383 stroker or BB
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 503
Likes: 0
From: Gambrills Maryland
383 stroker or BB
I currently have a new to me 1968 with SB 350 bored .030 over motor with hooker side pipies headers and 4.10 rear with stock 4 speed tranny. I want some more hp(say 450-475) and looking for the best move. The motor I have has few miles on it and has, roller rockers, Dart 2 heads ported and polished, pink rods, some performance cam but I dont know the specs and forged crank. I wonder how much hp I have now....375 ish? Also, along with the motor chnages I plan on going to a 5 speed conversion. So which way to go for most bang for the buck?
Since the motor is relatively new do I have it stroked out to make it a 383 or is it cheaper to get a "new" 383 long block and move externals to that? What new internals would be needed if I did this?
Or do I go the say 454 or 502 BB route?
Since the motor is relatively new do I have it stroked out to make it a 383 or is it cheaper to get a "new" 383 long block and move externals to that? What new internals would be needed if I did this?
Or do I go the say 454 or 502 BB route?
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, New York
I currently have a new to me 1968 with SB 350 bored .030 over motor with hooker side pipies headers and 4.10 rear with stock 4 speed tranny. I want some more hp(say 450-475) and looking for the best move. The motor I have has few miles on it and has, roller rockers, Dart 2 heads ported and polished, pink rods, some performance cam but I dont know the specs and forged crank. I wonder how much hp I have now....375 ish? Also, along with the motor chnages I plan on going to a 5 speed conversion. So which way to go for most bang for the buck?
Since the motor is relatively new do I have it stroked out to make it a 383 or is it cheaper to get a "new" 383 long block and move externals to that? What new internals would be needed if I did this?
Or do I go the say 454 or 502 BB route?
Since the motor is relatively new do I have it stroked out to make it a 383 or is it cheaper to get a "new" 383 long block and move externals to that? What new internals would be needed if I did this?
Or do I go the say 454 or 502 BB route?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,950
Likes: 3,351
From: NYC NY
What's the budget? Do you have a "good" engine builder in your area? How much of your current engine would you be able to re-use? That may be the most cost effective way to go. A crate motor with that kind of power will be in the 5K+ area. Now add in the 5 speed and the money adds up quick. If you go the big block route you will need to change a lot more. Headers, pulleys, ect,............is the radiator capable of dealing with that kind of power? The money starts adding up real quick! Something to think about before deciding which way to go. Good luck with what ever you decide.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,381
Likes: 416
From: N J
It adds up VERY quickly. Pulleys, brackets, exhaust manifolds, exhaust pipes, hoses, belts, hood, paint for hood, trim for hood, stronger front springs, radiator, rad support ? shroud ? starter ? Did this for a friends car. Was it worth it...YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT ! Good luck which ever way you go. 
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 503
Likes: 0
From: Gambrills Maryland
Im leaning towards stroking out my current engine. I have a good machine shop down the road. What would need to be done?
Block machined for the new rods and ???
New crank and rods becase of the different stroke ?
Can the exisiting pistons be reused?
The car already has a BB radiator.
Block machined for the new rods and ???
New crank and rods becase of the different stroke ?
Can the exisiting pistons be reused?
The car already has a BB radiator.
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Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 476
Likes: 0
From: Easton PA
superchargers do have a cool factor, but i like to make a motor alittle more like a sleeper. go 383, machine shop will go with there recipe for what works for them, cheaper than going bb but with a solid 383 you will have bb power, or can go crate motor but wont have the quality of a machine shop doing your motor. inop
Last edited by straub18045; Oct 16, 2010 at 07:35 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 40
Likes: 1
From: Durban KZN
I built my 383 with original rods new pistons and a 383 crank - and a new 400 damper - which means the timing marker needs to be modified/replaced. Unfortunately I still havn't had it on the road so I don't know the numbers yet - but the end is in sight 
Camel heads - Magnum roller rockers - Lunati 310A8LUN cam edelbrock performer intake -Dynamically Balanced and Anti pump up lifters. she sounds sweet.
Camel heads - Magnum roller rockers - Lunati 310A8LUN cam edelbrock performer intake -Dynamically Balanced and Anti pump up lifters. she sounds sweet.
Last edited by MarkZ; Oct 17, 2010 at 12:16 PM. Reason: additional info
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,004
Likes: 7
From: Adelaide South Australia
Given the choice of internally balanced vs externally balanced rotating assembly for your stroker.... my advice is pay the extra for internally balanced.
By the way, I swapped out my 327 to a 475hp 383 stroker with a 5sp Tremec.
Chalk and cheese!
Amazing change in the whole driving experience.
By the way, I swapped out my 327 to a 475hp 383 stroker with a 5sp Tremec.
Chalk and cheese!
Amazing change in the whole driving experience.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,781
Likes: 15
From: Oxford Ohio
Check this month's edition of Super Chev. mag. They have a bunch of different types of set ups based on the wanted Horse Power. Several 383 set ups. Keep in mind you'll end up in stall speed converter ville in short order.