Numbers matching 383?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Parlin New Jersey
Numbers matching 383?
Ok so I bought a nice looking 72 base convertable last year. Its my first Vette, and I want to keep it original looking within reason.
Its a numbers matching small block, with 80k on the clock. If I ever get through the suspension this year... I will be looking to rebuild the engine using aftermarket heads, (saving the correct ones) and stroking it to 383.
I think the benefits of the extra torque will really help the car knowing I want a mild build, and don't intend to make power beyond 6000 rpm.
Do you think stroking the original engine (internally balanced) would kill the value of this car? When all is said and done it would be a stock appearing engine, except for the aftermarket heads and intake.
I am knee deep in suspension parts right now, but I like to dream of future, more interesting upgrades..
Any constructive opinions would be appreciated.
Its a numbers matching small block, with 80k on the clock. If I ever get through the suspension this year... I will be looking to rebuild the engine using aftermarket heads, (saving the correct ones) and stroking it to 383.
I think the benefits of the extra torque will really help the car knowing I want a mild build, and don't intend to make power beyond 6000 rpm.
Do you think stroking the original engine (internally balanced) would kill the value of this car? When all is said and done it would be a stock appearing engine, except for the aftermarket heads and intake.
I am knee deep in suspension parts right now, but I like to dream of future, more interesting upgrades..
Any constructive opinions would be appreciated.
1969/1971/2021 Coupes
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,212
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From: Port Huron MI
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I'm sure there would be some level of value hit especially to someone looking for an original motor car (so-to-speak). Good question though because it's still technically the "original" engine.
But to keep your 72 engine pure and stock, why don't you just get another 350 block and stroke that? Blocks are a dime a dozen.
Terry
But to keep your 72 engine pure and stock, why don't you just get another 350 block and stroke that? Blocks are a dime a dozen.
Terry
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I would buy a crate motor (383) and drop that in. Put you original motor in a corner somewhere and keep it. If you stroke the original motor, the numbers still match but it is certainly a departure from stock and would diminish the value somewhat. Certainly won't diminish the value anywhere near a NOM but would still reduce it's value somewhat. It will certainly be a heck of alot more fun to drive with the stroker 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 840
Likes: 4
From: Syracuse IN
I would buy a crate GM stroker, Brand new Vortec roller engine. Better pricing than many rebuilders also. Or a New ZZ4 assy. I have installed many ZZ4 rotating assys in many applications with great success. Good luck Al
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Parlin New Jersey
I would buy a crate motor (383) and drop that in. Put you original motor in a corner somewhere and keep it. If you stroke the original motor, the numbers still match but it is certainly a departure from stock and would diminish the value somewhat. Certainly won't diminish the value anywhere near a NOM but would still reduce it's value somewhat. It will certainly be a heck of alot more fun to drive with the stroker
I can't get too crazy.. Momma is sick of the loud ones that have her hugging the roll bar, and she always accuses me of going overboard.
This one is supposed to be mellow with the idea that we can actually use the radio.Although.... I must admit that I tripped over the balancing act on my first build. My cousins' Camaro shook so hard I thought the wheels would actually leave the ground parked.. Ah well.. live and learn.
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Instructor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 242
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From: deland fl
I'm guilty of stroking the original numbers matching block. I don't understand how this is going to reduce the value, not that I care, as nothing I've done is irreversible other than clearancing the oil pan rails and .030 overbore. I've kept all removed original parts which could be reinstalled with exception of the pistons which are now too small. Visually no one would know it's a stroker, from the drivers seat....oh yeah !!!!
Also, I only had to build one motor.
Ya'll Enjoy !!
Larry
Also, I only had to build one motor.
Ya'll Enjoy !!
Larry
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 15,828
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From: Fairfield, VA
I am knee deep in suspension parts right now, but I like to dream of future, more interesting upgrades..
Any constructive opinions would be appreciated.
Any constructive opinions would be appreciated.
Spend money on a '70 or pre. 4-spd only.
IMHO. Gosh, I hope i
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,117
From: Crossville TN
Maybe it's just me... I'm not sure why anyone would want to keep a '72 L-48 engine exactly like it was built at the factory except for a stroker crank. If you are going to the trouble of stroking it, wouldn't you put better heads, cam, lifters, springs, etc. on it? And, if you don't want to do all that, why not just leave it alone or rebuild it exactly as is?
On the other hand, if you ARE going to build it into a much different engine, then the crate engine option is probably the way to go...instead of 'trashing' a nice, original engine.
On the other hand, if you ARE going to build it into a much different engine, then the crate engine option is probably the way to go...instead of 'trashing' a nice, original engine.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,060
Likes: 101
From: Southeast, Tennessee
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '26
I would buy a crate motor (383) and drop that in. Put you original motor in a corner somewhere and keep it. If you stroke the original motor, the numbers still match but it is certainly a departure from stock and would diminish the value somewhat. Certainly won't diminish the value anywhere near a NOM but would still reduce it's value somewhat. It will certainly be a heck of alot more fun to drive with the stroker
if you are worried about keeping it a number matching car. you will wind up spending about what you would spend to have someone build you the 383 what with the machine shop expenses, and the price of a good set of heads, etc. and you'd still have the numbers matching aspect of the car. of course you realize that what you think of as numbers matching might not correspond to the potential buyers idea of numbers matching since there are so many different elements in people's minds as to what is number matching.