Hey guys, I'm looking at doing a 383 stroker and I've heard a few specs on them but no one can get me around what I want. I'm looking at least 400hp. Anyone got any specs on cam and duration heads and so forth? I haven't done a 383 and don't know what will get me there. I am looking a t Kieth Black Pistons and I would like a roller cam. Do they make vortex heads for an app like this? Anyways this post is long winded I hope someone helps. Thanks for listening anyways I really like this place and everyone is always helpful regardless. Thanks

Don't jump into this and start buying parts without doing some research first. Building a 383 takes some pre planning. Any 350 can be converted to a 383, but you have to have the block machined by a competent machine shop. Buying the right parts is also very important. There is an internally balanced and an externally balanced 383. They use different rotating assemblys, flexplates and harmonic balancers. One uses 5.7" connecting rods and the other 6" rods. Also some need a smaller base circle camshaft. The added expense of doing this may change your mind about doing it. If your just doing this to be able to say "I have a 383", then do some reconsidering. Pulling 400 hp out of a 350 cubic inch motor is not hard with the right parts and will be cheaper to accomplish if reaching 400 hp is your goal. However, if your bent on doing it GM sells a 383 (350 already machined) bare block that is a one piece rear main seal, set up to take the factory roller cam setup. Part#88962516...be prepared to dig deep into your wallet if you want one! 8)

:cry: I know what your saying and I never doubted that there will be more in it than I ever thought. I do have a 350 but it's only a 2 bolt main and didn't want to use it, but I suppose they hold up pretty good too. I was thinking of going all out since I'm starting completely from scratch but I think your right. A nice 350 can go a long way and cheaper too! (In some cases). Thanks for the advice and thats why I joined up! :P

The 383 stroker is a very common setup. There are numerous companies that make complete rotating assemblies already balanced. Get the machine work on the block done at a competent shop and the engine assembles just like any other smallblock Chevy. However if your goal is 400hp, it is easier and cheaper with a 350.

I would surely recommend using a 4 bolt main! To be simplistic, a 383 is just a 350 block, using a 400 crank. Your horsepower gains will come from your combination of heads, pistons,cam, etc.

:I was thinking of going all out since I'm starting completely from scratch:P

Well if your starting from scratch it will cost you the same for a 350 rotating assembly or a 383 assembly (new that is). So you might as well get a 383 kit and increase the cubes for the same cost as a 350. The extra 1/4 inch stroke makes a world of difference in torque and torque is the funness factor in any car.

Just do your research and do it well. I went with a Scat cast steel crank, 6" Scat rods, and Keith Black pistons. Got everything needed to put it in the block plus balancing. In hindsight I wish I would have went forged everything for a few hundred dollars more. I also would have ordered a small base cam so the rods didn't have to be clearanced. Look at what you want to get out of it and what you may want to do with it down the road. If you want to do nitrous or a blower and don't have forged pistons you'll have to get new ones.

Pick the right heads, cam, and intake and you'll easily see 400 horsepower. Go with a roller cam and 450+ horses becomes very realistic.