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I’m very likely to pick up a 383 stroker SBC high nickel cast block with a 4 bolt main, forged stroker crank and flat top pistons.
I’m Looking for recommendations on heads, cam and intake manifold to fit under the hood of my 1975 L48. It has the original engine and auto transmission (400 turbo) and runs fine. This is intended to be a longer term project for me to wrench on the SBC while still enjoying driving the car.
It is running straight back dual exhaust with cat delete and no headers.
Whats the price? you can buy built 383's with packaged systems for cheap now-a-days and make guaranteed numbers rather than guessing.
Heck, there is a '07 LS2, 6.0L with 37,000 miles on our craigslist right now with all accys, harness, computer, throttle and pedal for 4500.00
Jegs has a 383 that you just need a carb, wires and plugs and ready to go for 4100.00
building engines is fun... but you cant do it as cheap as you can buy them for now... at least I cant
Price is right, it’s my brother in law’s, it was a failed experiment in his airboat. The top end blew up because the fan blades were not equally pitched. I will probably get in exchange for a case of beer.
Yes you can buy a 383 crate motor for less than building one yourself BUT most crate 383's that I see for sale will not make the HP/TQ of a properly built street 355 like my L-82 355. The components used in most crate 383's are not necessarily the best or top quality. You will get a solid 425 gross HP 383 crate motor for cheap which should be fairly reliable.
If you chose to build your 383 yourself like you are thinking of doing, using top components, not only will that 383 motor be ultra reliable BUT will also make more HP/TQ than a strong 355 and just about most crate 383's. You can easily build a 500+ Gross HP 383 if you build it yourself (I would shoot for this target number or higher if you are going to a 383)....................Try to find a cheap crate 383 with 525+ Gross HP......
A good starting point is 10.2-10.5:1 compression, AFR 195 Aluminum cylinder heads, Roller cam with .550-560 Lift, duration 230/235,LSA 110 with Performer RPM intake and you will be off to the races on the street.....
Last edited by jb78L-82; Jul 25, 2018 at 07:10 PM.
Yes you can buy a 383 crate motor for less than building one yourself BUT most crate 383's that I see for sale will not make the HP/TQ of a properly built street 355 like my L-82 355. The components used in most crate 383's are not necessarily the best or top quality. You will get a solid 425 gross HP 383 crate motor for cheap which should be fairly reliable.
If you chose to build your 383 yourself like you are thinking of doing, using top components, not only will that 383 motor be ultra reliable BUT will also make more HP/TQ than a strong 355 and just about most crate 383's. You can easily build a 500+ Gross HP 383 if you build it yourself (I would shoot for this target number or higher if you are going to a 383)....................Try to find a cheap crate 383 with 525+ Gross HP......
A good starting point is 10.2-10.5:1 compression, AFR 195 Aluminum cylinder heads, Roller cam with .550-560 Lift, duration 230/235,LSA 110 with Performer RPM intake and you will be off to the races on the street.....
thanks for the feedback! I follow your line on the AFR heads and the Edelbrock performer intake. What’s confusing me is the specs you’re citing on the cam. Is there a resource that you can point me to so I can learn more about cam specs?
Are you open to headers? no use having an engine that breathes only to cork it up
Rearend gear?
Open to a better converter?
Id at least look at a good weiand dual plane before the performer..not sure if the performer eps fits but its a step up.
Dart makes a decent dual plane, use a drop base air cleaner. Steer clear of the cheap overseas dual planes they will not perform the same
Edit: Also know most claimed dyno or hp #s you read on the web arent accurate. .Build for your driving style not a # and youll be happy.
Are you open to headers? no use having an engine that breathes only to cork it up
Rearend gear?
Open to a better converter?
Id at least look at a good weiand dual plane before the performer..not sure if the performer eps fits but its a step up.
Dart makes a decent dual plane, use a drop base air cleaner. Steer clear of the cheap overseas dual planes they will not perform the same
And I will add, transmission?
If you go for EFI, then I like G-team 7530 intake.
thanks for the feedback! I follow your line on the AFR heads and the Edelbrock performer intake. What’s confusing me is the specs you’re citing on the cam. Is there a resource that you can point me to so I can learn more about cam specs?
The cam specs are ball park/general figures for 383's that are documented to make over 500 Gross Power at street RPM's. Do a search on folks on the forum with 383's and the combos they used as well, read the magazine builds as to the power these engines can make with the right combo of parts.....you will know from these sources as well as a local engine builder how to build a strong street 383.
You might want to start a thread asking for those who built 383's what components they used and how much HP/TQ they were able to document the engine made as a start
Last edited by jb78L-82; Jul 26, 2018 at 07:00 AM.
Changing the rear gear ratio ? If your leaving it "as is" then it's still in your best interest to find-out what it is, then be mindful of it when camming the engine.
Compression ratio to match the desired octane used, (87, 89, 90, 91, 93). Cam, intake manifold (carb too - if needed), and heads - to match the RPM range.
I started with a performer intake 2101 fits fine. Cleaned it up with some valve covers and air cleaner. Got rid of the air pump and egr system. I am thinking I will just save up for a 430hp crate engine. I can get some headers and exhaust in the mean time and then just switch it over when I have the money fo buy the engine. I can always adjust from there. Maybe MSD setup in the mean time? Do you think it’s worth changing the carb until I get the engine? Thoughts? Thanks everyone for the input.
Need Top End components for 383 stroker
