question about building a 383
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Instructor
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Newport News VA
question about building a 383
I understand that a 400 crank in a 350 gives you a 383. Is there anything else that needs to be addressed in the crank swap? Will the 400 external balance be correct for the 383? Do you use the 400 rods or the 350 rods?
I am trying to decide wether to find a 400 engine complete and rebuild it, or rebuild the L48 350 into a 383. :confused:
I am trying to decide wether to find a 400 engine complete and rebuild it, or rebuild the L48 350 into a 383. :confused:
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
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From: Fountain Hills AZ
Re: question about building a 383 (arrio76)
A 400's crank journals are larger than a 350's but can be turned down to fit. However, the popularity of this swap has created enough demand that after-market suppliers have jumped in with new 3.75" cranks that are a direct fit, are stronger, and are reasonably priced. In either case, new pistons are required but, again, due to the popularity of 383's, they are plentiful and reasonably priced. Stock rods can be reused in mild power applications but should be replaced if you plan on serious power or if you want to go to a longer rod.
If your 350 needs rebuilding anyway, the cost of taking it out to 383 will probably result in a bargain as far as dollar per hp goes. If you need to bore and replace pistons, the cost may be the same or slightly more. If your crank needs to be reground, the cost difference is reduced. The cost of new rods will be partially offset by the the cost of reconditioning your stock rods. The short 400 rods might be ok in a low rpm application but I wouldn't consider them if I were you.
If your 350 needs rebuilding anyway, the cost of taking it out to 383 will probably result in a bargain as far as dollar per hp goes. If you need to bore and replace pistons, the cost may be the same or slightly more. If your crank needs to be reground, the cost difference is reduced. The cost of new rods will be partially offset by the the cost of reconditioning your stock rods. The short 400 rods might be ok in a low rpm application but I wouldn't consider them if I were you.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 133
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From: Newport News VA
Re: question about building a 383 (Vetterodder)
Thanks for clearing this up for me. I have read a good bit of stuff about 383's but really wasn't sure. If I do rebuild the 350 I think I'll likely go with one of the popular stroker kits.
