383 Stroker? Now I'm not so sure

[Inspector71]

This is down the road a ways but I like to plan ahead. My 68 Charger came with a 383 4bbl. I wanted to kind of make a sleeper out of it by having a 383 stroked. I have a 68 block that is bored .040 over and a 69 that is probably stock bore. 440Source says their kit will push it up to a 438 with 375-400 hp. That would be fine. I've been reading the posts about stroking the 400 and how the 451 really runs great. And then I read somewhere, that 400s are cheap and or easy to find. I got to thinking, if I could dress a 400 up to look like a 383.....Anyway, I spent a lot of time on the internet today looking at the prices of 400 blocks. But what I found were remanufactured engines not blocks. So, are they kind of hard to find and what should someone expect to pay? I found one in Florida for $400 but that's a long way from Missouri. Thanks.

 

[cdr]

YOU CAN BUILD A 496 OUt of a 383 block,it will be great for a street strip engine
440 source has them

 

[RustyRatRod]

If 375-400 HP will fill the bill, then build the 383. It will get there easily. No need to waste money on a stroker for that kinda power.

 

[cdr]

383 Block:
Displacements calculated at .060 over (4.310") bore size.
Part #: Stroke: Rod Length(s): Rod Journal Size: Wrist Pin Size(s): Oil Support Rings Used Rod Ratio:
383>>496 4.250" 6.535" 2.200" .990" NO 1.537
383>>438 3.750" 6.760" 2.375" .990" NO 1.802


it cost the same for 438 & 496,,ON THE STREET YOU CANT BEAT cubic inches for torque!!!!!!!

 

[RustyRatRod]

Yeah. You can. If ALL he's lookin for is 400 HP, his pocketbook will kick your pocketbook's *** on the street.

 

[Inspector71]

Wow, you folks know your stuff. For CDR, does the .060 overbore come out to 496 cubes (I went through the Philadelphia school system). I mean this is great news. My 68 Charger is dying to get put back together again. Thanks for posting the link to your restoration. I can't tell you how much I enjoy seeing posts of people working on similar cars. I have no idea what I'm doing, little help, but I'm going to do this anyway and posts of what other members are doing keep me inispired.

 

[cdr]

Yeah. You can. If ALL he's lookin for is 400 HP, his pocketbook will kick your pocketbook's *** on the street.

lmao -------i have no pocket book! its all been spent on the charger lol

 

[RustyRatRod]

I know the feelin. lol

 

[rumblefish360]

For the street, go for the torque. More stroke. Considering there the same price, go to the top.

- - - Updated - - -

For the street, go for the torque. More stroke. Considering there the same price, go to the top.

 

[HT413]

I dunno, seems like the 400 stroker will be at least $5000 spent on 100 hp you say you dont need.

 

[RustyRatRod]

I dunno, seems like the 400 stroker will be at least $5000 spent on 100 hp you say you dont need.

Exactly the point I was trying to make. You summed it up in one sentence. I think it's really too bad people immediately start talking about stroke this and stroke that because the stock stroke 383......or any MoPar engine can make great power if built correctly and they won't break the bank.

 

[Inspector71]

Rustyratrod: Okay, let me get this straight, and remember, I'm the student here... without going the stroker route, I could take my 383 up to 400+ hp and still be streetable? My block is .040 over and rebuilt once. If I go to .060 over, will I have cooling problems (I had one in a pervious car that, even after lots of money and work, never got cured)?

Also, my neighbor, the Pontiac GTO fanatic, is one arrogant guy. He had his 400 stroked and told me it has 461 cubes. I did notice he kept the stock heads and they look on the small side. I would like to be able to beat his car if you know what I mean.

I really appreciate your help. The stroking kit is about $1900+ and shipping. So if I can build what I need without going that route, that money could go into, well, building the motor. So this is really important question for me.

 

[RustyRatRod]

A 425 HP 383 can be built to be very streetable. Iron heads and all.

 

[johns]

Rustyratrod: Okay, let me get this straight, and remember, I'm the student here... without going the stroker route, I could take my 383 up to 400+ hp and still be streetable? My block is .040 over and rebuilt once. If I go to .060 over, will I have cooling problems (I had one in a pervious car that, even after lots of money and work, never got cured)?

Also, my neighbor, the Pontiac GTO fanatic, is one arrogant guy. He had his 400 stroked and told me it has 461 cubes. I did notice he kept the stock heads and they look on the small side. I would like to be able to beat his car if you know what I mean.

I really appreciate your help. The stroking kit is about $1900+ and shipping. So if I can build what I need without going that route, that money could go into, well, building the motor. So this is really important question for me.

I`m not sure of the horse power but my full weight 69 Satellite was extremely streetable but I still ran a best of 12.4 @ 110 mph on the quarter. This was a 383 old school build with domed pistons, 906 heads, solid cam and 3500 converter so yes can be done and should not to be underestimated. Blew many a 440 away with it!

 

[Cranky]

If you're going to stroke an engine, go for the largest bore you can and that would be a 400 block. They look just like a 383...same external size. They also have more meat around the main bores. Larger bores also help with better flow around the valves too. And 400 blocks or complete engines for that matter are not that hard to find. They pop up quite often around my area and Houston is NOT a Mopar town by any means...

 

[johns]

Hey Cranky,

Their even over here, wouldnt want the carriage though lol

 

[68 Sport Satellite]

building a 451 right now. Took me 6 weeks to find a 400 block in California. Had it shipped 250 miles for $200 and paid $200 for the block. All I had was a 360 block. I'm into the 451 build by over $5K when it's all said and done. I say if ya got the 383, work with that.

 

[Inspector71]

anyone known a 68 Sport Satellite must be listened to in my world. I had two and wish I had both of them back. I was thinking the same. I can get a 400 block for $200 t0 $400 if I pick it up. But I have 2 383 blocks, a 68 that is .040 over and a 69 that is stock. They are free. I might go ith that. I figured it would cost.

 

[Belvedere]

If you're going to beat that Poncho you'll need torque. My 340 makes over 400hp but doesn't have the torque of a big block. A nice alum head 451 or 438 would be great. You can go either route with what you have now. The 451 would just add the cost of finding and buying a block.

 

[Inspector71]

Thanks Belvedere. I found a 400 block for $200 and a 4 hour plus round trip drive. I already have 2 383s and a 413. I think I 'll stick with the original plan. Mr. Poncho was out in his driveway Tripod and all, taking pictures for a long time. I think he worships this car. He is a Detroit auto worker, GM, moved down to my area. I sometimes think I got into the wrong line of work, he never seems to be at his. Anyway, I appreciate the help and some day Mr. Poncho............