350 or 383?

[Cody1018]

Anywhere from 10 mpg and up would be fine. Want to get the whole truck done and once it is it will be a dd for a couple years until i can buy a cheap work truck or rebuild the one im driving now. After that it will be a summer driven truck and off-road. Would like to go up to silver lake sand dunes in MI sometime. I just want to build it once and build it right and not have to worry about it that much. I can totally rebuild the 350 for a little less than a 383 would cost. Only downside is mpg really. I know lifted trucks get worse mpg but thats the way i want to go with this build, better 4in then 6in.

Dont really want to find another motor since i already got this one all tore down. Im all about saving money where it doesnt need spent but i dont mind splurging a little on the engine. Since this will be a couple year project and it will get done when it gets done i think ill go with a 383. Unless someone can talk me out of it.

One of the guys down at my local parts shop suggested a 327 stroker. Anyone now much about those?

[VileZambonie]

One of the guys down at my local parts shop suggested a 327 stroker. Anyone now much about those?

Do yourself a favor and stay away from this guy's advice

[1980c10]

Here's a good read for someone deciding what combo to put together;
It helped me along.
http://www.ryanscarpage.50megs.com/combos1.html

[1980c10]

I also recommend a vortech style heads with either combo.
my combo is a 350, vortech heads, mild cam, flat top pistons, holley 670sa.
dynoed at 393hp@5400 & 432tq.
A lot of bang for the buck, IMO.
I would imagine with a 383 kit the tq number would hit around 500ft lbs.
There is also room for me to step up my cam if someday I decide that is what I want.

[Lt.Del]

Quote
One of the guys down at my local parts shop suggested a 327 stroker. Anyone now much about those?
Do yourself a favor and stay away from this guy's advice

x2   lol.   ummm, lets see, a 383 or a 327?  hmmm, that's a tough one....NOT.

[74k20]

I’m thinking and hoping against the “More CI displacement = worse MPG” direction.  I’m slowly currently building up a sb400, mild CR, vortec heads, mild 4x4 type cam, QJ carb (or maybe FI).  Brand new my 1974 k20 motor was only 165hp and 250tq (internet quick research).  Towing power is worse them my midsize 2000 V6 SUV at 205 hp, especially up a hill  (slow and sucks the gas).  Sure I could probably just build a 350 up a tad stronger, but I got the 400 to use.  Key will be to keep control of my foot and NOT just enjoy the power.

NOT saying I'm correct, as I'm always willing to wrong

[Cody1018]

Quote
One of the guys down at my local parts shop suggested a 327 stroker. Anyone now much about those?
Do yourself a favor and stay away from this guy's advice

x2   lol.   ummm, lets see, a 383 or a 327?  hmmm, that's a tough one....NOT.

Wasnt looking at it as an option.....    Just wasnt sure why he suggested it.

[VileZambonie]

Good question. He probably just doesn't have a clue what he is talking about.

[hilton850]

I think MPG depends a lot on what parts are used on the engine.  1980c10 hit the nail on the head about the COMBINATION of parts working well together.  I had a 355 in my old '84 GMC 3/4 ton that got 13-14 mpg (with a standard trans and 3.42 gears) and now I have a 383 with some AFR heads (which are expensive but work awesome) and other goodies and I get about 9 mpg on a good day.  The 383 makes waaaaay more power but I wouldn't say the 355 was weak by any stretch.  www.airflowresearch.com has some engine combinations you might be interested in...460 hp 515 ft-lb 383 stroker being one of them and a 430 ft-lb 350 if I remember right.

I will say if I do it again I'll build a 400 sb with vortec heads, a mild cam and somewhere near 9.0:1 compression with a good intake and dual exhaust.  I'd build it for low end torque...this is a truck we're talking about after all.  The 383 was expensive (afr heads didn't help this category) and it wasn't really worth it in the end in my opinion.  Vortec heads I think are the best bang for the buck.  The 383 has a TON of mid range power but is somewhat lacking on the low end...I wind up using granny low more than I did with the 355. 

I vote stick with a factory engine size (cheaper and easier to get parts that fit)...go with the 400 if you want a big small block with lots of torque, or if money is tight go with the 350, the 350 can be built to make you happy for less money than about anything else and will most likely get better gas mileage. 

[Lt.Del]

The 383 has a TON of mid range power but is somewhat lacking on the low end...I wind up using granny low more than I did with the 355.

A lot has to do w/ what cam you use.  I am using an RV cam that takes advantage of lower rpms and love that 383.  I have a rather tall rear for a truck (3.08) and still don't see a problem w/ low end torque-- it will fly.

[1980c10]

I have a 350 and get 17-21 mpg I wanted good power and to be able to afford to run it daily. A 350 or 383 can be a slow gas pig or nice performers. Just make sure whatever you do make it a complete package that works together. if you're working with a tight budget a 350 can handle this truck just fine. So what you really need to look at is if the 1k would be better spent elsewhere depending on your goals.

btw my combo dynoed at 393 hp and 432 tq (vortech heads, holley carb, flat top pistons and rv type cam)

[hilton850]

The 383 has a TON of mid range power but is somewhat lacking on the low end...I wind up using granny low more than I did with the 355.

A lot has to do w/ what cam you use.  I am using an RV cam that takes advantage of lower rpms and love that 383.  I have a rather tall rear for a truck (3.08) and still don't see a problem w/ low end torque-- it will fly.

Cam selection does definately have a lot to do with an engine's "manners" and that's getting back to the combination of parts.....my 383 has the 2nd smallest comp cams 4x4 Xtreme cam...but it's definately a step above the RV cam that some other people on here run.  I think the RV cam is a good idea for a truck...a better idea than what I used in mine at least.  Sounds like 1980c10 has a good combination that might be worth replicating if he's willing to share his "recipe" 

[1980c10]

  Sounds like 1980c10 has a good combination that might be worth replicating if he's willing to share his "recipe" 

No secrets here, I would like to see someone replicate this and who knows maybe improve it.
-'75 4-bolt 350 block bored .030, flat top pistons, Crower torque beast cam, entire rotating assembly balanced.
-'98 factory vortech heads #062 w/ upgraded springs and radius ground valve seats. a/c delco platinum plugs.
- msd streetfire wires, proform distributor, 32 degrees advanced timing w/ vacuum advanced hooked up, holley 670 cfm street avenger--larger jets 72(f) 74(r), edelbrock performer rpm vortech intake manifold w/ 1" open phenolic spacer. holley flotech ceramic coated longtube headers, 2.5 magna dual exhaust, no a/c, emissions, cats etc., electric fan,   
All I can think of at the moment

[beastie_3]

Sgt Del, what MPG do you get?