James B.

iTrader: (1)

That would be difficult to estimate. I make it a point not to really think about it, because putting this much into a "Tahoe" sure doesn't nominate me for any good-judgement awards. There's just no practical point to it at all!

I can only recite the parts list, that's the stuff I commit to memory.

The shortblock is a great package. It's pricey compared to a bored and stroked rebuild - even one with great parts in it. My thinking on this is that it's an engineered PACKAGE and was purpose-built to have components compatible with and complimentary to each other. I can tell you already this engine is balanced FAR BETTER than any of the Vortec 350s in trucks I've ever been in, and that's about 15 different trucks and SUVs. It has no cold-start knock like you would probably get from forged pistons due to their high clearance. There were no clearance problems putting it together, in fact it does not even need a small base-circle cam to clear the rod big ends. Many 3.75" stroke 383 and 400 engines need that. It all just works and will be just as reliable as all the other factory roller-cam Gen-I SBCs that have rolled off the line in the last decade.

There's not much more than some sensors, the flexplate and the accessories still stock involved in this truck's drivetrain. Everything behind the flexplate is foreign and almost everything forward of it is too. On the outside it still blends in well sitting in the parking lot of any local groccery store.

Mr. Sandog

Well then, how about a link to you getting some air with the old setup?

I saw it in a compilation video but would like to see the whole clip, if you have it.

Wheatley

iTrader: (12)

James,thing sounds so damn god man.I am curious what that thing runs at the track and I know you really are of course.

Wheatley

iTrader: (12)

Also,James,do yo have cats on that thing man?Am i reading right that you have 4 magnaflow 3 inch mufflers???That thing sounds badass man,I am curious on your exhaust setup except for the headers?

YenkoST

iTrader: (11)

If memory serves me correct and James...correct me if I am wrong but he does have 4 mufflers. He has cats mounted to 3" pipe running to 2-Magnaflow oval mufflers and out the back with resonator 4" round Magnaflow mufflers and then turndowns I do believe. I don't know about the X-pipe though....it does sound good for sure.

James B.

iTrader: (1)

There are no catalytic converters on it right now. It's loud and stinks. I want to fix it as soon as Magnaflow's short-bodied Metallic units become available to normal people.
It does have four mufflers with turndowns forward of the rear bumper, each side. There is a 2.5" balance pipe just after the rear O2 sensors. All other pipe is mandrel-bent sections chopped and butt-welded together.
Here are some links to pictures:
http://bertok.us/pics/HSC-Installed4.jpg
http://bertok.us/pics/exhaust/midsection2.jpg
http://bertok.us/pics/exhaust/balance-drvr.jpg
http://bertok.us/pics/exhaust/feb2005-2.jpg
http://bertok.us/pics/exhaust/bends.jpg
http://bertok.us/pics/exhaust/groundlevel.jpg

I crossed the right and left in the back to try to equalize overall length of each bank. It seems to work, exhaust inside sounds very evenly pulsed.

That picture with "getting air" is a bounce in first gear to plant the rear end, get traction, and then pull out of it with torque. In short, it's really CHEATING! I've never claimed otherwise! It's fun to do in traffic but it's not possible from a dead stop, not with 6000 pounds - the tires just spin. Perhaps with traction I might be able to pull the left front for real, it's geared very low and stalled high.
Enjoy, lol
http://bertok.us/pics/air1.avi

COLDZ71

iTrader: (2)

Seriously man, can we get a better longer vid of the front tires off the ground!!! That wicked!!!

BigBlockChev572

iTrader: (7)

Awesome James! Looking real good!

James B.

iTrader: (1)

Perhaps... once the 383 is broken in

Wheatley

iTrader: (12)

WTF,how in the world did you pull those wheels off the ground?I know you said how you did it but I am confused?
James your Tahoe is wicked man,I love that thing