Engine rebuilders
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 17
Likes: 1
Engine rebuilders
I realize there is probably a thread somewhere on this but I couldn’t find one so I apologize if this is a repeat. I’m looking for a recommendation for a rebuilt crate motor for my 78. Looking at 383 stroker. Im I’m Texas and was sold on ATK until I read tons a bad reviews. Anyone have a solid recommendation. This will be my big budget purchase on this car and I want to get it right. Thanks in advance.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,030
Likes: 363
From: Lubbock Texas
I realize there is probably a thread somewhere on this but I couldn’t find one so I apologize if this is a repeat. I’m looking for a recommendation for a rebuilt crate motor for my 78. Looking at 383 stroker. Im I’m Texas and was sold on ATK until I read tons a bad reviews. Anyone have a solid recommendation. This will be my big budget purchase on this car and I want to get it right. Thanks in advance.
Smeding Performance is in Boerne Texas. I put one of their 383 strokers in my '73 last year along with a 4L60E transmission. Really happy with the combo. Smeding's engines are not rebuilds though as they use all new GM blocks and all new components so might be a bit pricier. They tune and dyno the engine before sending it to you. I was also happy with their customer service.
DC
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 783
Likes: 415
From: Western NY
i think Vortecpro is moving or has moved to Texas. he specializes in big blocks but he is a top notch builder and would be worth a call. he has done at least a couple of 327's in his video's i'm sure a 383 would be no problem for him.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 278
Likes: 43
From: Kansas
I work for a company that is affiliated with ATK, they have had some issues as any company does, however the customer service is great and they make things right. I have been toying with a short block from them as opposed to building my own. I keep going back to building the original engine and going the 383 route. However it would be easier to drop in a roller block 4 bolt main and get the one piece rear main
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Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,062
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Vortecpro and Mike Lewis in Ca build practically bulletproof mills.
tpi421vette in teh C4 section does strokers almost exclusively they run super hard and machining is top notch
Outside that ....mayyybe GM crate. Not as good as the others imo but everything is new.
I wouldnt touch most mail order/ebay crates especially the cheap ebay stuff. You get what you pay for.
Spend the money on the best cyl head you can afford. Lotsa chinese heads will push a flow # and cheap price, make no mistake its NOT the same quality you get from a good USA piece.
tpi421vette in teh C4 section does strokers almost exclusively they run super hard and machining is top notch
Outside that ....mayyybe GM crate. Not as good as the others imo but everything is new.
I wouldnt touch most mail order/ebay crates especially the cheap ebay stuff. You get what you pay for.
Spend the money on the best cyl head you can afford. Lotsa chinese heads will push a flow # and cheap price, make no mistake its NOT the same quality you get from a good USA piece.
Last edited by cv67; Mar 18, 2021 at 03:37 PM.