Input needed on which way to go..
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,760
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From: Lost in the mountains of TN
Input needed on which way to go..
I was at a local performace shop getting a price on a motor. I am looking at a 355 or a 383. Using the dyno software he had we came up with these #'s.
355--405hp--450tq
383--420hp--480tq
Now the price is where things get interesting. The 355 installed is going to cost ~1850.00. The 383 installed is going to cost ~2850.00. The only difference on the two motors is the displacement. I am supplying the heads and intake.
So you tell me, is the extra 15 hp and 30 ft/lb worth the extra grand? Will the 383 be any more reliable or last longer?
355--405hp--450tq
383--420hp--480tq
Now the price is where things get interesting. The 355 installed is going to cost ~1850.00. The 383 installed is going to cost ~2850.00. The only difference on the two motors is the displacement. I am supplying the heads and intake.
So you tell me, is the extra 15 hp and 30 ft/lb worth the extra grand? Will the 383 be any more reliable or last longer?
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 32,782
Likes: 11
From: Former NCM Drag Racing coordinator, National director Corvette Challenge Spring Hill, Tennessee: Whiting, New Jersey
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Re: Input needed on which way to go.. (BiZ)
What may I ask are you getting for that kind of money?
Something doesn't sound right.
Something doesn't sound right.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,760
Likes: 0
From: Lost in the mountains of TN
Re: Input needed on which way to go.. (mackeyred96)
He is building the shortblock. I bring him my heads and intake. He assembles the new motor. I drop my car off, he does the swap.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,760
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From: Lost in the mountains of TN
Re: Input needed on which way to go.. (yellow 72)
I'm sure the #'s won't be exact. How accurate can the software be? But if I can get close to that I will be happy.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,760
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From: Lost in the mountains of TN
Re: Input needed on which way to go.. (Aaron's 87)
I believe that he already has a 355 ready to go. The 383 would require more parts ordering and machine work to be done. I think he is tryin to steer me into the 355. Which I don't mind. It seemed to make nice #'s. Does the price sound about right for the 355? It is pretty much 925 for the shortblock and 925 to assemble and install.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Re: Input needed on which way to go.. (BiZ)
Bigger is better in this case. Why not build a 400. It shouldn't cost more then the 355 and the extra 50 cubic inches should show in torque and horsepower. I favor big blocks so i really don't know what I am talking about. I do have a big block and nitrous 355 and there is not comparison between the two.
Norval
Norval
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,760
Likes: 0
From: Lost in the mountains of TN
Re: Input needed on which way to go.. (norvalwilhelm)
Are either of those cars your daily driver? Mine was, is, and will continue to be driven every day. I just want something that is going to be extremely reliable and deliver enough power to put a :D on anyone's face who rides in it.
I know that no matter how fast I make it there will always be someone faster. I want a car that is capable of running solid 12's. Then be tame enough to drive with my 8 yr old nephew in the car.
I know that no matter how fast I make it there will always be someone faster. I want a car that is capable of running solid 12's. Then be tame enough to drive with my 8 yr old nephew in the car.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 765
Likes: 11
Cruise-In I Veteran
Re: Input needed on which way to go.. (BiZ)
If you can afford it, why not go bigger? You can only go as fast as your wallet will let you:D
30ft/lbs is enough to feel a difference and if you don't go bigger now, you'll regret it later. Trust me:D
30ft/lbs is enough to feel a difference and if you don't go bigger now, you'll regret it later. Trust me:D
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: Chicago IL
Re: Input needed on which way to go.. (BiZ)
your only going to pick up 20 to 30 hp with a .0030 over and a balance job ( w/355 )... unless you go high compression or light wieght parts, and for $950 you most likely not getting either...
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,525
Likes: 2
From: Houston TX
Re: Input needed on which way to go.. (BiZ)
I would be very careful of what you are getting for that kind of money. There should be little difference in the cost of parts (355 vs 383) when using quality parts. I would guess that a 383 with good quality forged components should run in the $3500 range for just the short block.
Best of Luck,
Aaron
Best of Luck,
Aaron