Another post got me thinking on this. My nom 327 is need of a rebuild, and I too am considering going with a 383. Do I understand correct that I can use the same block that I have now to do a 383? If thats the case, what else besides the crank needs to be swaped out? I assume rods? Or do I need to go with a different block? Any good formulas out there to follow for a standard 383 build? Not looking for anything extreme, just healthy.

Getting into new territory for me, so I apologize for silly questions. but i love the car and love working on it, and am looking to get some more kick out of it.

 

The 327 in your 66 is a small journal block. There is now a small journal stroker crank from Speed-O-Motive. But, they have a less-than-perfect reputation. I'd use a 350 block instead, and a crank from Scat.

With either block, you need the stroker crank and pistons. You can use your rods.

 

There is a chevy 383 engine combination in the March 05 Hot Rod magazine that produces 502lb/ft @4,700RPM and 500+HP at 5,700 RPM. They list all the components, who manufactures them, and how much they cost, and the total was $6600. Might be a little steep costwise but the magazine might give you some ideas on what parts youre after.

 

ok very cool. thanks for the responses. i never thought about journal sizes. thats good to know

also, i do get hot rod, so ill look for that article. thanks for the heads up!

 

Its your choice which block you use, yours, or, a later 350 block. The 62-67 327 blocks were the small journal versions and the 68-later blocks (ALL small blocks) were the big journal version. In order to use a 3.75 stroke crank in your block (same crank that is in a SB400), the mains will need to be cut down to SB journal size----------------not the best idea. To use a 400 crank in a 350 block, it is necessary to have the main journals cut down from 2.65 to 2.45in (unless you buy an aftermarket crank that is already this size). And to install this same crank into a 327 block, they have to be cut down to 2.3in. As I said, not the best idea.
A Much better way to put a 3.75 crank into an early 327 block is to line bore the 327 block to the same size as a 68-later 350 block. Use the longer 350 main cap bolts, or studs. Then use a 3.75 crank with 2.45 main journals. Also, you want to use the 350 type rods with the larger 2.1in big end (small journal rods have 2.in rod journals). To build a 383 from a 327 block will require some clearancing, just as would be required on a 35o block (the rod bolt heads that face the cam will need to be trimmed and the bottoms of the cylingers will need to be trimmed to clear the rods).
If you have the ORIGINAL 327 block for your car, you may not want to do this to the original engine. I'm just providing this info because it CAN be done. Have I ever built any 383s from a 327? Yes, a couple. I've also built 350s from early 327s simply by turning down the mains of a 350 crank. This one is REAL easy!