383 Opinions ...
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 17,982
Likes: 1,074
From: Lansing MI
383 Opinions ...
Whats the general consensus on the 383 engines ??? Are folks running these combos generally satisfied with the results ?? Or is it a deal where everyone sort of thinks to themselves "I needed a new short block anyway" ....
Is anyone running the GM crate 383 engine ???
Is anyone running the GM crate 383 engine ???
Last edited by PatternDayTrader; Sep 13, 2016 at 08:33 AM.
7th Gear
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
From: Houston Texas
I absolutely love mine. I Threw a rod in my 91 coupe, so I bought a long block from
Summit. I got a mini ram from TPIS. The car went from being fun to drive to being a complete blast. While I was doing the swap I saw thread after thread on here about issues people were having with their 383 conversions. Cooling issues, cars dying when they get warmed up and things like that, but I haven't had one problem with mine. on a cautionary note, it is a slippery slope financially when you add that much horsepower. right now I'm limited by my stock torque converter, my 311 gear, and my 9 1/2" rear tires. I plan to upgrade these one at a time when I can justify spending money on my toy. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Summit. I got a mini ram from TPIS. The car went from being fun to drive to being a complete blast. While I was doing the swap I saw thread after thread on here about issues people were having with their 383 conversions. Cooling issues, cars dying when they get warmed up and things like that, but I haven't had one problem with mine. on a cautionary note, it is a slippery slope financially when you add that much horsepower. right now I'm limited by my stock torque converter, my 311 gear, and my 9 1/2" rear tires. I plan to upgrade these one at a time when I can justify spending money on my toy. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 442
Likes: 26
having not built my 383 I maybe jaded.
I love the power of the 383, it runs great without a sacrifice anywhere in the power band.
But looking at what the previous owner SPENT to achieve this, Yikes, no way.
So if you can do the bulk of the work yourself great, but there are times (dealing with Opti issue right now) that I wish for an LS conversion...
I love the power of the 383, it runs great without a sacrifice anywhere in the power band.
But looking at what the previous owner SPENT to achieve this, Yikes, no way.
So if you can do the bulk of the work yourself great, but there are times (dealing with Opti issue right now) that I wish for an LS conversion...
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,221
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
Brought my 240 hp future "iconic sportcar" into the 21st Century!
If I have ANY regret....well....Can you say 396?
But enough about me, myself and I. Can't say I've ever seen anyone disappointed in a stroker build during my 13yrs on this forum. Hard to figure why you even ask!
If I have ANY regret....well....Can you say 396?
But enough about me, myself and I. Can't say I've ever seen anyone disappointed in a stroker build during my 13yrs on this forum. Hard to figure why you even ask!
Last edited by GREGGPENN; Sep 13, 2016 at 07:39 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,328
Likes: 14
From: Stafford Connecticut
With the roller block GM missed the boat on the 383.So simple a change.They would have sold a ton more Vettes, Camaros and Trucks.They sell the 383 now but I think they over price them.
Last edited by steven mack; Sep 13, 2016 at 09:46 PM. Reason: Add info
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Why they never mass produced a 383 Ill never knowSame with discontinuing the 400.
Dont even think you can buy a new Gen 1 block anymore through them
Not everyone wants an LSx and roller 1 pc blocks are getting harder to locate. So choices at that point are limited to what you can find, an expensive aftermarket or some Chinese made one, dont drink that soup youll be sorry;only ones pushing those are the ones selling them.
Last edited by cv67; Sep 13, 2016 at 11:33 PM.
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Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,752
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From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Whats the general consensus on the 383 engines ??? Are folks running these combos generally satisfied with the results ?? Or is it a deal where everyone sort of thinks to themselves "I needed a new short block anyway" ....
Is anyone running the GM crate 383 engine ???
Is anyone running the GM crate 383 engine ???
I just had to do it, the old 350 would have done many more miles but was leaking oil everywhere... hate oil leaks.
Very happy with my forged 383 build , was quite cheap
No more oil leaks.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 17,982
Likes: 1,074
From: Lansing MI
I appreciate everyone's input. There is nothing quite like getting opinions from people that have actually done something. The 383 sounds like this is the way to go. Honestly it doesn't seem like its all that much more expensive than the standard engine. I am probably going to revive this thread from time to time with more specific questions about the components and combinations people have been using.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,386
Likes: 534
383 is nice but if you're building from scratch, spend the few extra bucks and pick up a crank for a 396 build. When you use forged components, the cost difference between the two is minimal and who wouldn't welcome 13 extra cubes? But it's hard to argue with a 383, there's still more than enough in performance to get anyone in trouble on the street.
