383 stroker
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,270
Likes: 561
From: Macedonia Ohio
It seems like every time I start looking into crate motors I go back to GM. Their 383 stroker is a little more money but you get a proven product, instant availability, and a warranty. I know it is a little more money but piece of mind is worth it. In my case, when I do go this route I only want to install it once.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,631
Likes: 11
From: Rocklin California
are you selling your original numbers matching parts for the car?
or are those spare parts that you bought to make it numbers matching.
eitherway, you might consider keeping.
those parts will be worth their weight in gold to the next owner.
even if you don't care.
just my opinion.
but you will LOVE that 383
A
or are those spare parts that you bought to make it numbers matching.
eitherway, you might consider keeping.
those parts will be worth their weight in gold to the next owner.
even if you don't care.
just my opinion.
but you will LOVE that 383
A
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,631
Likes: 11
From: Rocklin California
We're gonna have to race at the next Corvette drags in Sac this summer. Your engine looks like a monster, but then again, mine is Frankensteined together and I'm looking forward to feeling how it performs. I slipped a bearing in my old 350, so I had to do the 383. Why are you getting rid of your LT1?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,631
Likes: 11
From: Rocklin California
Ken I am glad you decided to use T&L I am in GA and I will be up in Charlotte next week on business so I thought I would stop by there and check them out first hand. I am considering the same set up as you so it will be interesting to hear your experience with them. They look like a first class outfit that engine combo should work great. I am also going to stick with my 2-1/2" ram horn exhaust that I currently run on my 327 in the 63, I wonder just how much HP they will cost. Good luck and I am looking forward to hearing about your engine swap in the upcoming weeks.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,631
Likes: 11
From: Rocklin California
hi astrodokk, if ken bought his 383 stroker from the same T&L i think he did, he probably won't be racing you this summer.
kensmith, i havn't met you yet but dokk says your a cool guy, just for your info, here is a thread about T&L (if it is the same outfit) on another website i belong to. draw your own conclusions and read it all:
http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/anyb...nt-151785.html
kensmith, i havn't met you yet but dokk says your a cool guy, just for your info, here is a thread about T&L (if it is the same outfit) on another website i belong to. draw your own conclusions and read it all:
http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/anyb...nt-151785.html
So I will give them a chance and hope for the best. AND, all you guys will hear what I think when I receive it.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,631
Likes: 11
From: Rocklin California
I noticed that some of those posts on that thread were rather recent. 
Because they are somewhat close to me I was talking about them with a friend who builds motors for a living....... he can't see how they turn a profit if T&L is having to pay the same wholesale costs for parts that he is.
Either they have a extraordinary direct relationship with a lot of manufactures or there is another reason as to how they are turning a profit at prices so much lower than everyone else.
Doug
Because they are somewhat close to me I was talking about them with a friend who builds motors for a living....... he can't see how they turn a profit if T&L is having to pay the same wholesale costs for parts that he is.
Either they have a extraordinary direct relationship with a lot of manufactures or there is another reason as to how they are turning a profit at prices so much lower than everyone else.
Doug
They have a deal with Scat on their rotating assemblies and also with Dart heads. They are a big outfit and sell lots of motors including NASCAR motors. Volume is the key.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,631
Likes: 11
From: Rocklin California
It seems like every time I start looking into crate motors I go back to GM. Their 383 stroker is a little more money but you get a proven product, instant availability, and a warranty. I know it is a little more money but piece of mind is worth it. In my case, when I do go this route I only want to install it once.
If I was going to the track or drag strip alot I would pay the extra few thousand dollars. But for me, weekend cruises, play time is just having a little fun without spending big bucks. But you are right, I would love to have the factory 383
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,937
Likes: 163
From: OP Kansas
C2 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Because they are somewhat close to me I was talking about them with a friend who builds motors for a living....... he can't see how they turn a profit if T&L is having to pay the same wholesale costs for parts that he is.
Either they have a extraordinary direct relationship with a lot of manufactures or there is another reason as to how they are turning a profit at prices so much lower than everyone else. Doug
Either they have a extraordinary direct relationship with a lot of manufactures or there is another reason as to how they are turning a profit at prices so much lower than everyone else. Doug
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,631
Likes: 11
From: Rocklin California
Where do you invest money these days?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,226
Likes: 2
From: Lake Wylie SC
If in the past they have invested it they are in deep dodo by now.
Doug
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Albany ny
Doing same deal after my retro "327" crate motor went bad.Flash rusted rear main seal/long story...Anyway to the credit of the builder they stepped up to the plate gave me full credit towards a 383.I did of course find out I now need a flywheel,bellhousing ect
but it should all be worth it.Hopefully a big difference in torque which should translate
as mentioned (hopefully) into increased rear tire wear.This will be my first 383 is there a big difference in seat of the pants fell as far as torque?
Good luck with your motor
but it should all be worth it.Hopefully a big difference in torque which should translate
as mentioned (hopefully) into increased rear tire wear.This will be my first 383 is there a big difference in seat of the pants fell as far as torque?
Good luck with your motor
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,494
Likes: 146
From: Saint John's, Florida
It seems like every time I start looking into crate motors I go back to GM. Their 383 stroker is a little more money but you get a proven product, instant availability, and a warranty. I know it is a little more money but piece of mind is worth it. In my case, when I do go this route I only want to install it once.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,226
Likes: 2
From: Lake Wylie SC
Spending money or saving money makes little to no difference. I had a Lingfelter 383 500 HP 500 TQ spin a cam bearing just driving down the road after only 6500 miles. (Yes it did have some full throttle runs but with controlled shift points). One does not save money when shoping at Lingfelter
Anyway...... when we tore the motor apart it had nothing but the best as far as quality when it came to components. However what it lacked was the knowledge that when you stroke SBC's you over line-bore and use thicker bearings if you want the motor to last.
There is no replacement for displacement but there is also no excuse for lack of knowledge when someone is building custom high displacement motors for a living.
Thicker bearings and larger line-bores in large displacement SBC's do not raise the price of the overhead to the builder......... but when they are not included they certainly raise the amount of money spent by the customer to keep a running motor in their car.
Doug
Anyway...... when we tore the motor apart it had nothing but the best as far as quality when it came to components. However what it lacked was the knowledge that when you stroke SBC's you over line-bore and use thicker bearings if you want the motor to last.
There is no replacement for displacement but there is also no excuse for lack of knowledge when someone is building custom high displacement motors for a living.
Thicker bearings and larger line-bores in large displacement SBC's do not raise the price of the overhead to the builder......... but when they are not included they certainly raise the amount of money spent by the customer to keep a running motor in their car.
Doug
Last edited by Shurshot; Apr 4, 2009 at 08:26 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,901
Likes: 10
From: Woodstock GA
Last week i took off my headers and under car exhaust To put on 2 1/2'' Ramshorns and side pipes.** I lost alot of Hp torque and dead stop acceration. I spoke with a gentlemen today at a Vette Show at our local Chevy dealer here in Atlanta.* He has a 383/425hp sidepipes with block hugger Hooker headers that he swore by.He said the stock manifolds are the main Hp lose.He said I lost* at least 40 Hp with my LT1 and stock manifoldes.** I believe it easily since I know that my seat of the pants acceleration and torque are not what they were before.This is first hand knowledge...* I wonder what your engine builder would charhge to bolt*up the stock 2 1/2" rams horn to find out the HP loss?* You mentioned machining out the ports of the exhaust manifold.Is your builder going to do this? * I checked my manifold gasket to manifold line up and they were almost right on.Maybe I'll put on the Hooker blockhugger headers !FWIW* Mark
Last edited by VetteRed1965; Apr 4, 2009 at 09:51 PM.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,631
Likes: 11
From: Rocklin California
Last week i took off my headers and under car exhaust To put on 2 1/2'' Ramshorns and side pipes.** I lost alot of Hp torque and dead stop acceration. I spoke with a gentlemen today at a Vette Show at our local Chevy dealer here in Atlanta.* He has a 383/425hp sidepipes with block hugger Hooker headers that he swore by.He said the stock manifolds are the main Hp lose.He said I lost* at least 40 Hp with my LT1 and stock manifoldes.** I believe it easily since I know that my seat of the pants acceleration and torque are not what they were before.This is first hand knowledge...* I wonder what your engine builder would charhge to bolt*up the stock 2 1/2" rams horn to find out the HP loss?* You mentioned machining out the ports of the exhaust manifold.Is your builder going to do this? * I checked my manifold gasket to manifold line up and they were almost right on.Maybe I'll put on the Hooker blockhugger headers !FWIW* Mark
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,937
Likes: 163
From: OP Kansas
C2 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
I agree, there shouldn't be much of a difference if any until you cross the 4500 rpm mark. Also as you said compared to what you had, you're gonna have a BIG smile on your face.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,631
Likes: 11
From: Rocklin California
383 Stroker Update
Well, just got off of the phone with Lloyd at T&L, motor being wrapped up today and shipping it to me on Monday. So ordered on 4-3-09, will ship on 4-20-09. Final bill including crate, bag, ship, $4,308.00 which includes upgrade to 8" balancer. 
