383 or 350 ????
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
Likes: 201
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
Originally Posted by sperkins
383 = externally balanced short block w/ Summit balancer & flexplate for 400. Obviously, the crank is balanced to the rods and pistons in the short block, but I've heard this is not a true 'balanced' motor because the entire assembly is externally balanced with the balancer & flexplate.
350 = internally balanced short block
350 = internally balanced short block
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Originally Posted by MotorHead
Have you seen my externally balanced 406ci on an engine dyno at 6500RPM pulling 550HP - See the video in my sig ? Dyno guy said it was smooth as a babies azz
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 336
Likes: 0
From: crystal lake Il.
I`ve got an externally balanced 383, and yes I was worried it was going to shake itself apart. It runs very smooth and has a lot of power. I just drive on the street. I like to know I can smoke the tires, and sometimes I do. I took a chance and bought it on e-bay. It`s got a lot of good parts for $3500. I would do it again in a second. Now it`s a great looking car with a lot of power.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 409
Likes: 13
From: Lavonia Georgia
Internally balanced 383 with forged Eagle crank and H beam rods balanced to a gnats behind by a circle track machine shop. Those guys know how to make some budget horsepower.
Do as Jackson said and visit the pits at a local track....maybe even a couple of times. They know who builds quality mills and who doesn't. The shop should be able to source a block and rotating assembly for you for about the same cost of the short block assembly you're looking at. The beauty of it all is, you get to have a lot of input on the build if you want to. I brought my double humps home after they were cleaned up and did my own porting and polishing on them. Did the rams horns too, but ended up going with headers. Making your own decisions with the guidance of a good speed shop can be a very rewarding experience.
Do as Jackson said and visit the pits at a local track....maybe even a couple of times. They know who builds quality mills and who doesn't. The shop should be able to source a block and rotating assembly for you for about the same cost of the short block assembly you're looking at. The beauty of it all is, you get to have a lot of input on the build if you want to. I brought my double humps home after they were cleaned up and did my own porting and polishing on them. Did the rams horns too, but ended up going with headers. Making your own decisions with the guidance of a good speed shop can be a very rewarding experience.
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Joined: Jul 2006
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From: KC MO
Originally Posted by painterman52
I`ve got an externally balanced 383, and yes I was worried it was going to shake itself apart. It runs very smooth and has a lot of power. I just drive on the street. I like to know I can smoke the tires, and sometimes I do. I took a chance and bought it on e-bay. It`s got a lot of good parts for $3500. I would do it again in a second. Now it`s a great looking car with a lot of power.
I can never comb my hair again, LOL