355 or 383 ?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
From: Wheaton, Illinois
355 or 383 ?
I have a 79 Vette. I will be building a new engine for street performance over the winter. I will put the original motor away. Based on the AFR web site engine combos, I can run a 355 w/ 450 HP or a 383 w/450 hP. Car is a automatic w/ 355 gears. headers, full exhaust What would be your thoughts, pros and cons ect. What would be more fun to drive? Al
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
It'll only cost you a little bit more to build a 383 over a non-stroker if you're already doing all the machine work to a block when considering a lower target. The crank and some extra block work are the only big differences.
The 383 will make that power a lot cheaper than a 355 will when your goal is that far over 400 HP.
The 383 will make that power a lot cheaper than a 355 will when your goal is that far over 400 HP.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,908
Likes: 3
It'll only cost you a little bit more to build a 383 over a non-stroker if you're already doing all the machine work to a block when considering a lower target. The crank and some extra block work are the only big differences.
The 383 will make that power a lot cheaper than a 355 will when your goal is that far over 400 HP.
The 383 will make that power a lot cheaper than a 355 will when your goal is that far over 400 HP.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 15,176
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From: State of Confusion
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,360
Likes: 3
From: NORTHEAST
Here is a couple of 383's we have built in the past and dynoed
http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=106715
http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=236517
http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=106715
http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=236517
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,908
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Instructor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 153
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I put a ZZ383 and a Kiesler 5speed in mine, 355 posi and traction is a problem.. (a nice problem)
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Nebraska
I vote for the 383 also,did one for my 77 last winter,started with a 98 5.7 truck blk.,scat strocker kit(bored .030),cleanup on the deck(.005),gm ht 383 roller cam,vortec heads,qjet carb,running a 700r4 w/lockup,3.08 rear,oh yeah Hooker side pipes and home made baffles,will break rear loose on down shift@60 from od,and burn them all day
(this is a real mild motor,rated @345 hp,425 ftlbs torque.Gimpy 51
(this is a real mild motor,rated @345 hp,425 ftlbs torque.Gimpy 51
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 15,176
Likes: 88
From: State of Confusion
Al, if you look here
http://www.nastyz28.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=5
in either Engine Topic, High Performance Modifications, or Competition Camaros, there are usually several guys building very-hot carb'd 383 & 400/406 cars for the street & strip that might give you ideas:
many members of that Forum prefer ET-slips in their pockets over printed-out dyno sheets hanging on a wall, but it may prove useful for you
http://www.nastyz28.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=5
in either Engine Topic, High Performance Modifications, or Competition Camaros, there are usually several guys building very-hot carb'd 383 & 400/406 cars for the street & strip that might give you ideas:
many members of that Forum prefer ET-slips in their pockets over printed-out dyno sheets hanging on a wall, but it may prove useful for you
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,231
Likes: 65
From: Seattle WA
St. Jude Donor '14
A 383 is just about a financial wash with a 355, especially if you're buying heads regardless.
HP/CID has a lot to do with driveability - higher ratios can be less fun to drive on the street - so in this case more CID = same HP = more driveable.
There's really no reason to build a 355 any more with the ready availability of quality aftermarket stroker cranks costing less than machining a 350 crank. You do need to feed the extra CID - so heads/cam are critical.
Moving up from a 383 just becomes a question of budget
HP/CID has a lot to do with driveability - higher ratios can be less fun to drive on the street - so in this case more CID = same HP = more driveable.
There's really no reason to build a 355 any more with the ready availability of quality aftermarket stroker cranks costing less than machining a 350 crank. You do need to feed the extra CID - so heads/cam are critical.
Moving up from a 383 just becomes a question of budget
