Your thoughts on a 383...
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,427
Likes: 1
From: Boxford Mass
Your thoughts on a 383...
I think I've decided on a 383. I'm looking for a really strong street motor with some longevity. From what I've read, a 383 is good balance of performance and reliability.
I have a couple of choices on how to get it though...
1) I could simply stroke the 350 block in the car now. Most of the stroker kits are around $1000 (correct?) plus machine work and anything else that pops up unexpectedly can put in down for close to $2k. What's the price range to stroke a 350?
2) Buy a 383 short block and build the top end from there. ~$2800
3) The GM 383 HP stroker is really appealing, although the $3200 short block price tag is steep. You can get the crate motor for $3900, but I'm not really interested in the Vortec heads.
I'm not looking for a high HP motor, just a lot torque for the street without sacraficing any driveability. I'll probably go with a set of AFR 195s and 750vac Speed Demon for intake.
Stroking my block just worries me, you never know when you're jumping into a rats nest. Thoughts?
I have a couple of choices on how to get it though...
1) I could simply stroke the 350 block in the car now. Most of the stroker kits are around $1000 (correct?) plus machine work and anything else that pops up unexpectedly can put in down for close to $2k. What's the price range to stroke a 350?
2) Buy a 383 short block and build the top end from there. ~$2800
3) The GM 383 HP stroker is really appealing, although the $3200 short block price tag is steep. You can get the crate motor for $3900, but I'm not really interested in the Vortec heads.
I'm not looking for a high HP motor, just a lot torque for the street without sacraficing any driveability. I'll probably go with a set of AFR 195s and 750vac Speed Demon for intake.
Stroking my block just worries me, you never know when you're jumping into a rats nest. Thoughts?
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,736
Likes: 37
From: Stockton Ca
quality
I take it that you have a 71 not a 74? Since you have no smog go for it! A custom machined short block by a QUALIFIED MACHINE SHOP will beat a bolted together crate motor any day, unless you are talking a factory engine. The AFRs are good , TFS is less $. Since you are starting w/clean sheet of paper go w/Hyd Rol cam. You won't be sorry. Use forged pistons, 6" rods. top off w/RPM Air Gap, skip the Demon "I'm having problems w/mine and their attitude sucks" get a Holly and you will have 425 HP and 450 TQ w/o problems that idles nice and uses pump gas.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,427
Likes: 1
From: Boxford Mass
Re: quality (Taijutsu)
Alot of folks had problems with TrickFlow heads. I know their good and cheap, but I have never heard a single complaint about AFRs and they flow better.
I was thinking roller cam too. But there lies another problem, everybody is complaining about this roller lifter shortage and the cr*p quality they're getting.
What would total cost be to upgrade to 383, including machining costs? Any estimates?
The 74 is history, upgraded to a 71 roadster. I wanted three more years of problems to fix.
I was thinking roller cam too. But there lies another problem, everybody is complaining about this roller lifter shortage and the cr*p quality they're getting.
What would total cost be to upgrade to 383, including machining costs? Any estimates?
The 74 is history, upgraded to a 71 roadster. I wanted three more years of problems to fix.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,736
Likes: 37
From: Stockton Ca
Re: quality (74jack)
What I described was my motor w/o stroker. My TFSs have been no problem. When you get the Hyd Rol retrofit kit you replace most parts that could be a problem "springs". The AFRs are better. I forgot about the lifter shortage. A hyd cam would be 25 hp less. On the rebuild I figured that the Hyd Rol was $600 more. I had to rebuild everything anyway so why not. I am very happy w/combo. Don't over cam or too much CR and you will be fine!
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,418
Likes: 1
Re: Your thoughts on a 383... (74jack)
Jack, It was the old Trick Flow Twisted Wedge that were trouble,not the TFS 23. Please though take a look at the Protopline 180's befeore you buy. In my opinion you owe it to yourself to think about these. You are a forum member,I can help yp get a set very inexpensively.
On the cam,I have a custom can "flat tappet hydraulic" that will outrun the GM Hot Roller cam if interested with crackin throttle response and slight lope to idle. Easy 450 HP out of that cam,Pros heads and a 383 and some compression
On the cam,I have a custom can "flat tappet hydraulic" that will outrun the GM Hot Roller cam if interested with crackin throttle response and slight lope to idle. Easy 450 HP out of that cam,Pros heads and a 383 and some compression
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
Likes: 88
From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
Re: Your thoughts on a 383... (74jack)
I think I've decided on a 383. I'm looking for a really strong street motor with some longevity. From what I've read, a 383 is good balance of performance and reliability.
I have a couple of choices on how to get it though...
1) I could simply stroke the 350 block in the car now. Most of the stroker kits are around $1000 (correct?) plus machine work and anything else that pops up unexpectedly can put in down for close to $2k. What's the price range to stroke a 350?
2) Buy a 383 short block and build the top end from there. ~$2800
3) The GM 383 HP stroker is really appealing, although the $3200 short block price tag is steep. You can get the crate motor for $3900, but I'm not really interested in the Vortec heads.
I'm not looking for a high HP motor, just a lot torque for the street without sacraficing any driveability. I'll probably go with a set of AFR 195s and 750vac Speed Demon for intake.
Stroking my block just worries me, you never know when you're jumping into a rats nest. Thoughts?
I have a couple of choices on how to get it though...
1) I could simply stroke the 350 block in the car now. Most of the stroker kits are around $1000 (correct?) plus machine work and anything else that pops up unexpectedly can put in down for close to $2k. What's the price range to stroke a 350?
2) Buy a 383 short block and build the top end from there. ~$2800
3) The GM 383 HP stroker is really appealing, although the $3200 short block price tag is steep. You can get the crate motor for $3900, but I'm not really interested in the Vortec heads.
I'm not looking for a high HP motor, just a lot torque for the street without sacraficing any driveability. I'll probably go with a set of AFR 195s and 750vac Speed Demon for intake.
Stroking my block just worries me, you never know when you're jumping into a rats nest. Thoughts?
Here are the specs of the engine:
Block: 350 4-bolt block bored .030 over - fully CNC machined and zero decked
Crank: Steel stroker crank
Heads: Dart Iron Eagle 215cc w/ 64cc chambers
Cam: Custom Solid 238/248 degrees @.050, .525/.540 lift 106 LCA
Rocker Arms: Lunati 1.5 Roller Rockers
Pistons: H600P Speedpro Hyperutectic
Dynagear oil system.
If you are interested - I can provide you with their address and phone#...
BTW - They have great tech support too!!
:cheers:
Olivier
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,095
Likes: 1
From: modland CT
Re: Your thoughts on a 383... (74jack)
check out http://www.allchevyengines.com i love my 383! :yesnod: :D
