getting pumped 383 with a th700R4 (4L60)

[IAFF2407]

found some money and I'm a year ahead of schedule

hey guys looking for some input, I have a '72 3/4 Suburban. turfing the 350/350 and replacing it with the new stroker and trans. rated at 330HP and 415 ft.lbs. A remanufactured product from Jasper. I will be towing a soon to be ( I hope ) remodeled 1972 28 ft. Silver Streak trailer. the trailer weighs 700 on the tongue and 6000 dry weight. Staying with a SB for the gas mileage. I recall a statment from someone in this message board that a 383 isn't that reliable. has anyone used a 383 and what was your experience?

thanks for the help, this site is great

[GREASEMONKEY72]

sounds like a good deal there


id love to see some pictures of the trailer

[scoutmech]

I've got a 383 in my C-10 with World Heads. It did have to get rebuilt last year, but that was only because the guy who had the truck before me did NOT weld/bolt the oil pickup tube on the pump. The 383 is a very reliable engine as long as you take of it like any other engine. Just the other day I used her to haul 3100 pds of metal to the scrap yard. The only thing I would be concerned about is the 700r4. I've heard that older ones are weaker, but if you get a newer one to go in there it should be a little more reliabe. I've got a TH400 in mine.

[GREASEMONKEY72]

theres nothing wrong with a 383

[mrein3]

I tow my 3000 pound bass boat with my th350 and 383 all the time.
With the 700r4 I'd tow that trailer in 3rd gear. You'll want to set up the 700 to lock up the converter in 3rd and 4th. That way when you tow you'll get the benefit of the locked up torque converter.

Towing in 3rd is 1:1 through the tranny. If you use 4th you are using gears in there that aren't made for that much of a load. That is exactly why I went with a th350. I do most of my driving in that vehicle with a heavy trailer attached.

Oh and install an external tranny cooler. If you are in the north (your signature says Canada), run the cooler lines to the external cooler FIRST then to the cooler in the radiator then back to the tranny. Guys in warmer climates should run them the opposite way.

[cooters]

my customers beat my 383s like a rented mule on a daily basis with no problems, they are as reliable as the parts that are put in them. I have built many 700s and like them but no longer use them for constant pulling as the pumps and converters dont like heavy loads. Not to say they all die but pulling is better left to a 400 or 4L80 instead.

[IAFF2407]

thanks for the input guys. Feeling better with the 383 choice. tranny will be a newer one with the 3rd and 4th lock up. also a kick down switch, but maybe I'll re-think the tranny choice. The idea is to head south to the bigger shows and the next board meet. I want reliability.

[msgross]

The guy that delivers my mulch has a 79 C-30 with a dump bed and a 383. He loves it and is glad he did that instead of the extra $$ to upgrade to a bigblock...

[bayer20]

Yeah, Stay away from the 700's they are to weak for pulling. 400's is the way to go. A 383 is as reliable as a 350. If you like, I can set you up with my builder/ Mechanic. He is in NC very renouned and ownes a speed shop. He is one of the best mechanics on the east coast. Everytime I go there I feel like a kid and learn something new everytime. Did you know that even having the right headbolts can create more horsepower?
Brian

[Sport/Truck]

Originally Posted by bayer20

Did you know that even having the right headbolts can create more horsepower?
Brian

I'll take a set of 20hp head bolts please!
slt

[IAFF2407]

BAYER20, Thanks Brian. do you mind if I fax the build sheet to your buddy, maybe he can make some improvements. I'm listening, now I'm leaning towards the 4L80 intead............ unless I shut up and listen TH400 all the way?

[bayer20]

Yeah no problem, I would suggest that you call them, Bob is the shop manger and Tony is the owner. Just tell Bob what you are trying to do and I’m sure he could forward your fax to Tony. They also do all their own machine work and can build you an engine just for your application, which is what I have them do. They have been doing this since the 60's I also find them very affordable for what you get. Call them at 910.485.7033 I would suggest to call them very early around 9am they usually get very busy during the day.

Oh, and to the guy that wants the 20hp head bolts…do your research before you leave a smart-ass remark!