One last 383 thread.

[Hudson Hornet !]

Okay guys,

I am finally ready to have my 383 built, and I know I want to go with edelbrock heads. I would like to make 500-550 hp. with alot of low end grunt but still enough lungs to be fun.

Engine is going in a 68 charger ( 4-speed) with 3.55 gears.

Forged factory crank.

I want to go with good rods and pistons, and need to know three things:

1. Will the factory crank hold up?

2. What cam would be a good choice? ( flat tappet only, please)

3. Do I need to shore the bottom end up, or is the stock bottom end acceptable for a hot street driver?

Thanks in advance for the replies as the engine is almost ready to go to the shop, and I need help!

[Cooter]

That kinda power is gonna be kinda hard with only 383 cubes, but can be done..Question is, will you like it's "Street" manners when done...

I'd say to start, you need aluminum heads of some sort, A Cam in the neighborhood of .600 Lift with around 265 @ .050 Duration...

At least 11.0:1 Compression and a good flowing intake Like the Eddy RPM Dual plane...Carb size in the range of around 750-800 CFM...

Stock crank should hold up fine as it's steel..Main cap walk might be another concern...I'd go with some aftermarket caps, align bore the engine and run a main girdle...

This cam WILL NOT  like power brakes, but with a vac. reserve, should do "ok"..

[Runner]

if your already springing for good pistons, rods and e heads plus some crank work   so spend a few more bucks and stroke that 383!!

[Hudson Hornet !]

I would like to stroke it but I am afraid that the bigger crank will put more of a strain on the block.  Anyone have any experience with a stroked 383? Also, what company and kit should I go with if I decide on this route?

[Cooter]

Hell yeah, stroke the hell outta that 383...If your worried bout the factory numbers block, just find another 383 block and go crazy...

432 C.I. here he comes....

[BBKNARF]

I totally agree stroke it you wont be disappointed.

[Hudson Hornet !]

Thank you for the replies. A stroker kit is in my future!

Are there any changes I should make to the bottom end of the block to ensure longevity, or is the factory stuff strong enough for the street?

[General_01]

I stroked my 383 to a 496. 550 HP and 610 ft/lbs of torque. Very fun.

[Ghoste]

As for the bottom end, the Mopar big block is one of the strongest out there.  There is a reason all the Chevy guys try to find four bolt main blocks, it's because they need them.

[Hudson Hornet !]

To everyone, thank you for helping me make a decision.

I think I will go with the 496 kit. I take it 440 source is the company to go with?

Now onto the cam. I would like to have great throttle response and off the line torque, as this car will see street duty alot. General 01, what cam did you use, or is there a buildup of your engine posted on the site? I am thinking about a comp x-treme energy or possibly their new thumpr cams. Like the sound they make!

Any suggestions?

[Cooter]

NEVER buy a cam based on "the way they sound"....

[General_01]

Here is my build.

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,46587.0.html

[Hudson Hornet !]

I have read that a 4.25 stroke crank in a b series engine is not a good idea since the rod journals are so far away from the mains making the crank weak. Has anyone else heard this or is it not applicable to the street engines we build? Any info would be appreciated.

[Cooter]

The main problem with HUGE stroker engines is side loading of the pistons..Basically, the crank has so much stroke that when it comes around, it tries to push the pistons out the side of the block..Yeah, it all fits inside and will run, but for how long? How durable? I don't know bout you guys, but when And IF I build another stroker motor, I want it to live as long as my first one @12 years..a 4.250 crank will work, but I think the 4.150 is as much as you can put in a stock block with the stock oiling...That 4.250 crank also has BB Chevy rod journal diameters in order to try and get around the clearance problems with the stock oil pick-up..If you are after more cubes, then you need to add some bore, as that 383 only has a 4.250 bore...

The 400 block has the biggest bore of ANY BB Chrysler and weigh's and looks identical to the 383....

[Hudson Hornet !]

So would it be better to go with a 3.75 or 3.9 stroke crank?  I would be happy to do this, but will I be giving up a lot of torque in doing so, or would this possibly be a better engine?

[Cooter]

A 4.150 Crank should put you just about right I'd say...

[Hudson Hornet !]

Thanks!
Is there a known kit that I could pull the trigger on? I would like to buy a stroker kit to eliminate some of the hassles.

[Hudson Hornet !]

I have found that eagle makes a 4.150 crank for the 383, but I do not know what size rods and pistons to use. The block will be taken out .030 over, and I would like to use name brand parts if applicable. Any help would be appreciated!

[Cooter]

I would talk to every vendor and see which one had the best rep and or deal, then make my choice...Eagle seems to be good stuff..It's what all those "Engine Challenge" engines were built with..

[firefighter3931]

The compression height of the piston on a 4.25/6.35 is the same as a 3.75/6.76 so there's no real advantage in terms of piston rock. There is some additional side loading but 383 blocks are well known for good structural integrity (thick cylinder walls). The very popular 451 lowdeck stroker has proven very reliable and it uses a short 1.32 compression height piston (same as the 4.25 stroker build). 

Personally, i wouldn't be afraid of the short rod lowdeck stroker. It's not like this is going to be a daily driver...more of a weekend toy. That's how most of us drive them with the gas prices and such. 


Ron

[Hudson Hornet !]

Thanks for the replies. I thought this would be an easy choice!