383 Stroker Build Questions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

tx71smallblock · 10-04-2008, 12:55 AM

hey guys
im lookin to pull the old rebuilt 350 out and build a 383 stroker. im just wondering if a 383 short block is the same as taking a 350 and boring it out and putting a stroker kit in it? anybody know how i should go about this?
thanks ahead
cody

p.s. i can still use the 350 topend i have know right? and if you have a 383 this would be the time to show it off!!!

Matshark · 10-04-2008, 05:04 AM

I have a 383 stroker, not a old 350 but a LT1.
But there shouldn`t be so much difference concerning
the short block.
They had to make sure there is enough room for the crank to turn freely,
so they grinded in the area around the crank, but that
should be all in addition to bore and hone.
Good luck and

PanelDeland · 10-04-2008, 07:44 AM

You've got the idea,but make life easy on yourself.There are tons of quality stroker kits out there.It's much easier to use one since balancing can be a big headache on a pieced together stroker.Find a copy of Big Inch smallblocks(I think that's the right title) for reference.Motorbooks should have it if B&N doesn't.

tx71smallblock · 10-04-2008, 08:19 AM

so are you saying buy a 383 short block or buy a 350 block and build it?

BarryB · 10-04-2008, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tx71smallblock

so are you saying buy a 383 short block or buy a 350 block and build it?

No use a 350 block, but get a stroker kit.Here's one from Summit ESP-B13404L000. It comes with a crank, rods, pistons, and everything else to build the bottom end. Your best bet will to get all partsyour together and take it to the machine shop and let them take care of it for you.There are clearances need to be made on the block.

tx71smallblock · 10-05-2008, 12:37 AM

cool thanks, so i need to get everything together and then take it to the engine or machine shop and let them put it together

**Ricks1971** · 10-05-2008, 01:23 AM

I went with a 400 ci small block more tork and to me more power! The 400 block to use is the 509 casting number block. I used 5'7 rods in mine and it runs great. Remember that a 383 and a 400 are externally balanced motors that means you need to balance the entire bottom end, dampner crank and flex plate. that's my take

70 net440 · 10-05-2008, 10:40 AM

Most of the 383 kits can be internally balanced so you can reuse your 350 balancer and flywheel or flexplate. We used an Eagle forged crank, Scat rods, and KB pistons in my Son's K-10. You can save some bucks with a cast crank, we went a little overkill.

prg machine · 10-05-2008, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70 net440

Most of the 383 kits can be internally balanced so you can reuse your 350 balancer and flywheel or flexplate. We used an Eagle forged crank, Scat rods, and KB pistons in my Son's K-10. You can save some bucks with a cast crank, we went a little overkill.

definitely consider this . Without the internal balance features you will have to have a 400 flywheel or flex plate to complete the assembly.
In my case, I had a 400, that was cracked, and I used the heads and flywheel and a new balancer and the machine shop purchased the crank, rods etc. for the rotating assembly and fit it all together at the shop. That way everything was done in the bottom end, all of the grinding for clearances etc. and the block was then thorouly cleaned.
talk to your automotive machinist. I would ask around for references as well for the local reccomended "Chevy Builder".

prg machine · 10-05-2008, 11:06 AM

correct me if I am wrong, but i believe the 383 is developed by the stroked crank and any boring out is just a standard practise and is not required for the cubic inch factor. So I guess any over bore is a few more inches over the 383.

mrein3 · 10-05-2008, 12:47 PM

A 383 is a 350 with 0.030 overbore and a 400 crankshaft. Back in the day you had to find a 400 and rob the crank out of it. Now you just buy a kit with everything ready to go for your 350 block.

Using a stock 350 block you need to do a little clearance work or the longer stroke would hit the block.

In today's world a guy should probably start with a 1996 - 1999 vortec 350. That way you get the roller cam, one piece rear main, and most importantly the nice flowing vortec heads.

ERASER5 · 10-05-2008, 01:30 PM

Here are the basic numbers for a 350 to 383. The .030 over bore is just to clean up the normal wear on a rebuilt 350 block. If you have an extremely good original bore, then you would build a 377. There are other options out there, but they get more complicated and more expensive.

Bore Stroke Cu-In
4.000 3.480 349.8
4.000 3.750 377.0
4.030 3.750 382.7

70 net440 · 10-05-2008, 02:52 PM

Will the 96-99 blocks interface with early transmissions and/or exhaust manifolds or headers?

mrein3 · 10-05-2008, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70 net440

Will the 96-99 blocks interface with early transmissions and/or exhaust manifolds or headers?

Transmission. Yes.
Exhaust. Yes.

Intake. No. You need to purchase a vortec style intake for your carb set-up.

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong but I believe all 1955 - 1999 engines and transmissions will mate together.

70 net440 · 10-05-2008, 07:26 PM

I knew about the intake, I just wasn't sure about the rest. Thanks, now the search is on.

Chevymann1968 · 10-05-2008, 11:06 PM

On the stroker kit i would go with the 6 inch rods it give you more stroke and more torque!!!

hdflstf · 10-05-2008, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chevymann1968

On the stroker kit i would go with the 6 inch rods it give you more stroke and more torque!!!

6" rods will not change the stroke. They will get you to the correct 1.6 rod ratio so more torque will be developed versus the 5.7" rods. Be sure to get the correct deck height pistons since the pistons for the 5.7" rods will not work on the 6" rods.

jeremy zander · 10-05-2008, 11:49 PM

I pulled the original engine out of my 72, took it to a machine shop and had a summitt 383 stroked kit installed. it was dynoed at 446 hp and 462tq. she runs sweet and you can sure hear it coming. I rebuilt the stock 3 speed tranny. probally should have went with an overdrive. maybe on the next build..

nbroady · 10-06-2008, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matshark

Good luck and

x2

70rs/ss · 10-06-2008, 03:57 PM

I just did the Vortec 383 thing, the 6" rods have little or no effect in a 383 so a basic cast crank stroker kit balanced and ready to drop in with the flexplate and balancer will run $800-1000 depending on where you get it. I found a guy selling the same kit as Summit (Scat or Eagle) for about $200 less, but the assurance from Summit is worth the $200 extra. I used a 99 Vortec motor ($150 complete core) tossed the crank and rods/pistons, reused the block and spent some $$$ on the heads, I am shooting for close 500hp and at least that much torq!

So to answer the question, should you do it, yeah you should!! A complete rebuild on a 350 is only a few hundred (2-300) less than a 383, so why not?? As for the heads, toss the 350 heads and get Vortecs or the Patriot versions, ready to go complete heads for less than $500 for a pair (new guides, valve job, etc will cost almost this much on the 350 heads and the Patriots have screw in studs, guide plates new SS valves, etc, etc and 185 cc runner for a heavier breathing 383!!)

PanelDeland · 10-06-2008, 05:42 PM

The 377 mentioned is a 350 crank in a 400 block.It is a RPM motor.The 383 builds it's torque down low in the streetable RPMs the 377 needs more RPMs to build it's power.
Go with a kit and plan ahead to upgrade heads.Even if you use the Patriots you may want more later.

68GMCCustom · 10-06-2008, 05:58 PM

I have an old school 383 but if I were to make changes to it for more power, it would be to modernize it with a roller cam and roller rocker setup and some fast burn heads.

prg machine · 10-07-2008, 09:57 PM

mine cost 3k fully assembled. full block I put the intake on and water pump etc. I never saw the engine except the heads, and flywheel I gave them to use. The shop had the block and got the rest for me.
I picked up the roller stuff and dropped it off a few months before it was finished.
I would do it all over again.

Lindvig Machine, Phoenix , Oregon if anyone wonders who did it.

THIS IS NOT AN AD.

gintaras · 10-09-2008, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeremy zander

I pulled the original engine out of my 72, took it to a machine shop and had a summitt 383 stroked kit installed. it was dynoed at 446 hp and 462tq. she runs sweet and you can sure hear it coming. I rebuilt the stock 3 speed tranny. probally should have went with an overdrive. maybe on the next build..

what heads?

pocketpool · 10-09-2008, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PanelDeland

The 377 mentioned is a 350 crank in a 400 block.It is a RPM motor.The 383 builds it's torque down low in the streetable RPMs the 377 needs more RPMs to build it's power.
Go with a kit and plan ahead to upgrade heads.Even if you use the Patriots you may want more later.

377 is also a standard bore 350 with 400 crank.

bore x bore x stroke x .7854 x 8 = 376.9

10-04-2008, 12:55 AM	#1
tx71smallblock Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Georgetown , TX Posts: 166	383 Stroker Build Questions hey guys im lookin to pull the old rebuilt 350 out and build a 383 stroker. im just wondering if a 383 short block is the same as taking a 350 and boring it out and putting a stroker kit in it? anybody know how i should go about this? thanks ahead cody p.s. i can still use the 350 topend i have know right? and if you have a 383 this would be the time to show it off!!! __________________ 70 Chevy C-10 short step 250/3 on the tree Owned: 71 longbed Cheyenne 70 swb

10-04-2008, 05:04 AM	#2
Matshark Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Heilbronn/Germany Posts: 54	Re: 383 Stroker Build Questions I have a 383 stroker, not a old 350 but a LT1. But there shouldn`t be so much difference concerning the short block. They had to make sure there is enough room for the crank to turn freely, so they grinded in the area around the crank, but that should be all in addition to bore and hone. Good luck and __________________ 1955 2nd series 3100 Pickup, MustangII IFS, Ford 9" with 4 link, 4 wheel wilwood disc brakes, 383 Callaway supernatural, 4L60E 'All people dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their mind wake in the day to find that it was vanity. But the dreamers of the day are dangerous people, for they may act their dream with open eyes to make it possible.'

10-04-2008, 07:44 AM	#3
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: 383 Stroker Build Questions You've got the idea,but make life easy on yourself.There are tons of quality stroker kits out there.It's much easier to use one since balancing can be a big headache on a pieced together stroker.Find a copy of Big Inch smallblocks(I think that's the right title) for reference.Motorbooks should have it if B&N doesn't. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

10-04-2008, 08:19 AM	#4
tx71smallblock Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Georgetown , TX Posts: 166	Re: 383 Stroker Build Questions so are you saying buy a 383 short block or buy a 350 block and build it? __________________ 70 Chevy C-10 short step 250/3 on the tree Owned: 71 longbed Cheyenne 70 swb

10-05-2008, 12:37 AM	#6
tx71smallblock Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Georgetown , TX Posts: 166	Re: 383 Stroker Build Questions cool thanks, so i need to get everything together and then take it to the engine or machine shop and let them put it together __________________ 70 Chevy C-10 short step 250/3 on the tree Owned: 71 longbed Cheyenne 70 swb

10-05-2008, 01:23 AM	#7
Ricks1971 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Clarkrange Tennessee Posts: 1,787	Re: 383 Stroker Build Questions I went with a 400 ci small block more tork and to me more power! The 400 block to use is the 509 casting number block. I used 5'7 rods in mine and it runs great. Remember that a 383 and a 400 are externally balanced motors that means you need to balance the entire bottom end, dampner crank and flex plate. that's my take

10-05-2008, 10:40 AM	#8
70 net440 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: yreka, ca Posts: 270	Re: 383 Stroker Build Questions Most of the 383 kits can be internally balanced so you can reuse your 350 balancer and flywheel or flexplate. We used an Eagle forged crank, Scat rods, and KB pistons in my Son's K-10. You can save some bucks with a cast crank, we went a little overkill. __________________ 63 C10 70 Coronet R/T 67 C10 70 Dart Swinger 71 K10

10-05-2008, 11:06 AM	#10
prg machine Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: oregon Posts: 1,069	Re: 383 Stroker Build Questions correct me if I am wrong, but i believe the 383 is developed by the stroked crank and any boring out is just a standard practise and is not required for the cubic inch factor. So I guess any over bore is a few more inches over the 383. __________________ 69 K-20 cloned to a 67 with front clip and some other stuff. 383 .040 over Crane roller cam lifters and rockers ,1.6 intake ratio, Open chamber heads, 9.5-1 compression ratio, 2.02 intake valves , Edelbrock performer Air Gap manifold Carter AFB performer 750cfm, MSD ignition, SM465 NP205 4.10 gears:

10-05-2008, 12:47 PM	#11
mrein3 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Center City, MN, USA Posts: 3,254	Re: 383 Stroker Build Questions A 383 is a 350 with 0.030 overbore and a 400 crankshaft. Back in the day you had to find a 400 and rob the crank out of it. Now you just buy a kit with everything ready to go for your 350 block. Using a stock 350 block you need to do a little clearance work or the longer stroke would hit the block. In today's world a guy should probably start with a 1996 - 1999 vortec 350. That way you get the roller cam, one piece rear main, and most importantly the nice flowing vortec heads. __________________ '70 cab, '71 chassis, 383, TH350, NP205. '71 Malibu convertible '72 Malibu hard top Center City, MN

10-05-2008, 01:30 PM	#12
ERASER5 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 4,859	Re: 383 Stroker Build Questions Here are the basic numbers for a 350 to 383. The .030 over bore is just to clean up the normal wear on a rebuilt 350 block. If you have an extremely good original bore, then you would build a 377. There are other options out there, but they get more complicated and more expensive. Bore Stroke Cu-In 4.000 3.480 349.8 4.000 3.750 377.0 4.030 3.750 382.7 __________________ '70 GMC C1500 LWB Power disc brakes. WooHoo! Posi 6 Lug Dana 60

10-05-2008, 02:52 PM	#13
70 net440 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: yreka, ca Posts: 270	Re: 383 Stroker Build Questions Will the 96-99 blocks interface with early transmissions and/or exhaust manifolds or headers? __________________ 63 C10 70 Coronet R/T 67 C10 70 Dart Swinger 71 K10

10-05-2008, 07:26 PM	#15
70 net440 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: yreka, ca Posts: 270	Re: 383 Stroker Build Questions I knew about the intake, I just wasn't sure about the rest. Thanks, now the search is on. __________________ 63 C10 70 Coronet R/T 67 C10 70 Dart Swinger 71 K10

10-05-2008, 11:06 PM	#16
Chevymann1968 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Houma LA Posts: 193	Re: 383 Stroker Build Questions On the stroker kit i would go with the 6 inch rods it give you more stroke and more torque!!!

10-05-2008, 11:49 PM	#18
jeremy zander Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: shakopee minnesota Posts: 515	Re: 383 Stroker Build Questions I pulled the original engine out of my 72, took it to a machine shop and had a summitt 383 stroked kit installed. it was dynoed at 446 hp and 462tq. she runs sweet and you can sure hear it coming. I rebuilt the stock 3 speed tranny. probally should have went with an overdrive. maybe on the next build.. __________________ WTB 1972 CHEVY 3/4 4X4 1971 chevy c30 4x4 NAPCO (project) 1972 chevy 3/4 4x4 350/350 4spd, tach, tow hooks,radio delete,heat delete,hubcaps,lockers 1972 chevy 3/4 4x4 383/350 dads original farm truck tilt,tach,tow hooks,hubcaps,radio delete,heat delete 2006 chevy LBZ crew cab duramax,4 inch,beadlocks 2015 chevy tahoe Z71 my fifth one,love em 2016 chevy 2500HD Z71 LTZ duramax midnite 2018 chevy suburban Z71 midnite

10-06-2008, 03:57 PM	#20
70rs/ss Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,271	Re: 383 Stroker Build Questions I just did the Vortec 383 thing, the 6" rods have little or no effect in a 383 so a basic cast crank stroker kit balanced and ready to drop in with the flexplate and balancer will run $800-1000 depending on where you get it. I found a guy selling the same kit as Summit (Scat or Eagle) for about $200 less, but the assurance from Summit is worth the $200 extra. I used a 99 Vortec motor ($150 complete core) tossed the crank and rods/pistons, reused the block and spent some $$$ on the heads, I am shooting for close 500hp and at least that much torq! So to answer the question, should you do it, yeah you should!! A complete rebuild on a 350 is only a few hundred (2-300) less than a 383, so why not?? As for the heads, toss the 350 heads and get Vortecs or the Patriot versions, ready to go complete heads for less than $500 for a pair (new guides, valve job, etc will cost almost this much on the 350 heads and the Patriots have screw in studs, guide plates new SS valves, etc, etc and 185 cc runner for a heavier breathing 383!!) Last edited by 70rs/ss; 10-06-2008 at 03:58 PM.



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

10-06-2008, 05:42 PM	#21
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: 383 Stroker Build Questions The 377 mentioned is a 350 crank in a 400 block.It is a RPM motor.The 383 builds it's torque down low in the streetable RPMs the 377 needs more RPMs to build it's power. Go with a kit and plan ahead to upgrade heads.Even if you use the Patriots you may want more later. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

10-06-2008, 05:58 PM	#22
68GMCCustom Truck and auto performance nut Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: McKinney,Texas Posts: 3,848	Re: 383 Stroker Build Questions I have an old school 383 but if I were to make changes to it for more power, it would be to modernize it with a roller cam and roller rocker setup and some fast burn heads. __________________ Kurt - '68 GMC short step - NIB '09 LY6 6.0L crate motor w/mods, NIB '12 crate 4L85e w/billet 3k stall Circle D, 3.73 posi 12 bolt, DynaTech f-swap headers, 3/4 drop, handling mods, etc. - my toy '72 Chevy LWB C-10 Highlander - 350/350 ps/pb/tilt/ac - not original but close '06 Chevy TrailBlazerSS - LS2/4L70e - little black hot rod SUV - my DD '18 Kia Sorento - wife's econo-driver '95 Chevy S10 - reg cab shortbed, LS, 4.3, auto... my '68's powertrain and chassis build -links broken A surprise phase - carb to efi -links broken

10-07-2008, 09:57 PM	#23
prg machine Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: oregon Posts: 1,069	Re: 383 Stroker Build Questions mine cost 3k fully assembled. full block I put the intake on and water pump etc. I never saw the engine except the heads, and flywheel I gave them to use. The shop had the block and got the rest for me. I picked up the roller stuff and dropped it off a few months before it was finished. I would do it all over again. Lindvig Machine, Phoenix , Oregon if anyone wonders who did it. THIS IS NOT AN AD. __________________ 69 K-20 cloned to a 67 with front clip and some other stuff. 383 .040 over Crane roller cam lifters and rockers ,1.6 intake ratio, Open chamber heads, 9.5-1 compression ratio, 2.02 intake valves , Edelbrock performer Air Gap manifold Carter AFB performer 750cfm, MSD ignition, SM465 NP205 4.10 gears:

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.