Why build a 383?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,512
Likes: 49
From: Franklin IN
Why build a 383?
I am wondering why would I want to build a 383? Building a 383 limits RPM. It pushes the block to the limits(clearences and such). Several people that have built them have gone back to a standard stoke engine for dependability. On top of that is the increased cost. Where am I going wrong?
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 319
Likes: 3
From: LONG ISLAND NY
383
Torque... the longer stroke of 3.75" crankshaft for the 383 makes more torque at lower RPM's than a shorter stroke engine. So, if you want to operate within a streetable RPM range a 383 has advantages over say a 350. But, there is a lot to consider here.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,616
Likes: 111
typically the blocks are notched for clearance and I have not heard anyone having problems with their 383 rebuilds. In fact it has become almost a standard for 350 cubic inch rebuilds. More cubes makes more power, generally speaking.
The thing is, you usually want to start with a 4 bolt main or have a 2 bolt converted to a 4 bolt with the added stress of the longer stroke....383's make good power with the right intake/heads/cam
The thing is, you usually want to start with a 4 bolt main or have a 2 bolt converted to a 4 bolt with the added stress of the longer stroke....383's make good power with the right intake/heads/cam
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 8,683
Likes: 6
From: Phoenix AZ
I am wondering why would I want to build a 383? Building a 383 limits RPM. It pushes the block to the limits(clearences and such). Several people that have built them have gone back to a standard stoke engine for dependability. On top of that is the increased cost. Where am I going wrong?
I spin mine to 7000RPM, and I used it as a daily driver for three years without any issues that wouldn't have happened to any engine. It's still going strong at 450+ RWHP with more power in it waiting to be tapped.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,270
Likes: 3
From: Seattle Area WA
I don't think us mere mortals around here hit 383 rpm limits. I think if we are, we often are limited by the bottom end or valvetrain, and most builds here are almost overkill for the power levels. You can make great numbers with a 355 too though.
Racer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 293
Likes: 4
Yeah, I agree, why build a 383 when you can stuff 400 some inches in a 350 block these days??? Granted its more stroke than poke but its still 400 inches and will spin right up..
Last edited by TTOP350; Apr 9, 2012 at 10:37 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Drive a stroker then go back and drive a350 your question will be answered. Larger motor does everything better
Myth that long stroke motors dont rev or rev slower. Thats all in tuning.
Myth that long stroke motors dont rev or rev slower. Thats all in tuning.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 4
From: Clifton Park NY
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
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From: Australia
If doing a FULL rebuild ;only extra cost is the >$170 for a stroker crank ( offset against the cost of getting your stock crank recoed )
and some labor to clearance the block.
You are up for the same cost for 350 rebuild parts and new pistons anyway
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 4,724
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From: Little Elm TX
I am wondering why would I want to build a 383? Building a 383 limits RPM. It pushes the block to the limits(clearences and such). Several people that have built them have gone back to a standard stoke engine for dependability. On top of that is the increased cost. Where am I going wrong?
With that said, I do agree, I do not see the point in building a 383 these days considering how affordable the Dart SHP block is (and maybe other block manufacturers too) ..... its almost as cheap to build a 400-434 cubic inch motor nowadays....okay not quite, but it's closer than many think. Nowadays, for a little more, you can have a lot more.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 8,683
Likes: 6
From: Phoenix AZ
In short, none of what you said is reality.
With that said, I do agree, I do not see the point in building a 383 these days considering how affordable the Dart SHP block is (and maybe other block manufacturers too) ..... its almost as cheap to build a 400-434 cubic inch motor nowadays....okay not quite, but it's closer than many think. Nowadays, for a little more, you can have a lot more.
With that said, I do agree, I do not see the point in building a 383 these days considering how affordable the Dart SHP block is (and maybe other block manufacturers too) ..... its almost as cheap to build a 400-434 cubic inch motor nowadays....okay not quite, but it's closer than many think. Nowadays, for a little more, you can have a lot more.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
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From: Little Elm TX
Race Director
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From: Overland Park Kansas
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I am wondering why would I want to build a 383? Building a 383 limits RPM. It pushes the block to the limits(clearences and such). Several people that have built them have gone back to a standard stoke engine for dependability. On top of that is the increased cost. Where am I going wrong?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 8,683
Likes: 6
From: Phoenix AZ
For us is makes more sense to go with a big LSx engine if you want bigger then 396 or 401.
....WW
Race Director
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From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
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Course, you could also consider a V-6, 4-banger, or electric.
Race Director
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From: Color my life with the chaos of trouble.
I am wondering why would I want to build a 383? Building a 383 limits RPM. It pushes the block to the limits(clearences and such). Several people that have built them have gone back to a standard stoke engine for dependability. On top of that is the increased cost. Where am I going wrong?
