383 stroker build
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383 stroker build
Hi corvette forum. I've been mulling over the idea of throwing a 383 into my 1973. I know there are a lot of companies that build short and long block but I'm thinking of building my own to control all factors (would be my first engine build). Engine/Trans are not original to the car. Unsure exactly what engine is currently in the car but feel it's a slightly modified 350. Would love to hear peoples thoughts on parts and such. Looking to be around 500hp/500tq, lobey cam with side pipes. Is 3k for a long block too low? I would reuse accessories and dual plane intake off current intake.
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Melting Slicks
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From: SUFFIELD CT USA 2023 C8 CORVETTE UN-MODIFIED FINALIST
2023 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
You won't be just throwing anything, I just did mine and it was a 2 month process and that was with a crate motor. I chuckle when I hear people doing it for the first time are going to beat Chevy Performance, ATK or Blue Print or Summit. These people have built thousands of motors and you are going to do better on your first try?
Last edited by BPHORSEGUY; Aug 7, 2020 at 07:41 PM.
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You won't be just throwing anything, I just did mine and it was a 2 month process and that was with a crate motor. I chuckle when I hear people doing it for the first time are going to beat Chevy Performance, ATK or Blue Print or Summit. These people have built thousands of motors and you are going to do better on your first try?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: SUFFIELD CT USA 2023 C8 CORVETTE UN-MODIFIED FINALIST
2023 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I do not mean to insult any one but I just did a 383 Stroker myself'. My original engine was numbers matching, it now resides on an engine dolly still in my possession. After months of research and several experienced people providing advice, the fact is that no one is going to provide a selection of parts on their first or 3rd or 5th try that is going to perform better, or be cheaper or be quicker then one of the top Crate engine performers... period!
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Last edited by BPHORSEGUY; Aug 7, 2020 at 08:25 PM.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2009
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Likes: 4
I do not mean to insult any one but I just did a 383 Stroker myself'. My original engine was numbers matching, it now resides on an engine dolly still in my possession. After months of research and several experienced people providing advice, the fact is that no one is going to provide a selection of parts on their first or 3rd or 5th try that is going to perform better, or be cheaper or be quicker then one of the top Crate engine performers... period!
.
.
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Le Mans Master
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I would expect to spend $4-$5k if you wanted to do it right. You are looking at around $1000 in machine work. I would suggest another $1500 for a roller cam setup. Then an easy $1000 each for the heads and rotating assembly. You also need to think about the little stuff like gaskets and all. Hopefully the rotating assembly includes a balanced and flywheel or else you need those extra.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2015
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From: Jackson SC
I had a very reputable machine builder build my numbers matching Vette block (w/aftermarket Aluminum heads) and the result was 500hp and 550 ft-lbs on the Dyno. It has a 3.75 crank (383) but the cost was about 7k with the valve covers I chose and the MSD tach drive distributor, (B-Cool cooling system as well). The motor is solid with roller everything...lol...The machine work is critical if you are going to push the envelope with the factory block. I have decided to slip the little beast out to preserve it - I only have about 700 miles on it but don't want to chance windowing the block with a silly mistake. The same builder is now working on a Dart Small Block build for me. I think it is going to be a 434 but it may end up 454. If you want to build 500 ponies worth of factory 350 you can do it quite easily - but - it costs and will likely cost in the range of 5 - 6k if you do it yourself with the right machine work. Just my $.02
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Just to throw another option out there. If cost is a concern, (it always is for me). Perhaps think along the lines of lowering your goals. 400 H.P. is MUCH cheaper to build. Can be done safely with a flat tappet cam. And perhaps the block you already have.
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I would expect to spend $4-$5k if you wanted to do it right. You are looking at around $1000 in machine work. I would suggest another $1500 for a roller cam setup. Then an easy $1000 each for the heads and rotating assembly. You also need to think about the little stuff like gaskets and all. Hopefully the rotating assembly includes a balanced and flywheel or else you need those extra.
I had a very reputable machine builder build my numbers matching Vette block (w/aftermarket Aluminum heads) and the result was 500hp and 550 ft-lbs on the Dyno. It has a 3.75 crank (383) but the cost was about 7k with the valve covers I chose and the MSD tach drive distributor, (B-Cool cooling system as well). The motor is solid with roller everything...lol...The machine work is critical if you are going to push the envelope with the factory block. I have decided to slip the little beast out to preserve it - I only have about 700 miles on it but don't want to chance windowing the block with a silly mistake. The same builder is now working on a Dart Small Block build for me. I think it is going to be a 434 but it may end up 454. If you want to build 500 ponies worth of factory 350 you can do it quite easily - but - it costs and will likely cost in the range of 5 - 6k if you do it yourself with the right machine work. Just my $.02
.Someone gets it! Got to bust out the MasterCard.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
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From: Lebanon Township New Jersey
On the subject of really needing 500 hp or not:
I imagine you're using a manual trans but, for comparison, my 77 with a cheap 383 and automatic trans has run 12.15 at 110 in the quarter. This was on drag radials. I can smoke the street tires from a rolling start. My engine puts out less than 400 hp according to weight vs 1/4 mile speed data on the internet. I'm using my original 2 bolt block, and original rods. I do have forged pistons and a hyd. roller cam but I ran 12.3s with a flat tappet cam. I have cheap GM Vortec heads but they do have a lot of work in them. A 3.73 rear helps a lot too.
This engine has over 250 runs on it (bracket racing) with no ill effects. Just some food for thought.
I imagine you're using a manual trans but, for comparison, my 77 with a cheap 383 and automatic trans has run 12.15 at 110 in the quarter. This was on drag radials. I can smoke the street tires from a rolling start. My engine puts out less than 400 hp according to weight vs 1/4 mile speed data on the internet. I'm using my original 2 bolt block, and original rods. I do have forged pistons and a hyd. roller cam but I ran 12.3s with a flat tappet cam. I have cheap GM Vortec heads but they do have a lot of work in them. A 3.73 rear helps a lot too.
This engine has over 250 runs on it (bracket racing) with no ill effects. Just some food for thought.
Team Owner
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From: altered state
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Id take BKs approach....not too much cam, nice heads dont worry about the hp #.
you can get high 4xx/500 tq out of these.
I have a roughly 550hp hp 383...I dont think youd wanna live with it very long but may just sell it.
A nice 180-190cc head is a good start, no need for fancy forged pieces unless youre going to run it up past 6k a lot. Stroker kits are super affordable right now.
Guy over on the chevelle forum has a cast 400..vortec heads with some work, small ft cam and runs 11.60s drives it everywhere. Doesnt have to be radical to be fast just well thought out. Most overcam/overcarb
you can get high 4xx/500 tq out of these.
I have a roughly 550hp hp 383...I dont think youd wanna live with it very long but may just sell it.
A nice 180-190cc head is a good start, no need for fancy forged pieces unless youre going to run it up past 6k a lot. Stroker kits are super affordable right now.
Guy over on the chevelle forum has a cast 400..vortec heads with some work, small ft cam and runs 11.60s drives it everywhere. Doesnt have to be radical to be fast just well thought out. Most overcam/overcarb
Racer
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 479
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From: Tennessee
Those late 90's Vortec heads can be had for almost nothing and are great low buck performers but you will need another intake. I have Vortecs on my 383 with a World Products intake that allows my factory 76 hood to close.
Had a 1976 L-82, 4-sp
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Royal Canadian Navy
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On the subject of really needing 500 hp or not:
I imagine you're using a manual trans but, for comparison, my 77 with a cheap 383 and automatic trans has run 12.15 at 110 in the quarter. This was on drag radials. I can smoke the street tires from a rolling start. My engine puts out less than 400 hp according to weight vs 1/4 mile speed data on the internet. I'm using my original 2 bolt block, and original rods. I do have forged pistons and a hyd. roller cam but I ran 12.3s with a flat tappet cam. I have cheap GM Vortec heads but they do have a lot of work in them. A 3.73 rear helps a lot too.
This engine has over 250 runs on it (bracket racing) with no ill effects. Just some food for thought.
I imagine you're using a manual trans but, for comparison, my 77 with a cheap 383 and automatic trans has run 12.15 at 110 in the quarter. This was on drag radials. I can smoke the street tires from a rolling start. My engine puts out less than 400 hp according to weight vs 1/4 mile speed data on the internet. I'm using my original 2 bolt block, and original rods. I do have forged pistons and a hyd. roller cam but I ran 12.3s with a flat tappet cam. I have cheap GM Vortec heads but they do have a lot of work in them. A 3.73 rear helps a lot too.
This engine has over 250 runs on it (bracket racing) with no ill effects. Just some food for thought.
Id take BKs approach....not too much cam, nice heads dont worry about the hp #.
you can get high 4xx/500 tq out of these.
I have a roughly 550hp hp 383...I dont think youd wanna live with it very long but may just sell it.
A nice 180-190cc head is a good start, no need for fancy forged pieces unless youre going to run it up past 6k a lot. Stroker kits are super affordable right now.
Guy over on the chevelle forum has a cast 400..vortec heads with some work, small ft cam and runs 11.60s drives it everywhere. Doesnt have to be radical to be fast just well thought out. Most overcam/overcarb
you can get high 4xx/500 tq out of these.
I have a roughly 550hp hp 383...I dont think youd wanna live with it very long but may just sell it.
A nice 180-190cc head is a good start, no need for fancy forged pieces unless youre going to run it up past 6k a lot. Stroker kits are super affordable right now.
Guy over on the chevelle forum has a cast 400..vortec heads with some work, small ft cam and runs 11.60s drives it everywhere. Doesnt have to be radical to be fast just well thought out. Most overcam/overcarb
Thanks, I know hood clearance is an issue with certain intakes/carb combos