383 Stroker giving shorter lifespan?

[jgardner]

When converting an LT1 350 into a 383 stroker, I have a slight concern. When increasing the stroke, and increasing the rod length or not, the pressure on the cylinder walls increases (or so I have concluded based on some articles I've read). This is said to cause stress on piston rings etc. My question is this: does converting to a 383 stroker shorten the lifespan of the engine? If so, is it a noticeable decrease? I'm sure this depends on the parts changed during the conversion. If it does, what parts would give a smaller decrease? Thanks!

[WMCCjames]

With and increased stroke you will place more force on the thrust side of the cylinder wall. Don't really know if it's a BIG concern though when it comes to longevity of the motor. Performance motors in general do not have the long lifespan of a factory type motor.

[meissen]

Those are my thoughts exactly, James. I would think any time you do a performance mod the longevity of the engine goes down.

[81DaytonaPaceCar]

I'll go with the other side of the argument and say it would not be noticable, and more dependant on regular maintenance and driving habits (i.e. is every mile put on the car measured a quarter mile at a time?).

A 383 is just a 350 block with a 400 crank, both proven performers. Yes, the cylinder cross-sectional area is smaller in a 383 vs a 400 and thus will see incremental higher pressures than a stock 350, but cylinder wall thickness is greater in a 383 than a 400 to compensate for it.

Good components (including head bolts and gaskets), good lubricants, regualar maintenance, and there should not be a noticable difference.

[archemedes]

the longevity does go down (you may only get 150k insted of 250k) it's still going to give a long life if taken care of