383 Buildup Advice
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,162
Likes: 2
From: Beaverton, OR
383 Buildup Advice
Been a while since I've trolled around the forum much... I guess my mind has been in other places, but once again, the weather is improving and it saddens me to see my baby collecting dust in the garage. I had been considering the acquisition of a "replacement" that is closer to my end goal, but I think I've decided to stick it out with my current project. Some things have changed since I started my project, the most significant of which is that I now have a daily driver, so I no longer have to worry about long projects...
Anyhow, I'm babbling now. My current question is what should I do for a performance 383 buildup on a budget ($4K)? I've currently got a 2-bolt main L48 which would seem to offer me very little I can save. I was thinking that I could have the mains splayed and the cylinders bored .030 over... Is that cost effective, or should I start with a 4-bolt short block and build something up from there? I'd *LIKE* to pull 500+HP and similar torque from 92 octane pump gas (that's premium here in Oregon). With a little coaching, I'm fairly convinced I can do most of the work myself (save machine work), but I really don't know where to start... Suggestions? Am I being realistic about cost, or am I way off? I'm assuming I'll spend more for headers, exhaust, and a carb...
Anyhow, I'm babbling now. My current question is what should I do for a performance 383 buildup on a budget ($4K)? I've currently got a 2-bolt main L48 which would seem to offer me very little I can save. I was thinking that I could have the mains splayed and the cylinders bored .030 over... Is that cost effective, or should I start with a 4-bolt short block and build something up from there? I'd *LIKE* to pull 500+HP and similar torque from 92 octane pump gas (that's premium here in Oregon). With a little coaching, I'm fairly convinced I can do most of the work myself (save machine work), but I really don't know where to start... Suggestions? Am I being realistic about cost, or am I way off? I'm assuming I'll spend more for headers, exhaust, and a carb...
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,484
Likes: 0
From: Northampton Ma
Re: 383 Buildup Advice (dath)
This is a very easy problem to solve, call AR Racing. The have an Edelbrock headed (aluminum) 383 that puts out 470hp and 465ft/lbs, for $3,500 :eek: :yesnod: . I plan to buy this motor very soon, except I'll be adding a bigger cam and forged pistons to the package. I e-mailed them and they said it would be about $4,200 for what I want. According to my Desktop Dyno my combo will be good for 490hp, but the forged pistons will be for a nitrous shot later on. A lot of froum members (GrandsportC3 and Tshort are 2) have ordered from them lately are very happy with the results. Olivier's (GrandsportC3) car is running is 12.1 second 1/4 miles on a 465hp motor from AR. Search the archives for AR Racing and 383's and you'll find a lot of info :cheers:
[Modified by Ryan77, 8:10 PM 4/15/2003]
[Modified by Ryan77, 8:10 PM 4/15/2003]
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 11,840
Likes: 0
From: Galloway NJ
Re: 383 Buildup Advice (Ryan77)
:iagree: Check out AR!! here's their ebay listing: http://cgi6.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...ns%40erols.com
I plan on getting one this winter :thumbs:
I plan on getting one this winter :thumbs:
Pro
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 500
Likes: 0
From: sebastopol ca
Re: 383 Buildup Advice (dath)
if you want to do work yourself, and aren't scared of porting there's a book called "How to build max performance chevy smallblocks on a budget" by David Vizard availble from Cartech. he's got a buildup like that in there for less than 3500 if i remember right, this involves extensive porting, which he tells you how to do. or you could buy a crate motor.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,162
Likes: 2
From: Beaverton, OR
Re: 383 Buildup Advice (Ryan77)
I checked out the Ebay listing and you are right, the setup looks pretty sweet, though it is not a 383 :) It's a smallblock 406 (I'm guessing that's a 400 block bored .030" over with 3.75 stroke?). My concern is that the cam they spec has a 3500 stall, which seems like it may be a bit high for my TH400 with 3.08 rearend. Is it an issue? What I came up with in Desktop Dyno (using the info they provided and taking a few guesses as I don't have flow rates for the intake/heads (also guessing 10:1 compression and using roller lifters)) shows a really healthy torque curve, perhaps it would still street well after all?
Does anyone have any opinions as to the quality of A.R. Racing motors? Do they stand behind their products? Also, do they have a website?
Does anyone have any opinions as to the quality of A.R. Racing motors? Do they stand behind their products? Also, do they have a website?
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento CA
Re: 383 Buildup Advice (dath)
That's a good engine, but I wouldn't run a cam that big on the street. Not it says 'Radical Race Car Idle'.
Cam would not be a good match for your 3.08's. I'd contact them and see if they can swap cams for you if you buy it. Unless, of course, you want to be that agressive with it. In that case, go for it.
Cam would not be a good match for your 3.08's. I'd contact them and see if they can swap cams for you if you buy it. Unless, of course, you want to be that agressive with it. In that case, go for it.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 11,840
Likes: 0
From: Galloway NJ
Re: 383 Buildup Advice (Weird Science)
They change up the engines on ebay all the time, so you'll see some 383's listed pretty soon. Also they will customize the engine to meet your needs :yesnod:
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Instructor
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 248
Likes: 1
From: Kansas City MO
Re: 383 Buildup Advice (Metal_Wulf)
Looks like a good deal. If you happen to be on the west coast I hear http://www.badasscars.com/ does a good job and will make anything you can dream up and or find the right combo for your needs. Sounds a lot like AR. No direct experiance but I've heard good things.
I tried going to auto-restorations.com but it tells me it can't resolve the server :(
I'm guessing it's a temporary outage.
I tried going to auto-restorations.com but it tells me it can't resolve the server :(
I'm guessing it's a temporary outage.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 11,840
Likes: 0
From: Galloway NJ
Re: 383 Buildup Advice (Black Snowman)
I tried going to auto-restorations.com but it tells me it can't resolve the server :(
I'm guessing it's a temporary outage.
I'm guessing it's a temporary outage.
http://www.maxhorsepower.com/
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 11,840
Likes: 0
From: Galloway NJ
Re: 383 Buildup Advice (Black Snowman)
Well, they need to change that on their e-bay postings :crazy: :D