I would like to replace my 350 SB by a 383 stroker crate engine. Car has TH400 and 3,08 rears.

Looking for good torque at 3000rpm - not so much interested in high hp-numbers. Alloy heads preffered.

Can anyone recommend a good deal on this?

Thx!!!

Regards,
Thomas

 

After months of looking at every combo of crate engines and price out there I ordered a 383 420HP/460TQ from T&L Engines.

I spoke to Lloyd at T&L and he told me to send him my carburetor, distributor and wires so he can set up and dyno the engine with my stuff.

I ordered cast iron heads because I wanted the nostalgic look and no one has to know it's a stroker with Dart heads and a full roller cam set up.
I guess I'm stuck in the 70's. I just could not see an aluminum head engine under my 1970 hood.

Here is there same engine with aluminum head. Awesome torque. http://www.tandlengines.com/chevy_sb...m_383_A-2.html

 

I have recently been looking for a crate engine for my 79 as well.

I looked at everything from a Pat Musi 555 Big Block to the GM crates to getting a short block and doing my own top end.

Big Time HP was a goal for me, I ended up going with a Shafiroff Racing 427 small block. 525 HP and 550 ft lbs TQ, 2 year warranty, pump gas friendly and street driveable.

I said that to say this, If you just want a stroker 383 with good power and manners, get a GM Performance Parts ZZ383 from summit or Jegs, they are in stock and reasonably priced.

I will not directly name any one builder, but as to getting an engine from a builder, DO YOUR HOMEWORK, google them and see what other folks have to say, I almost dropped some big coin on a builder that has a notorious reputation for delivering engines weeks or months late, if at all! (and kiss your deposit goodbye)

I found this info going back all the way to 2006 and as recent as early this year, that was enough to send me elsewhere.

Do your homework and spend your money wisely, your worked hard for it.

 

So you like what you have got from T&L?

Regards,
Thomas

 

I don't know what your budget is but you might want to check out Shafiroff Racings "real street" engines....thier 402/465hp might be right up your alley.

As to the aluminum heads, some spray paint will fix that!!

I had a ratty old chevelle years ago with aluminum heads and intake but painted the whole engine chevy orange including steel valve covers and a stock air cleaner, THAT car won me plenty of money!


http://www.ultrastreet.net/engines.asp

This is the one I went with

http://www.ultrastreet.net/engines/427_realstreet.asp

 

You have impeccable taste in engines.

 

Yeah I was all set on a big block but realized I was lazy and didn't want to screw with some of the stuff I'd have to do to do it right.

Besides, 427 and Vette just go together, even if it is a SB 427

 

PM me if you have any questions regarding the engine - I *may* have found the answer already. And I definitely have some questions open still.

 

Here is a post from the most recent forum member that ordered an engine from T&L. Send an email to Ken and he will be more then happy to response to you. Ken also has another post showing his motor on the dyno at T&L. You can find all his posts by putting kensmith in the search. Ken's engine shipped in 3 weeks. I just placed my order and was quoted 4 weeks till shipping. With the money I saved on the engine I ordered a 5 speed from Keisler to go with it. The 383 from T&L and 5 speed kit that comes with everything you need, together cost $5983.plus shipping.I also am running a 3.08 rear. This is one of Ken's post.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c1-a...otor-pics.html

 

I sell and install crate engines for a living, that’s my job that’s what I do. At one time or another I have sold and or installed just about every major production builders crate engines before GMPP, ATK, Jasper, AER, Rhino, Marshall ect. ect. you get the idea. In most ways I see very little difference in over all build quality some are a little more complete some have more name brand internals while others offer exceptional value.
A lot of one off builders turn out a great product but at what expense?

Mike at motorworks engines in Spokane hooked me up but then again I’m in the business so I should get the occasional hook up anyway they build a rock solid 383 offer a 5yr warranty complete from pan to intake and from balancer to flywheel and I think he sells them to the public for $2500.00 Mine dynoed at 439hp and is supper streetable my wife drives it to work on the weekends. I am happy they did me right.

http://www.motorworksengines.com/index.php?pr=383

 

Please do tell all on your Keisler when you get it in. I want one so bad it hurts.

 

Being that you're in Germany, you may want to deal with someone experienced in shipping to Europe.

I can recommend:

http://www.masperformance.com/cratemotors.htm

Mike Steele is the owner builder, he'll put any combination yoou want together, or ship you one of his standard builds. He has experience in shipping to Germany.

I've got one of his strokers in my '79, just under 500 HP/Tq.

Can't say I'd recommend that for a daily street engine and it has found most of the other weak links.

Anyway, mine is going on it's third year without any problems what-so-ever. He offers a two year warranty, but how good is a warranty when the builder is 10,000 miles away.

Give Mile a call, he's a straight shooter.

 

enginefactory.com
http://enginefactory.com/

Another builder who exports a lot to overseas customers...
I used enginefactory as they had an Australian agent.
They also have a German agent for the company..
http://www.enginefactory.com/Interna...ales_Staff.htm

I bought mine from them.... a 475hp 383.
Still puts a big grin on my face....
just a casual stroll through the hills on a sunday morning.....

 

Ozzy, how long have you had your engine from them? Any problems?

 

I have had the motor in the car for 18 months now. ~ 3000 miles.
No issues with motor. Very happy with it.
Sounds tough at idle and awesome under WOT.
It's not like a big block though.
Not a huge amount of torque below 2000, but from 3000 to 6000 rpm it absolutely flies!
I am about to swap the diff over from a 3.36 to a 3.73 which was recomended by builder.
That should wake it up even more!

Only issue I had was the original water pump was noisy after some testing on the dyno.... It appears the water pump shaft was drawn forward on it's bearings, causing the impeller to foul on the inside of casing. I have a fixed mechanical fan (no viscous coupling), and I assume the load at 5500-6000 rpm was greater than the frictional fit of the bearing/shaft interface.

I subsequently fitted an Edelbrock alloy pump... looks nicer and no problems. Only other bit of advice I offer anyone getting a crate engine... Make your decision on trans before ordering motor...
know whether you will use an auto (flex plate) or manual box (flywheel) and get it balanced with motor.

I originally intended to use an auto, and orderred motor with externally balanced flex plate. I then changed my mind, and fitted a Tremec 5sp manual. I had some issues with vibration when I fitted the externally balanced flywheel that came with the trans kit. Needed some attention at machine shop... I also lightened the flywheel for better response.

In future I will only order internally balanced motor configuration.
Less hassles.

edit: Forgot to mention....
I'm not a big fan of the 800 cfm Edelbrock AVS carb that my motor was supplied with.
I had issues with it, and couldn't get it to run right.
The low manifold vaccuum and choppy idle may have contributed to my problems...

I gave it to a mate running a stock 396 big block in a 65 thunderbird, and he's very happy with it.

I fitted a 750 cfm Holley HP Street (double pumper) and it has worked very well.
Picked up some additional horses on the dyno at the top end, but lost a bit of torque down low with carby change.

 

Another one for The Engine Factory, I didnt go for a stroker but the 350, 430hp motor, 4 years on and 5k miles it still performs faultlessly.

G

 

Great video!!!! Thanks for sharing. Where did you get it mirrored ...

I will check enginefactory out for sure.

One thing I realized on your motor is that you seem to have a small 6,5" balancer... no issues with that one yet? I had installed one on a 350 I once rebuild with some more hp than original... the damn thing started slipping the outer ring without me realizing and always wondering why I was having issues with detonnation... no wonder if you adjust timing with a TDC mark which is 25 degrees off. It took me to remove cylinder heads to finally realize. Now I am running a ZZ4 8" balancer and have also marked the cranks pulley (can't slip) with TDC just to be sure...

Have you ever thought about using a Rochester Quadrajet... so much better in low-end response than a Holley due to the smaller primaries. Could maybe compensate a bit for the low end torque. And has much better fuel economy... if that counts in Australia. Just a thought.

Good point to opt for internally balanced.

Regards from good old Germany,
Thomas

 

Thanks a lot guys for all the responses...

Guess I have some homework to do now.

Regards,
Thomas

 

Damn Ozzy, you scared the ****ola out of me, especially after I saw there were other cars on the road. Possibly My instincts and your driving orientaion contributed, Felt like "head on comming" hahaa. Stay well OK, You da Man!

 

OzzyTom the retro styling tastefully done I really dig it!