383 or Big Block it? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

HotRod C/10 · 12-16-2012, 02:44 PM

Hey guys n gals, i'm at a point where I need to decide if i keep the built 383 or put in a Big Block...the 383 (solid lifters)I have really isn't practical for daily driving and I am sure I am gonna drive this thing daily and park the 06 Cummins or sell it to buy a 4x4 cheyenne...... The 383 is built to 500 HP and really dont need all that power.

Eagle crank and H Beam Rods
Comp cams 280 duration .55 lift
GMPP vortec Fast Burn aluminumn Heads
roller rocker studded and girddled
Holly 750
GMPP vortec intake
Probe Pistons

383 Stroker

suspect · 12-16-2012, 03:54 PM

I would think you'd get better gas mileage for a DD with the 383. Have you considered changing out the cam and carb to lower the hp?
Looks like your 383 is a fresh build, so I'm sure you could sale it and get a nice jump on building a BB. But otherwise would be cheaper.

1972RedNeck · 12-16-2012, 04:09 PM

I'd run a big block. I had a 383 and couldn't ever get better than 11 MPG with an overdrive.

HotRod C/10 · 12-16-2012, 04:17 PM

If I can recover some of my investment in the 383 I will go Big Block.

big_al_71 · 12-16-2012, 04:19 PM

If you are going to drive it daily I would sell eveything and install an ls3...

HotRod C/10 · 12-16-2012, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big_al_71

If you are going to drive it daily I would sell eveything and install an ls3...

That is also an option in the back of my head.

tobytuttle · 12-16-2012, 04:30 PM

crate 454..(or a 509 merlin)

ryanroo · 12-16-2012, 04:37 PM

I have a nice little factory bore early 90's 454 short block that would make a nice start...

i am a big block guy, so i say go BBC. i've never had a disappointing BBC.

Bennett68C10 · 12-16-2012, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big_al_71

If you are going to drive it daily I would sell eveything and install an ls3...

I agree with Al, if you plan on driving it alot then go with an LS and a overdrive tranny. I plan on mine only being a weekend/cruise vehicle so I went BBC.
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ItsRandy · 12-16-2012, 06:22 PM

Once you go big block you never go back. I vote big block.

prostreetC-10 · 12-16-2012, 08:57 PM

As hard as it may be to swallow, I'd consider selling the motor off in parts. Many guys are afraid of buying complete motors these days and you usually take a bath. Especially if they can't see inside. I'd sell the short block by itself, then the heads, intake/carb. I'd even pull the valvetrain and sell it by itself. I just pieced out my roller valvetrain about a week ago and actually got more money for it than what I paid!! You are lucky to get even half of what you paid for a complete motor. You can usually do much better selling in sections.

ecgate · 12-16-2012, 09:33 PM

Who builds a truck for good gas mileage anyway? Put a motor you can beat on that is also something you can rely on.

HotRod C/10 · 12-16-2012, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ecgate

Who builds a truck for good gas mileage anyway? Put a motor you can beat on that is also something you can rely on.

Cummins does.

ryanroo · 12-16-2012, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HotRod C/10

Cummins does.

bing bing bing....

that why i have a 454 for sale

HotRod C/10 · 12-16-2012, 09:42 PM

what you looking to get for it? any pics details?

1972RedNeck · 12-16-2012, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HotRod C/10

Cummins does.

If only cummins made the truck....

ryanroo · 12-16-2012, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HotRod C/10

what you looking to get for it? any pics details?

its a 90s 2 bolt one piece rear main. has speedpro hypereutectics that are 9.5:1 w/110cc head. should be a decent pump gas motor with a 118cc head.

if you are interested feel free to PM me, i am not sure what the rules are for selling outside the parts board and i dont want to step on toes!

Ryan

ryanroo · 12-16-2012, 10:23 PM

i wish you still had those 71-2 buckets... that would be excellent trade material!

HotRod C/10 · 12-16-2012, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryanroo

i wish you still had those 71-2 buckets... that would be excellent trade material!

Those baby's went to Amarillo TX.

Razor454 · 12-16-2012, 11:24 PM

I vote BBC, but I'm partial.

Longhorn 70 · 12-17-2012, 12:25 AM

I don't know if it is the 383 or the engine management that causes the low gas mileage. I have a built 383 in a Corvette that gets GREAT economy and puts out horses. You have a couple things going against you with the truck. One is the wind signature the other is the weight.

I was always of the school that cubic inches is cubic inches.. a 396 vs a 383 should get REAL close to the same economy with all things equal.

PanelDeland · 12-17-2012, 12:26 AM

I would look at the LS or maybe a GM crate 383 with an FI setup on it and OD.The BB isn't going to be as cheap to build/rebuild or probably feed over longterm.The 383 should have plenty of torque and FI would make it a bit more street friendly.

derrickmanx1 · 12-17-2012, 01:34 AM

Change the cam to a moderate hyd roller .220 @ .050 range and drive it if you want to save money. If money is not the issue than build a big block. I love them, that's why i'm building one.

67ctener · 12-17-2012, 02:00 AM

Big blocks are pretty cool... Just got a 402 ill be putting in mine
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**jocko** · 12-17-2012, 02:02 AM

I have to agree with derrick - you already HAVE a good motor, but the solid lifters definitely make it not very streetable as you mentioned in the initial post. If compression ratio isn't outrageous, then that's doable.

I'd actually go a step further - if you want good mileage for a dd, then neither of those approaches is a good one. If you want performance and will accept a mpg hit, then either is a good approach.

If funds permit, the LS is the best of both worlds and would make for a unique truck.

12-16-2012, 02:44 PM	#1
HotRod C/10 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Albuquerque NM Posts: 3,053	383 or Big Block it? Hey guys n gals, i'm at a point where I need to decide if i keep the built 383 or put in a Big Block...the 383 (solid lifters)I have really isn't practical for daily driving and I am sure I am gonna drive this thing daily and park the 06 Cummins or sell it to buy a 4x4 cheyenne...... The 383 is built to 500 HP and really dont need all that power. Eagle crank and H Beam Rods Comp cams 280 duration .55 lift GMPP vortec Fast Burn aluminumn Heads roller rocker studded and girddled Holly 750 GMPP vortec intake Probe Pistons 383 Stroker __________________ SOLD -77 CHEYENNE SWB, LS SWAPPED -1976 SILVERADO YUBA GOLD/NEUTRAL (2-TONE) Last edited by HotRod C/10; 12-16-2012 at 03:16 PM.

12-16-2012, 03:54 PM	#2
suspect Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: oklahoma city Posts: 692	Re: 383 or Big Block it? I would think you'd get better gas mileage for a DD with the 383. Have you considered changing out the cam and carb to lower the hp? Looks like your 383 is a fresh build, so I'm sure you could sale it and get a nice jump on building a BB. But otherwise would be cheaper. __________________ Daniel 68 C10 Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=503594 Romans 10:13 Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

12-16-2012, 04:17 PM	#4
HotRod C/10 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Albuquerque NM Posts: 3,053	Re: 383 or Big Block it? If I can recover some of my investment in the 383 I will go Big Block. __________________ SOLD -77 CHEYENNE SWB, LS SWAPPED -1976 SILVERADO YUBA GOLD/NEUTRAL (2-TONE)

12-16-2012, 04:19 PM	#5
big_al_71 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 11,375	Re: 383 or Big Block it? If you are going to drive it daily I would sell eveything and install an ls3... __________________ Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please!!!!!. Sylvester's build thread >>>http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=big+rebuild

12-16-2012, 04:30 PM	#7
tobytuttle Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Anchorage Alaska Posts: 412	Re: 383 or Big Block it? crate 454..(or a 509 merlin)

12-16-2012, 04:37 PM	#8
ryanroo Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: sw colorado Posts: 2,720	Re: 383 or Big Block it? I have a nice little factory bore early 90's 454 short block that would make a nice start... i am a big block guy, so i say go BBC. i've never had a disappointing BBC. __________________ 72 K20 12v build 72 K20 "parts truck" A place for your diesel swap questions

12-16-2012, 06:22 PM	#10
ItsRandy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Grand Terrace, Ca. Posts: 1,607	Re: 383 or Big Block it? Once you go big block you never go back. I vote big block.

12-16-2012, 08:57 PM	#11
prostreetC-10 My Carbon Footprint Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Orygun Posts: 5,527	Re: 383 or Big Block it? As hard as it may be to swallow, I'd consider selling the motor off in parts. Many guys are afraid of buying complete motors these days and you usually take a bath. Especially if they can't see inside. I'd sell the short block by itself, then the heads, intake/carb. I'd even pull the valvetrain and sell it by itself. I just pieced out my roller valvetrain about a week ago and actually got more money for it than what I paid!! You are lucky to get even half of what you paid for a complete motor. You can usually do much better selling in sections. __________________ A quick "pedalfest" *Still getting loose (carb test)* 496 Initial fire up video!

12-16-2012, 09:33 PM	#12
ecgate Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Council Bluffs, Iowa Posts: 280	Re: 383 or Big Block it? Who builds a truck for good gas mileage anyway? Put a motor you can beat on that is also something you can rely on.

12-16-2012, 09:42 PM	#15
HotRod C/10 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Albuquerque NM Posts: 3,053	Re: 383 or Big Block it? what you looking to get for it? any pics details? __________________ SOLD -77 CHEYENNE SWB, LS SWAPPED -1976 SILVERADO YUBA GOLD/NEUTRAL (2-TONE)

12-16-2012, 10:23 PM	#18
ryanroo Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: sw colorado Posts: 2,720	Re: 383 or Big Block it? i wish you still had those 71-2 buckets... that would be excellent trade material! __________________ 72 K20 12v build 72 K20 "parts truck" A place for your diesel swap questions

12-16-2012, 11:24 PM	#20
Razor454 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Stokesdale, North Carolina Posts: 341	Re: 383 or Big Block it? I vote BBC, but I'm partial. __________________ 1967 SwB, 454 BB, 4L80E trans, 3.73 eaton posi 1997 C2500 Ext Cab 5.7 Liter 1955 3/4 ton 1st series w/ 235 straight six Sold it

12-17-2012, 12:25 AM	#21
Longhorn 70 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Chandler AZ Posts: 1,149	Re: 383 or Big Block it? I don't know if it is the 383 or the engine management that causes the low gas mileage. I have a built 383 in a Corvette that gets GREAT economy and puts out horses. You have a couple things going against you with the truck. One is the wind signature the other is the weight. I was always of the school that cubic inches is cubic inches.. a 396 vs a 383 should get REAL close to the same economy with all things equal. __________________ 1970 Longhorn, Front Disc, 350/4 bolt, 882 heads, HEI, Edelbrock, 700R4, HO-52/4.11. 1996 Corvette, Collector Roadster, LT4, 396, 450RWHP, 6sp, 4.11/Dana44/posi 5 point roll bar And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Gal 6:9

12-17-2012, 12:26 AM	#22
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	Re: 383 or Big Block it? I would look at the LS or maybe a GM crate 383 with an FI setup on it and OD.The BB isn't going to be as cheap to build/rebuild or probably feed over longterm.The 383 should have plenty of torque and FI would make it a bit more street friendly. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

12-17-2012, 01:34 AM	#23
derrickmanx1 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Rising Star, Tx Posts: 249	Re: 383 or Big Block it? Change the cam to a moderate hyd roller .220 @ .050 range and drive it if you want to save money. If money is not the issue than build a big block. I love them, that's why i'm building one. __________________ NAME: TRAVIS TRUCK: BRUISER 71 C/10 SWB 3.5/5" drop 4.11 GEARS. F.A.S.T. BBC 408 496hp/479ft/lb JAKES 4L80E TCI TCU PTC 10.5" 2800 STALL My build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...30#post5779530



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12-17-2012, 02:00 AM	#24
67ctener Registered User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Arlington Washington Posts: 1,808	Re: 383 or Big Block it? Big blocks are pretty cool... Just got a 402 ill be putting in mine Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Scott 67 c10 sold 89 c1500 90 k2500 91 s10 #chevyonly

12-17-2012, 02:02 AM	#25
jocko Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Godley, TX Posts: 17,975	Re: 383 or Big Block it? I have to agree with derrick - you already HAVE a good motor, but the solid lifters definitely make it not very streetable as you mentioned in the initial post. If compression ratio isn't outrageous, then that's doable. I'd actually go a step further - if you want good mileage for a dd, then neither of those approaches is a good one. If you want performance and will accept a mpg hit, then either is a good approach. If funds permit, the LS is the best of both worlds and would make for a unique truck.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.