383 stroker or big block - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

casey · 01-19-2003, 07:39 PM

I'm thinking of doing my 350 into a stroker or should I try and get a big block. What's your guys take on this one?

72ChevyCheyenne · 01-19-2003, 07:42 PM

Big Block!

**breeh** · 01-19-2003, 08:02 PM

Big Block!

sam's 72 · 01-19-2003, 08:02 PM

STROKE IT!
No offense Larry, I am a small block nut!
Sam

crazy longhorn · 01-19-2003, 08:21 PM

I have done both, & that little 383 is a runnin SOB......but its not a BB!

*racedvl* · 01-19-2003, 08:47 PM

383 cheaper. . . . . . .

Fred T · 01-19-2003, 09:08 PM

383 is a good runner and cheaper to build, but a big block is the way to go if you can afford it. You can't beat cubic inches for more power!

XXL · 01-19-2003, 09:40 PM

Big block AND stroke it. 540? 602? 632? Yeah!!!

Kenneth

68gmcjon · 01-19-2003, 10:49 PM

As it says below, why would you have anything other than a big block. Can't beat the sound!

casey · 01-19-2003, 11:17 PM

Man this post must of attracted bb fans, there must be some 383 lovers out there, I need pros and cons. Will a bb drop right in my 71 4x4

RACING29 · 01-19-2003, 11:34 PM

383 cheaper, you can build 3 of these for what one bb will cost you

Truckstr · 01-19-2003, 11:51 PM

What's your intended use?

BB for pulling and all out racing, 383 for everything else.

Jeff

67cst · 01-19-2003, 11:54 PM

bb

casey · 01-19-2003, 11:59 PM

truckstr every day use , but I love to giver now and then love G force

orionwy2002 · 01-20-2003, 12:03 AM

383
less$, less weight, fewer headaches getting accessories

bigjimzlll · 01-20-2003, 12:25 AM

it depends..if you put an eniemic 454 ot of a late 70s truck...you wont be impressed..if you put a un-planned 383 in..you wont be impressed..a little forthought(and money) a 383 will supply the wanted G's..more so than a smogger 454..but a crate 454 or 502 stock out of the box will impress you and it will have a warrenty. If I had 3500-4000..sitting here..I dont think I could make an argument as to why to not go new big block...to make the same HP out of a 383,as a 500 hp 502, it would take atleast that much money...and in no way would it have a warrenty.
Jim

Bo · 01-20-2003, 09:53 AM

Big block!!!!!!!!!!! I have had both and big block life is good! Why does every one think a big block cost more? The only thing I have seen that cost more is alum. heads.

Purs · 01-20-2003, 10:07 AM

money no object Big Block. otherwise 383. I LOVE mine, but I still dream about my old 427. Must be a guy thing.

Truckstr · 01-20-2003, 10:32 AM

casey,

If your going for everyday use (and, to me, that insinuates that you want BOTH reliability & gas mileage) AND you also want to pull some "G force", then it's almost a toss up.

I've had and been around big blocks. The newest variety (502 crate motors, etc.) - with the new style heads and valvetrain - will cost less to maintain. The warranty is a BIG selling point with the crate motors.

But (there's that "qualifier"), ya have to keep it all in perspective.

What are YOU wanting out of the set-up?

Everybody here has their own likes and dislikes, but - in the end - they won't be living with the decision, YOU will.

On a budget, small blocks (not necessarily 383's) tend to cost less to build and maintain. If, however, you can get all of the accessories and brackets, etc., cost effectively, then a big block crate engine may be just as cost effective.

It all depends upon YOU.

Good Luck,
Jeff

jmil1974 · 01-20-2003, 10:43 AM

Well, either way you go you will love the difference. What tranny do you have? What rear gears? Need more info!

But here goes anyway.

For cheap fun that CAN be economical, can't beat a stroker small block.
If you take your time, you may be able to get a mild BB setup for not too much more. Nothing feels like BB torque (except stout LS1s) but for speed, you may end up same/same depending on your drivetrain.

Get you an OD tranny to compensate for MPG loss. Even EFI is an option if you take your time and shop hard, TBI especially.

special70gmc · 01-20-2003, 05:13 PM

build a 454 or 427 small block they built bothin this hot rod book i got fr christmas on big inch strokers for small chevy. its like 6-7 hundred horse

Castiron9 · 01-20-2003, 06:53 PM

383.........................

Dads72 · 01-20-2003, 10:22 PM

Does a big block need higher octane gas than a 383 would?
If a woodchock would chuck wood?

>X< · 01-20-2003, 10:28 PM

well this all come down to a simple run through of the truck alphabet......
"A" is for alternator
"B" is for BIG BLOCK
"C" is for CUBIC INCHES

thats two out of the first three that say to get a BB

Hooter · 01-20-2003, 10:32 PM

Well I have both. I have a ls6 454 in the 69 cst. I have a 383 in the Monte. I get way better gas milage on the monte then I would ever get on the 69. The 69 just has way more figgen torque. I would have to say for a daily driver a 383 is the way to go, way more affordable and reliable. For all out balls go for a big block.

01-19-2003, 07:39 PM	#1
casey Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kelowna B.C. Canada Posts: 2,048	383 stroker or big block I'm thinking of doing my 350 into a stroker or should I try and get a big block. What's your guys take on this one?

01-19-2003, 07:42 PM	#2
72ChevyCheyenne Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Woodstock, GA USA Posts: 300	Big Block! __________________ Bill Durham http://home.attbi.com/~bulldurham 72 Cheyenne Restoration in progress Currently: frame sand blasted and powdercoated, Inline Tube brake and fuel lines, Blazer tank in rear, Holley Red electronic fuel pump, Eaton posi with 3.42 gears, 2 1/2" drop front spindles, 4" drop rear springs with adjustable panhard bar, KYB shocks, ZZ 502/502 GM Performance crate engine, Zoops brackets and pulleys, Vintage Air, dual electric fans, Ram Air II hood and late model sport side bed.

01-19-2003, 08:02 PM	#3
breeh Recovering 67-72 Addict Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: North Bend, WA Posts: 1,788	Big Block! __________________ 68 Short Fleet 4x4; 427; BTO Level 3 700R4; NP205; Dana 60 front and rear; 4" lift with 35's; Disc brakes; AGR variable ratio steering; factory bucket seats; factory tach and tilt. "Friends call me cruzer cuz I like fast cars and fast women"

01-19-2003, 08:02 PM	#4
sam's 72 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Pasadena, Texas, USA Posts: 1,005	STROKE IT! No offense Larry, I am a small block nut! Sam __________________ 72 LWB chevy truck. Pasadena, Texas

01-19-2003, 08:21 PM	#5
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,403	I have done both, & that little 383 is a runnin SOB......but its not a BB! __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

01-19-2003, 08:47 PM	#6
racedvl Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Woodstock, IL Posts: 7,020	383 cheaper. . . . . . .

01-19-2003, 09:08 PM	#7
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	383 is a good runner and cheaper to build, but a big block is the way to go if you can afford it. You can't beat cubic inches for more power! __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

01-19-2003, 09:40 PM	#8
XXL Señor Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Edge of the world Posts: 5,367	Big block AND stroke it. 540? 602? 632? Yeah!!! Kenneth __________________ Craigslist \| ebay \| Engrishtees \| www.myattitudesucks.com \| Follow me on Twitter

01-19-2003, 10:49 PM	#9
68gmcjon Got earplugs? Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Winfield, Kansas Posts: 556	As it says below, why would you have anything other than a big block. Can't beat the sound! __________________ 1968 GMC Original A/C, bucket seats, PS,PB 396 bored to 402, Dynomax cerama-coat headers, Super 40 Flowmasters, 272/284 Crane cam, Crane gold roller rockers, holley 750 cfm double pumper, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, HEI ignition, 9.5:compression Alltogether 411HP and 446ft/lbs Dana 60 w/ 3.54 gears Turbo 400 tranny Why would you have anything other than a big block? HAHA

01-19-2003, 11:17 PM	#10
casey Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kelowna B.C. Canada Posts: 2,048	Man this post must of attracted bb fans, there must be some 383 lovers out there, I need pros and cons. Will a bb drop right in my 71 4x4

01-19-2003, 11:34 PM	#11
RACING29 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Tennessee, Morristown Posts: 355	383 cheaper, you can build 3 of these for what one bb will cost you __________________ 1967 Chevy truck, R1 racing seats, 4 point racing harness, 4/6 drop, primered blue, soon to be shaved, 350- 060. over, flat top pistons, Eagle rods, Edelbrock Aluminum heads, 1.5 Scorpion roller rockers, Lunati 515" cam, mallory ignition, Holley 750 double pumper carb, Built 350 turbo trans, 2500-2800 boss hog stall, 20 gallon aluminum fuel cell!!!

01-19-2003, 11:51 PM	#12
Truckstr Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Lebanon, Tennessee Posts: 1,372	What's your intended use? BB for pulling and all out racing, 383 for everything else. Jeff __________________ Jeff '67 short Fleet; my ongoing project. '66 long Fleet; my original "baby." Live life or bust trying.

01-19-2003, 11:54 PM	#13
67cst i love summertime Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Kelowna BC Posts: 4,303	bb __________________ 1967 shortbox stepside Chevy, 365 hp 327, th400. GLOVE BOX LIGHTS FORSALE, click link for info http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=273724

01-19-2003, 11:59 PM	#14
casey Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kelowna B.C. Canada Posts: 2,048	truckstr every day use , but I love to giver now and then love G force

01-20-2003, 12:03 AM	#15
orionwy2002 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: St.Louis Mo Posts: 43	383 less$, less weight, fewer headaches getting accessories __________________ Orion 80K10Scottsdale 350/th350/205 d44/14bff locked 35's 97 blazer 4x4 daily driver



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01-20-2003, 12:25 AM	#16
bigjimzlll Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Redding,CA...USA Posts: 4,736	it depends..if you put an eniemic 454 ot of a late 70s truck...you wont be impressed..if you put a un-planned 383 in..you wont be impressed..a little forthought(and money) a 383 will supply the wanted G's..more so than a smogger 454..but a crate 454 or 502 stock out of the box will impress you and it will have a warrenty. If I had 3500-4000..sitting here..I dont think I could make an argument as to why to not go new big block...to make the same HP out of a 383,as a 500 hp 502, it would take atleast that much money...and in no way would it have a warrenty. Jim __________________ It's called "drag racing" if they called it "tic..tic..WHAM!..BANG! F*&K!!!", they'd have to keep the magazines under the counter with the other men's publications click the clicky to join the site.... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php 67 lwb..first hotrod in 25 years..540 best ET is 9.45 @ 141.44 Anderson,CA

01-20-2003, 09:53 AM	#17
Bo We Sell Truck Parts Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Greenville,Texas Posts: 421	Big block!!!!!!!!!!! I have had both and big block life is good! Why does every one think a big block cost more? The only thing I have seen that cost more is alum. heads. __________________ '67 Chevy SWB 454/400 '97 Chevy Tahoe 4x4 '62 MG Midget

01-20-2003, 10:07 AM	#18
Purs Got Big Block? Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: West Texas Posts: 1,510	money no object Big Block. otherwise 383. I LOVE mine, but I still dream about my old 427. Must be a guy thing. __________________ "Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted."

01-20-2003, 10:32 AM	#19
Truckstr Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Lebanon, Tennessee Posts: 1,372	casey, If your going for everyday use (and, to me, that insinuates that you want BOTH reliability & gas mileage) AND you also want to pull some "G force", then it's almost a toss up. I've had and been around big blocks. The newest variety (502 crate motors, etc.) - with the new style heads and valvetrain - will cost less to maintain. The warranty is a BIG selling point with the crate motors. But (there's that "qualifier"), ya have to keep it all in perspective. What are YOU wanting out of the set-up? Everybody here has their own likes and dislikes, but - in the end - they won't be living with the decision, YOU will. On a budget, small blocks (not necessarily 383's) tend to cost less to build and maintain. If, however, you can get all of the accessories and brackets, etc., cost effectively, then a big block crate engine may be just as cost effective. It all depends upon YOU. Good Luck, Jeff __________________ Jeff '67 short Fleet; my ongoing project. '66 long Fleet; my original "baby." Live life or bust trying.

01-20-2003, 10:43 AM	#20
jmil1974 Ain't we cute? Join Date: May 2002 Location: Friendswood, TX Posts: 700	Well, either way you go you will love the difference. What tranny do you have? What rear gears? Need more info! But here goes anyway. For cheap fun that CAN be economical, can't beat a stroker small block. If you take your time, you may be able to get a mild BB setup for not too much more. Nothing feels like BB torque (except stout LS1s) but for speed, you may end up same/same depending on your drivetrain. Get you an OD tranny to compensate for MPG loss. Even EFI is an option if you take your time and shop hard, TBI especially. __________________ 69 C10 2WD LWB Fleet 350/350 power front disc conversion (6 lug disc kit from gmcpauls) and new engine, PS, A/C, fresh fluids, SHE DRIVES! FOR SALE $3900

01-20-2003, 05:13 PM	#21
special70gmc Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: long island, new york Posts: 1,333	build a 454 or 427 small block they built bothin this hot rod book i got fr christmas on big inch strokers for small chevy. its like 6-7 hundred horse __________________ 1986 c-10 swb 5/7 drop 20'' coys 1958 belair 2door

01-20-2003, 06:53 PM	#22
Castiron9 72 LONGHORN OWNER Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Seattle Wash. Posts: 963	383.........................

01-20-2003, 10:22 PM	#23
Dads72 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 427	Does a big block need higher octane gas than a 383 would? If a woodchock would chuck wood?

01-20-2003, 10:28 PM	#24
>X< registered IWATA user Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Baton Rouge Posts: 4,483	well this all come down to a simple run through of the truck alphabet...... "A" is for alternator "B" is for BIG BLOCK "C" is for CUBIC INCHES thats two out of the first three that say to get a BB __________________ -'63 Ford Fairlane 500 coupe, v8, auto, faded and rusty. awaiting built roller 302 and some flat black -'99 Honda Prelude. vtech/5spd. no pipe, no intake, bone stock. awaiting new top end. -01 GMC Yukon SLT 5.3 dented and scratched with a noisy tranny. Take off that Von Dutch hat before i stab you with a 000 Mack.

01-20-2003, 10:32 PM	#25
Hooter My other Love Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Castlegar B.C. Canada Posts: 4,085	Well I have both. I have a ls6 454 in the 69 cst. I have a 383 in the Monte. I get way better gas milage on the monte then I would ever get on the 69. The 69 just has way more figgen torque. I would have to say for a daily driver a 383 is the way to go, way more affordable and reliable. For all out balls go for a big block. __________________ Castlegar B.C.The great white North (Canada Eh!) Hooter_5@hotmail.com First generation Monte Carlo club pictures of my life

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