Calling All 383ci Trucks

[hdflstf]

Nice thing about the 383 setup is the big fat torque curve Over 400 ft-lb through most of the rpm range. That'll move your truck in any gear. Of course, too big a cam will kill that in a hurry.

[70rs/ss]

Originally Posted by WorkinLonghorn

70rs/ss; I'm sure this has been beaten to death elsewhere but if he uses Vortec heads, will his accessories bolt up or not?
Also he'll need vortec intake.

Accessories will bolt like any SBC, they have the same bolt holes as all SBC heads do, and they take a normal or reversed water pump so , litterally the 67-72 accessories bolt on and work as is. Yes, he'll need a Vortec intake $130 new, so no real increase in $$$, but all the benefit outweighs the extra $$ IMO since a roller cam, and never worrying about a flat lobe in and of itself helps me sleep at night.

[70rs/ss]

Originally Posted by VDOG

Thanks guys. Now what im reading is im ok with my th350 trans but none of you are running 3:08's. I see 3:73's are the perfered gear for a 383 motor.
Which since it was rebuilt last year, I dont want to spend more money to change it. Again not opposed to the 383, and long as I cant get the right combination to work with what I already have installed.

No one is saying you have to have 3:73's, they are saying they have them, which makes the motor spin faster at cruize than your 3:08's which means in your application the 383 will be barely breathing at a 70mph cruize and last even longer?? I said 3:08's would be near perfect, since the 383 has a lot of torq (read: low end grunt!) to move the vehicle and on the top end cruize you'll be running the 2k rpm range. You are reading too much into this, we all have different gears, that doesn't stop us from running a similar motor, it just means some of us will run a higher RPM at cruize and twisting them higher longer is harder on them, so if these guys with 3.73's and 4.11's are not breaking them your 3.08 at cruize will never break it??

[67chevemall]

I took mine 1500kms from Niagara to Daytona Beach with 4 speed M21 and 3:73 gears...now I have 3:07 gears and man it is a highway machine now....

[VDOG]

Originally Posted by 70rs/ss

I said 3:08's would be near perfect, since the 383 has a lot of torq (read: low end grunt!) to move the vehicle and on the top end cruize you'll be running the 2k rpm range.

I understand now. I was told 3:08's make there own power so with that engine and my setup of gears and trans, I would have a nice torq and freeway-able without worrying about tearing up the engine.

[VDOG]

Originally Posted by hdflstf

Nice thing about the 383 setup is the big fat torque curve Over 400 ft-lb through most of the rpm range. That'll move your truck in any gear. Of course, too big a cam will kill that in a hurry.

Thats my problem with my 283, the cam is so big (not sure what size) that I have only top end power. No grunt at all. The guy who built this had it in his Chevelle with a manual trans.

[piecesparts]

385 Cu In stroker motor with Comp Cams roller cam and rocker arm setup, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, "Carb Shop" billet dizzy, Edelbrock AVS 650 carb, and Moroso 7 quart oil pan.

This is the second engine that I have built like this and the driveability is better than a normal 350 and has more low end torque than needed. I am running a 700 R4 with 3.73 gears and 28" rear tires. Highway RPMs are at 2500 RPMs at 70 MPH with the gas mileage at 15 MPG. I have had this truck all over the country on numerous Hot Rod Power tours.

[VDOG]

Originally Posted by piecesparts

385 Cu In stroker motor with Comp Cams roller cam and rocker arm setup, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, "Carb Shop" billet dizzy, Edelbrock AVS 650 carb, and Moroso 7 quart oil pan.

This is the second engine that I have built like this and the driveability is better than a normal 350 and has more low end torque than needed. I am running a 700 R4 with 3.73 gears and 28" rear tires. Highway RPMs are at 2500 RPMs at 70 MPH with the gas mileage at 15 MPG. I have had this truck all over the country on numerous Hot Rod Power tours.

Thats a helluva motor. Im convienced, 383 it is. Cause I do want the torq and power and if I get it built for reliablity and for light to light, I should be ok.
Thanks.

[ratpackv8sonly]

I have a 383 in my 69 as well. 700R4 with 4:11s and on the hwy it was getting 18mpg. Offey intake with a Q-jet and points. Its a good truck engine with alot of torque an you should be happy with it in yours even with the 3:08 gears. But then there is nothing wrong with a good 350 engine.

[piecesparts]

Originally Posted by ratpackv8sonly

I have a 383 in my 69 as well. 700R4 with 4:11s and on the hwy it was getting 18mpg. Offey intake with a Q-jet and points. Its a good truck engine with alot of torque an you should be happy with it in yours even with the 3:08 gears. But then there is nothing wrong with a good 350 engine.

Wow, 18 MPG with 4:11 gears, the tires must be pretty tall, to get that. That is a good thing, that you can do that. The Q-jet is part of the combination that helps in that area.

With a set of 3.08 gears, don't overdo the cam choice. The gear ratiio will kill your take off and screw up the gas mileage. My son's truck had 3.08 gears and when we put an OD tranny in it, the RPMs fell to just under 1800 at 70 MPH. The mileage also dropped off. We put a set of 3:73 gears in it and gained back 2 MPG and it is a strong running 350 truck.

[VDOG]

Options Options!!
I just know its time to get out of the 283!

[huero]

Originally Posted by Ricks1971

then just build a nice 350 then.That way you don't have to pay for the extra balance work.

x2. Nothing wrong with a stock 350 or one with a mild cam.

[huero]

Originally Posted by VDOG

Options Options!!
I just know its time to get out of the 283!

With todays gas prices a 283 with 3.08 gears sound like a nice combo to me. But, I am just a old dude with little $.

[68GMCCustom]

then just save some money and change the cam in your 283?

[hdflstf]

Next time you're out my way, let me know. We can go for a test ride.

[prg machine]

Here she is

[special-K]

Actually 3.08s would be prefered by most,I`d think.3.73s were standard,maybe that`s why most have that ratio.Figure GM used 3.08s with the torquey big blocks.Better torque allows taller gears.

[VDOG]

Originally Posted by huero

With todays gas prices a 283 with 3.08 gears sound like a nice combo to me. But, I am just a old dude with little $.

Same here. Old dude no money!

[VDOG]

Originally Posted by 68GMCCustom

then just save some money and change the cam in your 283?

Dont think that has not crossed my mind. I still might do a refresh in my 283 and change the cam for now since money is very tight right now.

[VDOG]

Originally Posted by hdflstf

Next time you're out my way, let me know. We can go for a test ride.

I can make a trip out your way. Always looking for a reason to cruise.

[Kabwe]

Vdog,
Build the 383, you know I would not steer you wrong. You will be very happy with it. I'm thinking about building one for the 55 Chevy truck, the 5.3 might be going in another project.

[70rs/ss]

I'd bet you could build a 383 for close to the price of a rebuild on the 283 and you are giving up 100 ci!! Do like I did amass the 383 piece by piece, just be sure to buy the rotating assembly matched or you could end up spending all the $$$ you saved getting it balanced!


I built a pretty wild iron vortec headed 383 and the machine shop bill with parts ready to assemble was $2600. Sounds expensive but I rework ever piece and part, ported heads, bowl blended them, screw in studs, guide plates, Mutha' Thumpr" roller cam, screw in studs, etc, etc,etc!!

[VDOG]

All you guys make a strong point for the 383. Again if it will work with the gear and trans I have, then I will go for it. Other than that, a stout 350 will go in and I will be done with it.

[VDOG]

Originally Posted by Kabwe

Vdog,
Build the 383, you know I would not steer you wrong. You will be very happy with it. I'm thinking about building one for the 55 Chevy truck, the 5.3 might be going in another project.

Mr Kabwe, I know you got my back, im just waiting on you to start the bodywork. LOL
The engine is going to have to come soon since im getting blowback from the current 283. Again if it works with my setup, then lets build it.

[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. I've never driven a 383 to compare it with, but the only reason I WISH I had gotten a 383 is if I ever want to tow a travel trailer of any size,it would probably struggle up the long mountain grades.
But for all other uses,including bed-loads of sand,dirt etc.,I like my 350 just fine.