When building a high-performance engine for any application there's much more to it than just bolting parts together. In fact that's only half the battle. It's the planning, hunting, and deciding on which components to use to give you the numbers you want that gets tricky. Think about it, how many performance manufacturers out there are offering their version of go-fast goodies? It's seemingly never-ending, and even more importantly the slightest miscalculation could seriously hamper your results. Things can quickly start to become a real nightmare.
There is a plus side though: When planning an engine for your specific application you get to control every detail, right down to which type of bolts to use. Through deciding which parts to accumulate you'll know your engine like the back of your hand. Furthermore, if you do the assembly yourself you'll get the chance to blueprint that bad boy. Through all of this you get the most out of your engine, especially when it comes to what really matters: torque and horsepower.
Dave Whitehead of Vrbancic...
Dave Whitehead of Vrbancic Bros. Racing began the engine build-up by removing the main caps from the tough Motown block. This engine case is about as good as they come and will be the perfect foundation for our 700-horse 383 stroker.
By carefully sitting down and designing your own engine the options are basically unlimited. You can use GM parts, aftermarket parts, parts you've fabricated on your own, or you can mix and match, which is exactly what the boys at Vrbancic Bros. Racing have done with this, blown, pump-gas-burning 383 stroker. They sat down and planned every detail of this Motown-blocked bruiser and chose an awesome assortment of parts from various performance manufacturers.
For any type of build that is going to make a lasting impression a stout foundation is needed. And the World Products Motown race-prepped 350 block was the correct choice since it comes with four-bolt main splayed billet caps, extra-thick walls, and is designed to handle the high compression results of extreme combustion pressures. Since the motor is going to receive a stout D1-SC centrifugal supercharger from ATI Procharger, there's no better choice for a big-inch Mouse than this Motown block.
To complement the block and supercharger a variety of parts from well-known performance manufacturers are added to the mix. Along with the Carb Shop-prepped Holley HP 750 fuel meter is the Holley Systemax array of parts, including a matched set of intake manifold, heads and valvetrain along with an entire rotating assembly.
As we mentioned above, combining the correct components is paramount when striving to attain a goal. Bob Vrbancic's challenge was to make a 700-horse 383 that would be drivable, run on pump gas and sit idling at a stoplight. After watching the parts come together, we're certain that we're more than halfway there.
On that note, check out the first part of this real-world stout Mouse buildup where we see the attention to detail and the meticulous assembly of this cool combination of go-fast parts. Then hang on as we will visit the Vrbancic's state-of-the-art DTS dyno for the finale next month. Oh yeah, as a reminder, always be sure to use the proper lube on necessary parts, and torque everything to manufacturer's specification. You don't want a careless mistake costing you valuable time and money-and ultimately the fun of driving a 700-horse cruiser.
 Holley provides King Engine...  Holley provides King Engine main bearing in their kits. Holley/Lunati parts are shipped with these top-of-the-line bearings to insure the best results. |  After the bearings were installed,...  After the bearings were installed, the number one main cap was installed and the inside measurement was determined using a dial-bore gauge. The crank journal's diameter was then determined, and the difference between the two numbers equated to the bearing clearance. This blueprinting is a must for high horsepower. |  Before the crank was installed...  Before the crank was installed the Lunati hydraulic roller camshaft was plugged in the block. Making sure that all of the lobes are lubricated is a must. |
 Dave then installed the upper...  Dave then installed the upper half of the two-piece rear main seal. Again, a little sealer on the corners and a liberal amount of assembly lube on the lip of the seal will pay dividends down the road. |  With all of the bearing clearances...  With all of the bearing clearances determined and the bearing halves in place it was time to put the Lunati 3 3/4-inch stroker crank in the block. |  Notice the beautifully radiused...  Notice the beautifully radiused leading edge on the crankshaft. This design will help keep windage down inside the block and allow the rotating assembly to cut through the air and oil with less drag. It looks like an airplane wing for a reason. |