I am currently working on a new project with my younger brother and we are thinking about installing a 383 stroker into his 1971 Chevelle. My brother is very knowledgeable in the automotive field, but I have limited experience.

At this point we have started to do the research and we have drafted a list of parts that we plan to use.

He is really excited about building the engine, but after I saw the price of the listed parts, I wanted to do some more research. I found several places online that could build a 383 for less than the cost of the parts.

Here are my questions:
Have a lot of members built a 383 stroker engine? What’s the difficulty rating?
Have a lot of members purchased a 383 engine? If so, did the company allow you to customize the engine?
Does anyone know a good, reliable company to purchase the engine from? Preferably in the Northeast, but I will take suggestions from anywhere in the US.
How much should I expect to pay for this engine if I build it or if I buy it?
Is there anything else I should be aware of?
All other suggestions related to this topic are welcome.
Thanks,
Joe

 

personally I'd find a local shop (with good reputation) to build the short block for you.
the price will be simular to other companys short blocks (crate motor) but you'll save on shipping, plus you'll have the guy readly available for questions (and heaven forbid, problems).
the cost of them assembling the short block will probably be in the $100-$200 range (worth every penny IMO).

once you've got a short block the rest is easy to put together.

 

Building your own engine would be fun, but if you want to ensure it is done right, have a prof. do it. Check out some of the crate engines on at Golen's Engine Serivce. They are assembled with quality parts.

http://www.golenengineservice.com/

 

Nothing is free. So if you use the same parts as the builder your ahead on the labor fee and the profit margin. You also know if it was put together right.

www.flatlanderracing.com Is who I've bought kits from. The bigger 396 is what a chevelle needs

 

building it is fun. after you put in all the time it takes you will wonder what corners are being skipped by the cheaper places that advertise complete engines that don't seem to even cover the cost of parts.

 

Last fall, after an abysmal dyno run, I started looking into 383 strokers. I checked with many shops, as the dyno facility and others I spoke to, could not recommend a Western PA shop to do the job correctly. What I was looking for was a short block done to my specs. Nothing radical, just a good base to build on. Checked with various on-line merchants and got a variety of prices.

I went with The Engine Store. Kent seemed very knowledgeable and had no problem doing the machine work I requested, and using the parts I wanted.

Short block arrived in a DRUM. Great way to ship blocks as the padding filled the inside area and any damage is immediately seen - such as forks through the side of the drum. Also made it easy handle.

I have checked the block and all clearances are as requested. Had them install the CC XE274 to make sure there were no clearance issues because of the stroker.

I just got the old block on to the engine stand today, and I need to fab up a mounting for my PermaCool fan, transfer my TF heads and Edel. intake, and get the flywheel resurfaced for the Centerforce before I install it.

So far, I am pleased with their workmanship. I will post again on this after I get it installed. They have a warranty.

The Engine Store is located in Winona, MN and shipping to Western PA was $150.

 

You live in Boston , Ma.. Go to www.golenengineservice.com.
Give Chad Golen a call. He specializes in stroker crate motors. He is located in Hudson, NH. I had him build a 383 short block for me in December. It runs very strong. They even shipped it to Florida for under $300.00! You can see his ads in Super Chevy, GM High Tech Performance, etc...I have no problem recommending him. He does awesome work.

John

 

He built my custom stroker and its an animal. Very quality top notch work.