what would you do?

[84chevysilverado]

I no this has alot of variables but what is the better route to build a 383 or 400 sbc? first of all what one would you build for a street driver under 400 hp on pump gas? next I cant decide whats the better route? 1, is buy an old engine strip it and get it machined and checked for cracks and build it up from scratch. 2 buy a machined new bare block build it up from scratch. 3 buy a block that has a balanced rotating assembly and do the top end myself. Once again I no there are alot of variables in this question. thanks marc

[Da67goatman]

I personally would rather save a used block and rebuild from scratch, plus I think its cheaper though I have not stats to prove it.  There's the old rule of thumb: there's no replacement for displacement, but now we have power adders, so its really a personal preference to what YOU want in YOUR ride.

[Grim 82]

there's no replacement for displacement

+1

[Layne]

The 400 is more of a "homework" motor and they run hot. But I like em, and they have lot's of torque

[Canadian 4X4]

have a 400 in my grandpa's k10 never had any issues with it running hot and its work truck that runs max 1 mile trips and idles ALOT, it also pulls some big boats.

[ohio hab]

400, little more bottom end than 383, more cubes doesn't hurt either, especially with a truck's weight. I also would use a seasoned block, machined by someone locally suggested, then assembled by yourself if you can do that.

[Layne]

They like to be warmer, I've heard, Not that they have overheating issues. My 400 runs 220 all day, which is hot for me.

[VileZambonie]

I would build what I have available. The 400 small block is a great engine. It would benefit from some nice aluminum heads though.