383 build advice

[thegurt]

500 at the wheels is easy. Don't even bother with the 383 block. If you want it to look eactly like a 383 use a 400 block. If not either a 400 or 440. 4.25 stroke crank kit. Then how wild do you want it? Very streetable. Trickflow 240's and a dual plane Perormer RPM will get you there on pump gas. 10.5-1, Get a cam from Dwayne Porter. It'll make close to or above 600hp at the flywheel. Or do you want power to run 9's in the 1/4?
Doug

What about pistons and rods, can I use the stock rods and the L2293 TRW pistons I have or do I need to switch

 

[33 IMP]

Doug is saying you'll need 512cu inches to get to 500rwhp. I think that's probably around 650 crank hp to get to 500 rwhp with an auto (my opinion only).
That is a completely unrealistic goal for a mom in law driving 383.
To be honest, for someone unfamiliar with a bbm, I'd think 450 crank would be very good, 400 would be acceptable.

 

[PRHeads]

DVW is currently building a combo that should be tons of tire frying fun, run on pump gas, and not be miserable to actually spend some time driving.

He’s doing a 520, TF240 heads, HR cam, 6bbl(could just as easily be a single 4bbl).

My advice is to have a very clear and realistic vision for what you want the end result to be.
And realize that some things in the plan/goals may need to be adjusted based on certain preferences.

As a place that start…… assuming anything close to 500rwhp……..forget about the 383 block.

 

[BSB67]

I say there is a 50/50 chance we’ll be talking a stroker/400 block/TF before this post ends.

From post #14. I guess I was wrong, a 100% chance. We actually got here quicker than I would have guessed.

 

[ckessel]

For DVW and Duane since you both mention skip using the 383 block, why? Just curious for my self on a project down the road.

 

[dvw]

Small bore. Standard bore 4.250 for a 383 vs 4.340 for a 400. 4.320 for a 440.
Doug

 

[ckessel]

Ok. Was contemplating latching onto a 383 block since they are more plentiful and less expensive to score, use it as the base for a stroker.

 

[33 IMP]

Ok. Was contemplating latching onto a 383 block since they are more plentiful and less expensive to score, use it as the base for a stroker.

A 496 might net breathe as well as a 512, but if I had a 383, a 496 is what I would do.... along with the best heads I could afford.
Edit. A 383/496 mopar has the exact same bore/stroke as the 454/stroked to 496 that the chevy guys all love.

 

[ckessel]

If I do go that route, 440 Source will be happy. Stroker package, heads, rockers etc. Put together a low to mid range stump puller for my wagon.

 

[BSB67]

If you’re starting from scratch, and building a 500 inch motor, you are doing yourself a large performance disservice if you’re putting any head on it less than the TF 240’s.

 

[ckessel]

I looked at those somewhat. Looks like they require, like the 270's and some others, higher dollar rocker systems. As this will be a low to mid range grunt unit pushing a wagon, my thoughts were to use the 440 Source units and the standard layout rocker system. But who knows in the future.

 

[BSB67]

I looked at those somewhat. Looks like they require, like the 270's and some others, higher dollar rocker systems. As this will be a low to mid range grunt unit pushing a wagon, my thoughts were to use the 440 Source units and the standard layout rocker system. But who knows in the future.

You don’t need special rockers for the 240.

 

[PRHeads]

TF240’s and 270’s both use std offset rockers.

TF calls for a 4.320” minimum bore diameter.

My preference for this type of build is an RB block, primarily for a broader intake manifold selection.
There’s also a better selection of off the shelf pistons.

 

[ckessel]

Thanks for the input fellas. I'll bypass the 383 then as I get the manifolds and minimum bore size for the heads.