C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Finding 383 pistons?

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Old Sep 4, 2003 | 09:38 PM
  #1  
kman0066's Avatar
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Default Finding 383 pistons?

OK, here are the specs I am looking for

383, 5.7 rod, 3.75 stroke, .030 overbore, and a comp ratio I can use with 91 octane gas. I live in AZ and 91 is as god as it gets unfortunately except for a few select stations.

I basically need them with 4 valve reliefs or a 12-15cc dish.

Questons involved.
1.)The compr ratio's work the same on a 383 or 350 right? It seems almost all the comp ratios on 383 pistons are way to high to use w/pump gas.

2.) I assume since they are made, that I have to use pistons specially made for a 383 setup?

3.)What are you guys(daily driven 383's w/5.7 rods) using?

I found SRP pistons to make a 10.4:1 ratio for $500, but man I would like to only spend $300 on a set of TRW's or Probes

OH yeah, this is w/LT1 58cc heads.
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Old Sep 4, 2003 | 09:45 PM
  #2  
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Default Re: Finding 383 pistons? (kman0066)

AS has been said here many times.. the LT1 comes from the factory with 10.4:1 compression ratio pistons and can run on 87 octane gas.. (although it runs much better on premium. this is thanks to the reverse flow cooling, knock sensors and other electronic gadgets on the car. You will find many guys running 11:1 with a 383 on premium fuel. I chose to go with 10.8:1 on my LT1 383 build up. The pistons i used were Kieth Black Hyperutectic jobbers (which most people on the forum dont like). I havent had any problems yet with detoniation...however I have been running 93.. (thank god i moved out of AZ!). Oh, and lastly the cam profile that you select for this application will have as much to do with detonation as the pistons.. longer overlaps and higher durations seem to tolerate more compression on lesser octane fuels - I think - others will know more about this aspect than I. But i do know it is a factor.
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Old Sep 4, 2003 | 09:49 PM
  #3  
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Default Re: Finding 383 pistons? (BluByU)

Yeah, the closest forged I found other than the SRP's were 11.55:1. And I will be using a LT4 hot cam, since I already own it... But yeah, finding some forged pistons in the 10:1-11:1 range and I would be happy.

I really want to use forged, but I am starting to see that Hypo's are the more reasonable choice.
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Old Sep 4, 2003 | 09:52 PM
  #4  
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Default Re: Finding 383 pistons? (kman0066)

You should call Frank Townsend, in Tucson Az. 520-623-2335. Don't talk to anyone else but Frank. He's been in the racing game for about 100 years. Ok, maybe only 50.

He's a wealth of knowledge, and enjoys passing it on, a rare find these days.
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Old Sep 4, 2003 | 11:53 PM
  #5  
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Default Re: Finding 383 pistons? (edsalinas)

ALright, I have found most of my answers I was looking for, and it is back to the old hypo's for me. :banghead:

So, how's about this...What's better, Speed-Pro or Keith Black? They cost nearly the same.
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Old Sep 5, 2003 | 02:22 AM
  #6  
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Default Re: Finding 383 pistons? (kman0066)

I have the Lunati 2818 19cc dish in my 383, which gave me 9.3cr with AFR heads.
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Old Sep 5, 2003 | 07:01 AM
  #7  
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Default Re: Finding 383 pistons? (kman0066)

I used K&B's? Tuff call..........
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Old Sep 5, 2003 | 08:52 AM
  #8  
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Default Re: Finding 383 pistons? (kman0066)

SRP-139628 pistons 4.030 bore 3.750 stroke 5.700rods 457grams weight and a -16cc dish. . Using a fel pro 1074 head gasket and these pistons should get you close to your desired c/r, depending on cc of your heads and deck height. cheers!!
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