383 advice

[Sport/Truck]

I searchedand didn’t find anything on building a 383 on this site. I’ve found some info on Google, but not sure what all I need for building a stroker.
Can my heads be used? Casting # 3973487 big chamber 76cc, probably 1.94-1.50 valves.
I also have O piston rods which I understand to be good ones. Can I use these also?
If this turns out to be a good FAQ thread can we get it listed?
Thanks,
s/t

[1fun71]

I helped a friend build a stroker in high school, we used 400 crank, balancer and the flywheel, I think we used standard 5.7" rods, the 400 rods were actually shorter. Also we had to have a machine shop clearance the block, and have the crank turned down to 2.45" I believe it was. I remember he wanted this huge cam but couldn't because of clearance issues. About the heads, their are alot of variables when determining comp. ratio, the biggest problem when building a stroker is getting to much. I don't remember what pistons we used but we ended up with around 10.5:1 comp. Thats almost to much for a daily driver. I would suggest going with a stroker kit where you get everthing that you need and that works together and a forged crank to boot. in the end It might cost a little more but I think its worth the peace of mind. Hope that helps

[manimal]

Hey S/T! Yes you can use those heads,they are probably one of the best flowing early heads available. As far as the rods-86 them. New rods are so inexpensive nowadays,that by the time you pay for new rod bolts,resizing,clean and mag,you will have the same money in them.Then for a 383 you will have to grind the bolt head for clearance. Get yourself a SCAT or EAGLE cast steel 3.75 stroke crank for the typr of block you will be using(1pc seal or 2) Get the EAGLE SIR 5.7 rods,they have cap screws instead of bolts/nuts. Use a GOOD hyperuetectic piston with around 9-9.5:1. Any one of the big cam manufacturers offer a "TRUCK" or "4x4" cam,they are great for our trucks. Now back to your heads, by the time you put in hardened seats,stainless valves,screw in studs and guide plates,and a valve job,you may bea able to buy a NEW set of heads! But FIRST you need to set a budget for this motor. If you can through a dollar figure out there,then I can help you with a parts list if you like.
-Lance

[Sport/Truck]

Thanks Lance! I looking forward to this build, but will need to keep some cost down too. I heard some bad things about the hypereutectic pistons though, they only came apart and destroyed an engine. I’m off to a meeting now and will get back later,
s/t

[whatnow123]

Does anyone know about what kind of block work needs to be done with a 383 stoker kit? I've been told, but not from a reliable source, that externally balanced kits bolt right in due to the smaller internal weights on the crank which also helps with the camshaft clearance. Internally balanced assemblies need to be relieved around the pan area.

Any truth to the above?

[manimal]

Its not so much the counterwieghts as it is the rod bolts. All blocks must be clearanced for the longer stroke.Also its a good idea to grind the rod bolt heads for clearance for the cam lobes.

[Sport/Truck]

I’ve read the rods make a big difference, and some are narrow enough to have better clearance, while stock rods are big and bulky.

I think I’m going internal balanced; I don’t want the extra weight spinning on my flywheel etc.
s/t

[manimal]

S/T, you are going to spend some heavy coin to internally balance you crank. Or you will have to buy a forged crank that is already internally balanced. Lunati,Crower,Callies,Eagle,Scat all offer these starting around 700 bones just for the crank! And as far as hyperuetectic pistons go,the only ones I have ever seen come apart are the Keith Black series- usually due to the ring gaps closing up and popping the tops off the pistons. I use Speed-Pro hyperuetectic psitons with the coating on the skirts,they work great! Let me know what your 'budget' is and I can point you in the right direction.Thanks
-Lance

[Sport/Truck]

What do you think of this? Internal Balanced Part #IB3831 http://www.strokermotor.com/RA383.htm
LMK,
s/t

Edit: I see it has the Keith Black pistions…..

[65-72 chevytoys]

For the price and warranty you cant beat Smeding performance 383's by building it yourself.

www.smedingperformance.com