Hi guys,

I'm new to this forum. I thought i would come on here to see if i could get some help with my car. It hasn't driven well since having a new engine installed around 6 months ago.

The new engine is a 383 with 440 heads.

Basically the new engine went in and now, at low revs or when going back on the gas after having been off it, the car stutters. If i'm at the lights and put my foot down it stutters and you have to back right off before accelerating again. The car just does not like low revs and if you are forced to go around town in road works for a bit, it over heats.

I have had 3 different mechanics look at it and they just cannot fix it.

It is not the head gasket. I have also had the carburetter changer to a Holley 650. that helped but did not cure the problem.

If anyone has any ideas what it could be, i would be happy to hear them,

Thanks.

James

 

James fist Welcome aboard. Then wait and someone will add some suggestions for you to try.

 

Welcome to the forum and sorry to hear.
It almost sounds like it may be a timing issue. If you tell us what year the engine is and some other information like: Is it a stock cam? There are a few gurus here...

 

welcome to the forum

 

Hi guys,

Thanks for the welcome.

To be honest, i am not your average American car owner. One day , i saw the film 'Vanishing point' and i loved it and wanted the car from it. I saved up over about 3 years and bought a 70's challenger. For the first 2 years on the engine i bought it with, it ran great.

This new engine has not been good at all. Perhaps it is cammed but the mechanic says it is well with emission limits and so he doubts it has.

At the top end it is really powerful but to get there you have to break through this barrier of stuttering. I suppose it is bearable but it is not fun to drive. I can no longer just cruise along as i would like, i have to put my foot down after every time i stop or if the stuttering comes in while doing say 30mph and it is just not fun.

It only seems to happen badly on a long run.

Could it be the fuel is peculating when the engine gets hot?

I have been advised to fit an electronic fuel pump in the boot. Would that work do you think?

Thanks very much. I hope to be able to add something to this forum once i have more experience with American cars.

 

First of all welcome to the forum.... Also make sure you check out the Mopar of the month contest.... See the sticky for the simple rules and then you can help choose the winner each month.. I agree with Silverick.. Almost sounds like a timing issue... But, most timing issues and related heating problems are all over the range..... but be sure to check it just in case.......

 

What are you using for a distributor? Does it have a vacuum advance?

 

Welcome , I agree with the timing but also check the gap on your spark plugs and make sure all your vacuum lines are hooked up to the right ports and let us no if any of them seemed to cure it k or helped

 

Vanishing Point was a good movie. At least they used a Camero for the last destruction scene make sure you have the 6 blade water pump, does it have the stock WP housing ? Check the plug wires - firing order and distributor timing- both base and total

After that I would do a compression test

 

James welcome to the site, like you I loved the movie and got my 73 with the intent to clone the 70. I got a 440 and plan on going down the 70 look for right now. The guys here will figure out your issues I use them anytime I have questions. Get some pics out the Mopar of month will be starting again soon. Take care
Joe