank off some of the emission stuff to make life easier. you probably could.

08-06-2010, 10:15 AM	#1
Ticker Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Sammamish, WA Posts: 2,404	Tune-up Specs for '83 350/Auto I apologize as this is going to seem a little lazy A friend in need is bringing over an '83 he just bought tomorrow for a thorough tune-up. The guy's out of work and he's doing side jobs on his truck...so he's completely dependent on it. I figured I'd work back to front changing fluids, etc. I'm a '72 guy...and I wasn't able to find a service manual locally that covers the '83 (go figure). I'm trying again tonight at a few other shops...but would someone be willing to post/PM "the basics" of fluid types and capacities, timing specs, etc? I've got a good NAPA locally that I can get the filters, gaskets, etc. from but I trust this group far more regarding the other information Sorry :/

08-06-2010, 11:20 AM	#2
nbpro Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Huntsville,AL Posts: 2,119	Re: Tune-up Specs for '83 350/Auto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=290498 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=157669

08-06-2010, 02:17 PM	#3
79gmcc15 Gettin It One Pice At A Time Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: everett, washington Posts: 2,688	Re: Tune-up Specs for '83 350/Auto Ticker the specs for the 83 is just like any other Gen 1 sbc. Unless it has esc. And that is one thing I know nothing about. Also, typically speaking the timing is set to 8 btdc. The 83 should be just out of grasp of the government sniff testing. So do whatever you want to make it run right! __________________ RIP ELJAY Work In Progress 1979 GMC C1500 Trailering Special. Getting the truck done, one piece at a time. “You can tell a lot about a fellow’s character by his way of eating jellybeans.”Ronald Reagan “I don’t know the key to success but I know the key to failure is trying to please everybody.” Bill Cosby Last edited by 79gmcc15; 08-06-2010 at 05:34 PM. Reason: goofed

08-07-2010, 06:53 PM	#4
Ticker Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Sammamish, WA Posts: 2,404	Re: Tune-up Specs for '83 350/Auto Thanks folks. Finally found a manual this morning and dove in. - Diff cover was installed with no gasket and was seriously leaking and low on fluid. - Changing plugs was a PITA, especially #8. - Hoo boy...emissions controls everywhere. Replaced a bunch of bad hoses. Still need to get through the trans fluid change. Any tips for getting the pan off? Looks like a few tough bolts by the crossmember. Then a final tune of the HEI and I'll call it good for now.

08-09-2010, 05:49 AM	#5
79gmcc15 Gettin It One Pice At A Time Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: everett, washington Posts: 2,688	Re: Tune-up Specs for '83 350/Auto IIRC when I did my TH350 I used a swivel extension on my socket. I don't know how to do it without making a mess! LOL you could try loosing all the bolts just enough then break it free. then slowly take out the bolts and pour it into the pan. lol I'll be doing mine again soon. Don't forget to grease the suspension! a flex hose is a good friend to have. and if memory serves right. their was 13 zerks. And like I was saying, anything 86 and newer is smog checked. so if you want to yank off some of the emission stuff to make life easier. you probably could. __________________ RIP ELJAY Work In Progress 1979 GMC C1500 Trailering Special. Getting the truck done, one piece at a time. “You can tell a lot about a fellow’s character by his way of eating jellybeans.”Ronald Reagan “I don’t know the key to success but I know the key to failure is trying to please everybody.” Bill Cosby



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