Ron69Az

I'm really in the middle as to which direction to go with this engine buy. My C3 is a 1969, Current 350 engine 300 hp. 70m miles. Just retired and I need HP. The new Chevrolet Performance 383 stroker would deliver about 435 HP and the custome professionally built Dart block 406 stroker around 450 HP, both options carborated. Th400 rebuilt trans ....

My sense is when my wife sells the car, the Chevrolet 383 will sell for more and easier. Other than my live for today attitude .... what are the thoughts of this group? I'm open to a range of ideas .... how good are these Chevrolet crate engines? Thanks. Ron

mardyn

383s are very popular and for good reason.. inexpensive, good power, great torque, few problems.

My friend used one (Blueprint) in his '70 Nova and he loves it.

mardyn

ENCSDOUG

And lighter in weight! Love my 383!

Ron69Az

Thanks for your reply, Was his 383 a local build or a national vendor?

mardyn

Blueprint Engines built my friend's 383 for his Nova.

mardyn

Jebbysan

Do the 406......that is a no brainer......but at 450 horsepower...it is extremely underbuilt......500+ is the norm here......1.3 horsepower per cube.....
A 406 runs MUCH harder than a 383 for damn near the same dough....

Jebby

The13Bats

[QUOTE=Jebbysan;1594158689]Do the 406......that is a no brainer......but at 450 horsepower...it is extremely underbuilt......500+ is the norm here......1.3 horsepower per cube.....
A 406 runs MUCH harder than a 383 for damn near the same dough....

Yep, listen to
Jebby,

I had a nice 383 in my 69 just didnt do it for me in any way, in fact i would rather have a 327 over a 383, but the 406...yep...whole different creature,

76Rat

Both are small blocks. Not much weight difference really.

Ron69Az

Thanks, much to think about.

For that next 50 Hp 1. Cam. 2. Hi rise 3: ??? Your thoughts ?

Jebbysan

If staying with the stock heads.....realistically all you will see is about 380 horsepower.....but 380 horsepower is a lot of fun......
Don't get caught in the numbers.......my 66' 327 made 390 horses.....and it was a rip....fun as hell.....

A good cam and induction will net you your 50.......

Jebby

AboveTheLogic

Those blueprint crate engines have aluminum heads which helps a bit.

Jebbysan

A modern 406 with Aluminum water pump will be aprox. 70lbs. lighter than a 350/300.......generally they come in about 475lbs. shipped.

Jebby

Syl1953

Is the Dart block being discussed a little M? I know that the big M block has a high nickle content with splayed caps, great blocks but a little heavier than regular? Supposed to be very strong, but none are bulletproof. Mark

Ron69Az

The Dart block is the small block M. To run the high rise for the HP, I expect I'll need to change the hood to a big block hood.

Ron

resdoggie

Agreed with the 406. When it comes time to sell, tell the buyer it's a strong running 383.

STIL2LOW

Went with a built 383, dyno at 486hp. Runs great in the car, even on the stock 3.08 lol. Excited to see how she runs on the new 4.11

Mikeski

Engine looks great! Are you sure you want to go with the 411s in a 3pd auto? The engine will be screaming on the highway.

STIL2LOW

Thanks! Oh ya haha, not planning on running the car on the highways and even at that max posted speed is only 80km/h round up here
plus she has a younger, C5 for a sister if a cruise down the line is needed

Jebbysan

I do not believe in overbuilding things as it leaves a lot of money wasted.
That said....the Little M is a little much......it is rated to 1000+ horsepower......it is a serious piece, but it commands an $800 premium....
The SHP is better than any stock block by a mile.......and will take anything you throw at it on the street........

With the heads available now...550 horsepower is a cake walk with as cast heads.....

Not big myself on stroking these any further......IMHO it makes the piston C/D too short and compromises longevity......the oval track guys love 406's for a reason. That reason is they are durable and the rod ratio with a 6 inch rod is a happy one.

I built my stock block 406 for 5k.......carb to pan.........it makes 500+.....I am happy with the decision and love the way it pulls.....

Jebby

diehrd

So why not a 427 Dart Build ? I run one have about 3000 miles on her and its off the hook amazing. Car is an animal yet can be driven anywhere all day any day .