383 stroker?

[K20Chevrolet]

so I know there are a couple of these already out there but this is my first time pulling apart an engine and putting it back together. I have plenty of friends who have experience doing this just coming here for advice on what kit i should go with? I have a create 350 that just took out one of the bearings and have just decided to make this engine bigger. The 350 is in my 78 K20 and to me it felt a little under powered in the first place. I really need this truck to pull trailers and campers. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Jake Wade]

I have done several, Scat is my go to manufacture for cranks and connecting rods at this level.

[80SPORT]

If you can afford it ...the GM crate 383HT engine is the best way to go.All new;vortec heads/aluminum intake/roller cam/4 bolt mains and full GM warrantee.We have used them in dually crewcabs and they pull as well as a 454 ...and get good fuel economy.

[K20Chevrolet]

Well i havent pulled the engine out of the truck yet but ive decided im either gonna get it machined and rebuilt to a 383 or I have a guy i work with that was selling one awhile ago so I'm gonna see if hes still got it. Then if all else fails I like 80SPORT idea. Ive got the cash just have to see what i decide on i guess haha.

[68post]

Do you have ,or will you be buying, good cyl heads that'll support your 383 ?
For the cost of the GM crate engine you could also build a 396ci smallblock with a forged crank.

[allengator]

Just remember to look at TOURQUE numbers!!!
To many first time engine builders only look HP #'s and wonder why they don't have a good street engine. This is VERY important in a strong truck motor.

If $$ is an issue, keep in mind that you can build "stronger than stock" 350 cheaper than you can build the 383.

Look at engine build "recipes" online, in HOTROD magazine, etc... and talk to your local machine shop (if you have a good one with a good reputation)

The right head, cam, and piston selection coupled with the right intake/carb and header combo for your goals is important. You want a MATCHED set of parts...
I have friends that wont listen to this so they end up with a mismatched engine system that either falls flat or has to rev up 5,000 rpm before the power kicks in!!

And you don't have to go crazy with the numbers either... 300-350HP with 350ft lbs of torque will do wonders in a truck as long as the power kicks in early !!!
My goal is always STRONG but reliable...

[slotard]

If you're doing an engine build I'd strongly suggest a factory roller block and a roller cam. Modern oil isn't great for flat tappet engines and blocks can be had pretty cheap. The only significant reason not to is that they have one piece rms and cranks aren't quite as cheap often. Other than that they get better mileage, aren't as hard on oil, and allow more aggressive cam Profiles - the faster the ramps the broader the powerband can be.

[K20Chevrolet]

So im bulling apart my old 350 motor tomorrow and we will see tomorrow what the damage is. But lets say the only thing wrong is the bearings and the block didnt get scaring. Would it be worth it to just rebuild this motor aggressively or just buy a GM crate 383HT like 80SPORT was talking about....i mean i got the $$ to do it either way but i just want the most bang for the buck for my 3/4 ton cuz i do tend to us it for hauling trailers in the near future.

[Jake Wade]

The HT383 runs about $4400 to your door and fits your need for a great towing application.

You can easily tie up that much building your own with quality block machine work, rotating assembly, balancing, and other quality remaining parts to complete the build.

Its your call, If your like me, you like to plan/build your own but, I usually spend more than I would have for a crate because I am particular about the extensiveness of the machine work and the parts selection.

[K20Chevrolet]

So i tore my current 350 down to a block today and confirmed that I spun a bearing. From what i can tell no harm was done to the block. So I think i'm gonna go forth with rebuilding the 350 into a 383. Any advice on parts? the pistons look good and should be able to reuse them. I wanna upgrade my cam and of course need a new Crank so Advice?

[Jake Wade]

Spun which bearing? Rod or main? If it spun a main bearing in the main bore, believe me, your block will need align bored/honed.

You cannot reuse your pistons with a 3.75 stroke crank unless you use 5.56 length connecting rods.