Stroker kit.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 827
Likes: 0
From: Salem Ohio
Stroker kit.
I have a 78 corvette L-82, And I am curious how much horsepower would a stroker kit get me. The boring and stroking alone with all the stock parts originally would probably not gain that much. So I am wondering if the 383 stroker kit, http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku, Im unsure what cam, and a holly carb would get around 500 hp?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 5
From: Japan
First, it depends on what kind of gas you intend to run. These daze depending on where you live 93 octane is about the best that's commonly available (where I live in the People's Republic of Kalifornia 91 is the best we can get). That said, with iron heads 9.75-10.0:1 compression is about as high as you can safely go so your 383 is going to need a little help like a good single-plane intake, whopper cam, and larger-than-stock exhausts to reach the magic 500 number. Aluminum heads (I didn't see the stroker kit you mentioned, just the heads-there are many kits out there nowadays on ebay, etc.) would allow you to run a little higher static compression ratio and consequently smaller camshaft (not to mention taking about 60 lbs' off your front end which is worth at least a few HP). As for cam specifics, there are many gurus here that can provide you with just the right cam recipe. As for the carb, a 700 cfm Holley should give you what you need. Have fun!
Last edited by birdsmith; May 17, 2009 at 12:41 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,231
Likes: 65
From: Seattle WA
St. Jude Donor '14
Two questions here: what's the benefit of a 383 over a 350, and how do I get to 500HP.
The benefit of a 383 over a 350 is 33 cubes
Not being a smart-***, but if you think about power as N HP/CID then the benefit is directly proportional - an engine making 1 HP/CID will make ~33 more HP/TQ. Note that the longer stroke builds torque over HP...this is overly simplified, but a good rule of thumb.
500HP with a GEN I SBC is a tall order - and starts with budget, IMHO. If you don't have ~10K, then you won't get 500 HP. This power number is at the very, VERY top-end of what the stock block will support (an aftermarket block would be a better choice if you can afford it) and requires an all-forged rotating ***'y and some very serious heads.
Figure out your realistic budget, and it's a lot easier to figure out how to maximize the power in your '78. Honestly - if you're behind a stock engine now you don't need 500HP to get a big-time improvement
The benefit of a 383 over a 350 is 33 cubes
Not being a smart-***, but if you think about power as N HP/CID then the benefit is directly proportional - an engine making 1 HP/CID will make ~33 more HP/TQ. Note that the longer stroke builds torque over HP...this is overly simplified, but a good rule of thumb.500HP with a GEN I SBC is a tall order - and starts with budget, IMHO. If you don't have ~10K, then you won't get 500 HP. This power number is at the very, VERY top-end of what the stock block will support (an aftermarket block would be a better choice if you can afford it) and requires an all-forged rotating ***'y and some very serious heads.
Figure out your realistic budget, and it's a lot easier to figure out how to maximize the power in your '78. Honestly - if you're behind a stock engine now you don't need 500HP to get a big-time improvement
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,892
Likes: 3
From: Springfield Illinois
One of the car mags had a 383 with a hydraulic roller cam, I believe it was a Comp cams 294HR cam or something of that sort and made around 530 some horsepower. Personally, I'd call comp cams, tell them what I had, what I am willing to spend, and what my goals were. They might be able to give you some suggestions as to what parts to use and help you get near 500HP or over.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 827
Likes: 0
From: Salem Ohio
Two questions here: what's the benefit of a 383 over a 350, and how do I get to 500HP.
The benefit of a 383 over a 350 is 33 cubes Not being a smart-***, but if you think about power as N HP/CID then the benefit is directly proportional - an engine making 1 HP/CID will make ~33 more HP/TQ. Note that the longer stroke builds torque over HP...this is overly simplified, but a good rule of thumb.
500HP with a GEN I SBC is a tall order - and starts with budget, IMHO. If you don't have ~10K, then you won't get 500 HP. This power number is at the very, VERY top-end of what the stock block will support (an aftermarket block would be a better choice if you can afford it) and requires an all-forged rotating ***'y and some very serious heads.
Figure out your realistic budget, and it's a lot easier to figure out how to maximize the power in your '78. Honestly - if you're behind a stock engine now you don't need 500HP to get a big-time improvement
The benefit of a 383 over a 350 is 33 cubes
Not being a smart-***, but if you think about power as N HP/CID then the benefit is directly proportional - an engine making 1 HP/CID will make ~33 more HP/TQ. Note that the longer stroke builds torque over HP...this is overly simplified, but a good rule of thumb.500HP with a GEN I SBC is a tall order - and starts with budget, IMHO. If you don't have ~10K, then you won't get 500 HP. This power number is at the very, VERY top-end of what the stock block will support (an aftermarket block would be a better choice if you can afford it) and requires an all-forged rotating ***'y and some very serious heads.
Figure out your realistic budget, and it's a lot easier to figure out how to maximize the power in your '78. Honestly - if you're behind a stock engine now you don't need 500HP to get a big-time improvement
Yes I wish it atleast had 350 hp, Everyone says light em up and you cant.........
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,231
Likes: 65
From: Seattle WA
St. Jude Donor '14
I haven't been hanging out much in C3 tech, but I think I (and many others) have posted more than a few L-82 top approaches that will get you there. Consider that the engine is likely a bit tired - so if the newfound power leads to you beating on it you might find yourself doing an overhaul after all.
