Curious about the 383 stroker motor.....Have a few questions!

[Steves94Z28]

Hey everyone, I have been doing some reading about the 383 stroker motor and had a few questions. First off, from what I have read so far, a 383 stroker is actually built from a Chevy SB 350 block with a stroker crank, correct?....If I was going to build my lt1 350 into a 383 stroker, how would be the best way to approach this? I'm assuming the motor would have to be removed in order to remove the crank? Can anyone recommend good parts to use that are affordable? Also, does anyone sell the complete 383 kit? I'm sure I'm missing a lot of stuff here but I'm trying to learn so any help or information on building this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!.....

[JoeliusZ28]

I would want the bearing tolerances checked/configured by an engine builder, so no way id ever do it in the car. But youve got the jist of it. The 350 achieves that cubic inch using a 4" bore and a 3.5" stroke crank. For comparison a 327 uses the same bore with 3.25" crank, and the old dz302s also used a 4" bore with a 3" crank. The 383 uses a 3.75" crank. (also known as using a 400 crank in a 350, 400 blocks are 4.2" bore). You will probably also need to change rods and pistons to ensure your pistons are compressing to the correct height.

[Steves94Z28]

I would want the bearing tolerances checked/configured by an engine builder, so no way id ever do it in the car. But youve got the jist of it. The 350 achieves that cubic inch using a 4" bore and a 3.5" stroke crank. For comparison a 327 uses the same bore with 3.25" crank, and the old dz302s also used a 4" bore with a 3" crank. The 383 uses a 3.75" crank. (also known as using a 400 crank in a 350, 400 blocks are 4.2" bore). You will probably also need to change rods and pistons to ensure your pistons are compressing to the correct height.

Thanks Joelius, I just installed the CAI and think I'm just gonna do a cam right now....with my motor being stock except for the CAI and exhaust, what would be a good cam that my motor would benefit from? I'm gonna do long tubes pretty soon also.

[hoogiesngrinderz]

383 builds are common, but not cheap. Blocks need to be clearanced, connecting rod bolts often hit the cam lobes. Not sure if they make a crank for the LT1 that can use the 5.7" rods. If not, you need 6" rods and new pistons. Likely a $1000 just for parts, cheap ones at that.

Cam swap will require:
cam (duh) - used cams can be found cheap. New cams start around $240
springs, seats, retainers, locks, etc - $225 to $300 depending one what you choose
hardened pushrods - $100

new lifters? double roller timing chain? rocker studs and guide plates for NSA rockers? Cha-ching.

[jderry]

383 builds are common, but not cheap. Blocks need to be clearanced, connecting rod bolts often hit the cam lobes. Not sure if they make a crank for the LT1 that can use the 5.7" rods. If not, you need 6" rods and new pistons. Likely a $1000 just for parts, cheap ones at that.

Cam swap will require:
cam (duh) - used cams can be found cheap. New cams start around $240
springs, seats, retainers, locks, etc - $225 to $300 depending one what you choose
hardened pushrods - $100

new lifters? double roller timing chain? rocker studs and guide plates for NSA rockers? Cha-ching.

You are looking at minimum $1500 to do a cam, $2000 to do it right and get the most out of it.

You can only use a double roller with an electric water pump.
That being said the LT4 Extreme Duty is a nice setup.

If you plan on a 383, you should wait and plan everything out first, while saving money.
A cam that works well in a 350 likely won't be making peak tq and hp in a 383 where it should.

Lloyd Elliot of Elliot's Port works or Advanced Induction will help you make the most of your setup.

[hoogiesngrinderz]

Not sure why you keeps saying $1500 minimum, because I have done a handful over the years...most were about a third of that.

Granted, I did gather parts over a period of time and doing so saved quite a bit of money. Great deals can be found

[JoeliusZ28]

I spent 2k on my cam swap including a valve job, but that was 5 years ago prices have gone up since then.

[nascarnate326]

Don't take this as rude but I feel like you need to have a little more under your belt before you do a 383 LT1 build.

Having just got a CIA, I would get full bolt ons/ supporting mods would be a good first step.

[hoogiesngrinderz]

I don't have much more than that into the entire engine for the 89 Free parts, knowing the machinist, and doing all the assembly myself (besides the heads) saved well over a grand on the total budget.

Not trying to argue, just saying that it can be done and not a major chunk of change. Much of it depends on what/who you know. Proven combos are nice, and generally not cheap, but there aren't many proven combos for TPI cars

[98blackbeauty]

I don't have much more than that into the entire engine for the 89 Free parts, knowing the machinist, and doing all the assembly myself (besides the heads) saved well over a grand on the total budget.

Not trying to argue, just saying that it can be done and not a major chunk of change. Much of it depends on what/who you know. Proven combos are nice, and generally not cheap, but there aren't many proven combos for TPI cars

The average person may not be connected, so the other prices are really more realistic.

[hoogiesngrinderz]

Agreed. Just wanted to show that it isn't always 1500 minimum.

Edit:
I also really liked John's comment about taking your time to plan everything out. This is the #1 thing, I cannot emphasize it enough. Sloppy plans waste time and a great deal of money!

[JoeliusZ28]

Don't take this as rude but I feel like you need to have a little more under your belt before you do a 383 LT1 build.

Having just got a CIA, I would get full bolt ons/ supporting mods would be a good first step.

He just had the heads off (assuming for a valve job) and installed longtube headers in another thread.

[hoogiesngrinderz]

He just had the heads off (assuming for a valve job) and installed longtube headers in another thread.

Wasn't that zeeman?

[JoeliusZ28]

Wasn't that zeeman?

doh, youre right, i am losing it today ...

[hoogiesngrinderz]

doh, youre right, i am losing it today ...

Crack a cold one. I had to