Calling All 383ci Trucks

[VDOG]

Originally Posted by WorkinLonghorn

VDOG, I blew the original 350 ci engine in my '69 (full throttle with a load up the steepest hill in Los angeles,Baxter St,) and had a "rebuilt" 350 put in and opted for the "RV cam".(specs unknown). I am VERY happy with this 350 and it has loads of low-end torque. But for all other uses,including bed-loads of sand,dirt etc.,I like my 350 just fine.

Chances are im not going to tow or pull anything behind my truck. Once its finish, I dont plan on putting anything in the bed. I never drove a 383 either but I hear its a great motor. I just dont want to spend more money changing up things I just had done less than a year ago. My rebuilt 3;08 gears and rebuilt Th350. If you go back and look at all the previously posted comments, you will see most are saying 700R4 or 400 trans with 3:73's or 3:55's, I have neither.

[prg machine]

Originally Posted by VDOG

Chances are im not going to tow or pull anything behind my truck. Once its finish, I dont plan on putting anything in the bed. I never drove a 383 either but I hear its a great motor. I just dont want to spend more money changing up things I just had done less than a year ago. My rebuilt 3;08 gears and rebuilt Th350. If you go back and look at all the previously posted comments, you will see most are saying 700R4 or 400 trans with 3:73's or 3:55's, I have neither.

Just do a simple basic 383 and smile!

[VDOG]

Originally Posted by prg machine

Just do a simple basic 383 and smile!

I hear you bro! Just shut up and do it! LOL

[prg machine]

Originally Posted by VDOG

I hear you bro! Just shut up and do it! LOL

I won't say "shut up"


why don't you just read my signature!

[VDOG]

Originally Posted by prg machine

I won't say "shut up"
why don't you just read my signature!

Thanks, thats great info on your sig.

[Pyrotechnic]

Originally Posted by VDOG

If you go back and look at all the previously posted comments, you will see most are saying 700R4 or 400 trans with 3:73's or 3:55's, I have neither.

True...till I posted. I run a 383 with a Turbo 350, 3.08 gears, and 28" tires. The gearing is not ideal for drag racing, but the motor has absolutely no issue moving the truck around. It's faster than it ever was with a 350.

For comparison, I had a stock 350 that had a lot of trouble with the 3.08 gears. It moved the truck OK, but gas mileage was awful because the the torque curve was never reached. I had to swap in an RV style cam, then it had no issue moving the truck.

What does this all means ? It means that with 3.08 gears more torque is better. A larger engine with more torque is better suited to pushing these gears than a smaller one.

If your aim is to leave your transmission and rear end alone, larger engine = better.

[ripdog28]

A 383 with 3.08 rear will do more with it then a 350. the TH 350 will work fine without any issues as long as you do not drag race with it on a regular basis. I will be using a TH 350 with my BBC. some work done to it but stock shaft which is considered the major difference over a TH400

[PanelDeland]

I agree with the 383.You can keep the price down by using a kit already balanced from Jegs,Summit or one of the other performance companies.The difference in power will be in the cam selection.More torque will allow you to keep the tarns and gear you hqave with a performance increase and probably no loss of milage except for what your right foot gives up.
To get a long lasting reliable engine requires the use of precision machine work careful measurement and meticulous assembly.Quality parts will further enhance the life of the engine.