At 08:20 AM 10/10/2010, you wrote:
"That day is now coming, and last time I was in the states I picked up a used 383 with transmission that I popped in the container. The 383 is now down with Bob Schmitt's mechanic in South Island, NZ to be sold or rebuilt and sold. However, I kept the carb off that engine, to add to my choices when I open the hood (bonnet) and try to get the beast running right."
To update Claude's "spare" 383. It is at Leitch Motorsport & Restoration (
Leitch Motorsport and Restorations, Ltd.), the shop that completed the restoration of my Frazer Nash Mille Miglia in 2005. Their engine specialist, Greg Hunter, has torn down the 383 and pronounced it "good". He also sent me a list of parts needed to rebuild it to original specs. However, he explained that most buyers in NZ would prefer to buy the engine "as is" and complete it to their own tastes, or by their own shop. We have not yet tried to sell it either as is or completed and I'll confer with Claude soon. He'll set a price and make all decisions but I'll be involved in any rebuild.
So if anyone wants/needs a 383, contact either of us - or Barry Leitch.
Bob (Burbank)
PS I have a high regard for the work by Barry and his staff. I now have two more projects with him:
1977 Ford Ranchero and Vespa Restoration in New Zealand