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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: xtreme80 on January 18, 2007, 07:45:00 pm

Title: What makes it a 383?
Post by: xtreme80 on January 18, 2007, 07:45:00 pm

So after learning that my piston rings are about to go, I'm in need of a new bottom end on my engine.

Right now I've got a stock 350.  The top end was all just replaced.  New heads, new intake manifold, carb, etc.  Now what I need to do is build everything from the bottom up, and transfer this stuff to a new block.  

So as long as I'm building this, how do I go about building it to be a 383?  

Isn't a 383 just a 350 block with different pistons, rods, and crankshaft?  What are they out of?  A 454?  The block will need to be machined, so can I bore it out at that point?  Will my stock 194 350 heads work if I'm building a 383?

Any info is appreciated!

Title: Re: What makes it a 383?
Post by: VileZambonie on January 18, 2007, 07:17:00 pm

The stroke is longer, and the compression height of the piston is changed as to not thrust the piston into the cylinder wall and to keep the piston inside the cylinder. Changing the rod length generall changes the dwell time of the connecting rod at TDC and has proven zero power gains.

Your best bet is to have your block cleaned and bored & finish honed. You can buy a new rotating assembly and reciprocating assembly from Summit to make it a 383.

As far as your stock heads are concerned yes you can use them but why bother building a bottom end if you aren't gonna build the top end? If you aren't an experienced engine builder opt for a set of vortech heads and a matching intake.

Title: Re: What makes it a 383?
Post by: Lt.Del on January 18, 2007, 09:16:00 pm

In a nutshell, a 383 is stroked using a 400 ci crank/harmonic balancer/flexplate or flywheel, not from a 454.  They call these puppies stump pullers.  I can attest first hand these things are loaded with torque.  

SgtDel
aka "Andy"

www.delbridge.net

1979 Big 10 383 stroker
1991 Blu 'Burb 3/4 ton 4x4

Edited by: SgtDel  at: 1/18/07 9:20 pm