383 or 350 ????
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 9,429
Likes: 44
From: Macon, GA
383 or 350 ????
OK guys. I've moved this from another thread because I really need some expert opinions.
Given all the issues with internal -vs- external balancing of the 383 stroker, here are some questions I have.
Is it really worth it to take the chances with a 383 with the balance issues, or should I just build a bad azz 350.
I got a chance to ride in a forum member's (69camfrk) 69 camaro this weekend with a 350 w/ flat tops and 68cc aluminum heads. That sucker would pull. It is making just over 10:1 with 1.6 full roller rockers. However, he is running 410 gears and a 3500 stall. I will not have a similar tranny/gear setup.
Problem is - for about the same price, I can get the 383 shortblock. It is hard not to go for the extra cubes, but I really don't want to have problems with the motor.
The 383 would have forged dish pistons and make approx 9.6:1 with the same top end kit.
Help me out guys!!!!!!!!
Given all the issues with internal -vs- external balancing of the 383 stroker, here are some questions I have.
Is it really worth it to take the chances with a 383 with the balance issues, or should I just build a bad azz 350.
I got a chance to ride in a forum member's (69camfrk) 69 camaro this weekend with a 350 w/ flat tops and 68cc aluminum heads. That sucker would pull. It is making just over 10:1 with 1.6 full roller rockers. However, he is running 410 gears and a 3500 stall. I will not have a similar tranny/gear setup.
Problem is - for about the same price, I can get the 383 shortblock. It is hard not to go for the extra cubes, but I really don't want to have problems with the motor.
The 383 would have forged dish pistons and make approx 9.6:1 with the same top end kit.
Help me out guys!!!!!!!!
Last edited by sperkins; Aug 16, 2006 at 01:10 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 124
From: Lubbock TX
There are plenty of internally balanced 383 stroker kits available. Build the 383 and dust his A$$ off, it'll make him wish he had done the same.
"Always build it as big and powerful as you can or you'll wish you had".
"Always build it as big and powerful as you can or you'll wish you had".
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,444
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Originally Posted by sperkins
OK guys.
Is it really worth it to take the chances with a 383 with the balance issues, or should I just build a bad azz 350.
Is it really worth it to take the chances with a 383 with the balance issues, or should I just build a bad azz 350.
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 9,429
Likes: 44
From: Macon, GA
Originally Posted by gkull
What issues are you talking about?
350 = internally balanced short block
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 9,429
Likes: 44
From: Macon, GA
OK. Maybe I didn't explain my situation fully. I have a supplier for either the 350 or 383 - both short blocks. The only 383 they offer is externally balanced.
Can anyone recommend an internally balanced and blueprinted 383 shortblock that's less than $1500?
Can anyone recommend an internally balanced and blueprinted 383 shortblock that's less than $1500?
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,444
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Only the unenlightened and people that have not learned anything since the 1970 when the first 383's were built by juggling stock parts use externally balanced stroker small block rotating assemblies.
Only the cheapest junk cast iron crank stroker kits use external balancing these days. Very few kits are even sold that way.
My "Internally" balanced 383 that i drive to work is very happy to run to 7500 rpm in the first 3 gears on my favorite freeway onramp each morning.
Only the cheapest junk cast iron crank stroker kits use external balancing these days. Very few kits are even sold that way.
My "Internally" balanced 383 that i drive to work is very happy to run to 7500 rpm in the first 3 gears on my favorite freeway onramp each morning.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,921
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From: GA "When I grow up, I'm gonna get a Trans Am and run from the cops". Direct quote from my 4yo son.
If I had it to do over I think I would have done the 383 but hopefully down the road someday there will be a monster cube big block between the fender wells of the Camaro. Go for the 383, just not enough extra cost to worry about.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
Originally Posted by big_G
Internally balanced 383's are available and are quite common. Use standard flexplate/flyweel and balancers.
100%Also, there's bound to be a coupla GOOD shops around MACON GA that can build a 383 for you. Find where the local circle track is ... spend $25 on a pit pass ... walk around, don't drink, be alert to others' crazy-angry antics, keep your wits about you, don't get in the way ... but do ask questions: "who does good work around here? and which shops do balancing?" ... might be the best $25 you ever spent ... as a plus, you'll probably have fun & might make friends. Oh ... & don't mention corvette ... simply suggest you're planning for a 72 nova street car project.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 9,429
Likes: 44
From: Macon, GA
Originally Posted by 69camfrk
If I had it to do over I think I would have done the 383 but hopefully down the road someday there will be a monster cube big block between the fender wells of the Camaro. Go for the 383, just not enough extra cost to worry about.
Do you understand my concern on the stroker? Maybe I'm just an idiot on the whole stroker thing. I think I've done way too much research and have scared myself on this thing.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,403
Likes: 95
Originally Posted by sperkins
OK. Maybe I didn't explain my situation fully. I have a supplier for either the 350 or 383 - both short blocks. The only 383 they offer is externally balanced.
Can anyone recommend an internally balanced and blueprinted 383 shortblock that's less than $1500?
Can anyone recommend an internally balanced and blueprinted 383 shortblock that's less than $1500?
and complete rotating. The one they have listed in the new summit
catalog is external but I'm asumming you can still get the internal crank.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 9,429
Likes: 44
From: Macon, GA
Originally Posted by Trent Mayo
Scott - I think you'll like what I've done/doing with the car. I'll send you pics soon.
Lucky for me, my son still hasn't figured out what happened yet.
How's the racin' for a livin thing going?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 9,429
Likes: 44
From: Macon, GA
Originally Posted by jimmygmartin
I struggled with this same question when I built my stroker, and I know alot of guys will dissagree with me, but I say don't sweat it. GM built externally balanced 400's and 454's. It's not a big deal.