383 vs 402
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,712
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
383 vs 402
My 383 (550 HP on race fuel, runs like crap on pump gas) is being replaced under warranty and the builder gave me an option: he can build me a new 383, but with different heads so it will run as well on 93 as this one did on pump gas, or build me a 402 instead, which would also run around 550 HP, but on 93 octane instead so I wouldn't have to cut it with race fuel.
Is there any reason not to do the 402?
Is there any reason not to do the 402?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,712
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
That's what I'm not sure of - would the 402 be a better choice or should I just get another 383? I don't care if it's more power than before, I'm just thinking in terms of reliability etc. Broke one rod already with the 383 (and I wasn't really hot-rodding it either, in fact I haven't even been to the track with it yet) and now there is another knock, so the whole thing is being replaced. He gave me the option of the 402, said he could put in a rev limiter at 5800 RPM's and it would still make as much power as the 383 did without one, and it would run as well on pump gas as this one did on 110 octane.
Seems like a better option on the surface, but wanted some other opinions before I gave him the go ahead on the 402.
Seems like a better option on the surface, but wanted some other opinions before I gave him the go ahead on the 402.
Last edited by Ron R; Aug 29, 2008 at 08:49 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,926
Likes: 739
From: Youngstown Ohio
This 402, will be a small block?..... If given the option, I'd go for the 402. It's easier to make power with more cubes and the engine will be more street friendly with more peak torque to go along with your horsepower.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,877
Likes: 3,556
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
Rather than the size of the motor- I'd worry more about what was done wrong to break stuff. Bad workmanship (didn't balance) or cheap parts?
The more cubes the better!!!
Richard
The more cubes the better!!!
Richard
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Orlando Florida
My 383 (550 HP on race fuel, runs like crap on pump gas) is being replaced under warranty and the builder gave me an option: he can build me a new 383, but with different heads so it will run as well on 93 as this one did on pump gas, or build me a 402 instead, which would also run around 550 HP, but on 93 octane instead so I wouldn't have to cut it with race fuel.
Is there any reason not to do the 402?
Is there any reason not to do the 402?
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
My 383 (550 HP on race fuel, runs like crap on pump gas) is being replaced under warranty and the builder gave me an option: he can build me a new 383, but with different heads so it will run as well on 93 as this one did on pump gas, or build me a 402 instead, which would also run around 550 HP, but on 93 octane instead so I wouldn't have to cut it with race fuel.
Is there any reason not to do the 402?
Is there any reason not to do the 402?
Real engine builders don't make 383's or 402's I would believe a 396 or 408
Real motors do not break rods. I've built and owned 9000+ rpm small blocks and valve trains always fail first.
Tell me what you want and our shop will build it for you. or just get online and get a bad as pump gas motor.
I don't build 383's because for the same price you can do a 396. Solid roller and do 7500 every day you hop in it.
I have a 434 in My Vette
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Advanced
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 64
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Three words:
Torque moves mass!
So if you got MASS you want to move massively fast.... massively pack you engine compartment with as much mass as you can.
Or in my Gixxer world...... There is NO replacement for displacement.
