383-Inch/Supercharged Combination Engine - Force-Fed 383

With the engine dyno work completed, attention turned to re-installing the engine. We were able to grab one of the first tubular K-member kits from Granatelli and decided to install it, along with the engine.

The Granatelli K-member is a simple, bolt-on replacement for the original engine cradle. It is built from super-solid 1.15-inch-diameter steel tubing and offers a considerable weight savings over the stock piece. It accepts stock or aftermarket A-arms and other suspension parts, while also available with solid motor mount provisions for the serious racing application.

Hardcore Racing mounted the steering rack to the new K-member, as well as the other front suspension components. Check out the clever "shock brace" that holds the suspension upright prior to installation in the vehicle.

Here's the engine assembly installed on the Granatelli K-member, ready for installation in the car. Check out the sturdy mounting plate for the D-1SC supercharger, too. The big blower would create some exhaust routing issues, but more on that in the next issue.

With the temporary shock brace removed, the front suspension droops as it is positioned beneath the chassis and readied for installation.

With the engine/cradle assembly basically attached, the car was raised so that the chassis components and other connections could be tightened.

Here's a top-end shot of the installed 383 engine. The red LT4 intake provides a dramatic and no-mistakes-about-it look under the hood. From here, the car goes to ProCharger's Kansas facility for the D-1SC and tuning.