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Im looking for a crate 383 for my C3 of about 400+ HP and Ive looked at the ones below. Are they all reputable or can anyone guide me away from one or another?
or any other ones to look at?
White Performance
ATK
Blue Print
Tristar Engines - great price on a 383
Summit
West Coast Engines
I am looking at the same thing as you. It’s frustrating because for every engine builder you will see great reviews and then you will see they are all ****. I’ve just discovered Skip White so all I can tell you is what I’ve read in the last week or so. By the way don’t confuse White Perfomance and Machine with Skip White Performance. Apparently two different companies located in the same city and they don’t like each other LOL. From what I’m reading Skip White Performance is the one you want they are on eBay with a 99% satisfaction rating. White Performance and Machine is the suck.
Myself I’m looking for a 383 short block for my 79 Camaro. My knowledge is limited strictly to what I’ve read on the Internet. This is what I’ve seen:
Blueprint Engines. I believe they use new blocks. But they don’t list specifics on the components / rotating assembly. Initially I considered that a deal killer, but I see Blueprint Engines are quite popular in the C3 section, so I will keep an open mind on them.
ATK- Their reputation is tarnished by the millions of replacement engines they have sold over the years. They claim that their performance engine division is totally separate. They use seasoned blocks for the 383 which is OK with me. They do list specific information on the rotating assemblies and they seem to be reputable components. This is currently on my list as a contender
Skip White - they are very high on my list. But I also realize anyone can look good on the Internet. This is the one I am looking at. However, I would go with different pistons. I want 9.8:1 ish with my 64 CC eddy heads https://www.skipwhiteperformance.com...nk-rods_93961/
GMPP has a new 383 short block for $4,300. It is very pricey but damn it’s tempting. I’m not sure if it’s still available. I can't find it on Scoggin Dickey any more.
Jim Barth aka tpi421vette found in the C4 section.
Great guy dealt with him for many yrs stellar reputation.
If youd like his # send a pm just got off the phone with him
His stuff wont break burn oil and balanced to perfection. He can do R and R, tune also if need be.
Vortecpro of Colorado and Mike Lewis (google Wolfplace chevelle forum) are also super good.
Seen good and bad on those ones you listed Id feel uneasy about a "deal" no matter how good the warranty is. Will they stand behind it, cost of frieght, is it worth it?
The GM pieces are all brand new nothing chinese which I like. I heard they are discontinuing some of their Gen 1 engines so grab one now, SB or BB while you can.
cant even buy a new 5.3 LS anymore.
Actually I recently bought an engine. It was kind of meant to be. My neighbor used to race at the Bonneville Salt Flats and he had built and engine for a truck but never installed it. It had been sitting on his stand in his garage and was brand new and complete except for the carb. Its a 383 Stroker with trick flow heads, 4 bolt main, one piece rear main seal, roller rockers, a light weight starter and some extras. He said it has a performance cam in it but forgot exactly which one it was. I'm actually going to send it out to a buddy that has a run stand and he is going to get it all set up for me so its drop in ready.
Although we primarily do machine work for other business and engine builders, there are many videos on this page that can enlighten you to the procedures and blueprint machine operations that are all necessary for a correct build.
A “Bore/hone/deck” machine job, with a set of out of the box heads, is not a precision build. Hope the videos help.
Z Z 6 from GMPP
I just finished installing a new GM ZZ6 replacing the ZZ4 with 82K miles
and I must say these 600 miles have been more than surprising.
Torque and HP have been noticeably increased according to my 82KSOP Dyno runs!
Same 600 CFM carb and the new Dist. that came with the engine everything else is the same
This engine was not for one of my Corvettes!
Last edited by solidaxel; May 24, 2021 at 12:11 AM.
Z Z 6 from GMPP
I just finished installing a new GM ZZ6 replacing the ZZ4 with 82K miles
and I must say these 600 miles have been more than surprising.
Torque and HP have been noticeably increased according to my 82KSOP Dyno runs!
Same 600 CFM carb and the new Dist. that came with the engine everything else is the same
This engine was not for one of my Corvettes!
From the looks of your water jackets and head gaskets, a corrosion inhibitor is needed if you’re not running anti freeze.
Have fun with the new power!
Know of 2 guys running the ZZ6 they love em. Run strong for what they are. I like the idea of all new parts, not worth it to me to trust unknown machining and chinese parts to save a few. Better to pay a little more upfront....others get lucky with 1000 shortblocks, add thier own components and run the pee out of them lol
Crate engine recommendations on builder
