Asking just for fun...engine/drivetrain

[Dreamcar]

Happy Wednesday.

I'm asking this just for fun since I'm still replacing sheet metal, so worrying about my engine / drivetrain at this point is really not an issue. But, I'd figured I'd ask fellow Charger lovers what they think.

First, my car is numbers matching 383 '69 with a 727. My preference is to use the original block, but I'd like to be able to keep up with stock 440s as far a performance (think high 13s, low 14s) and be able easily drive to any car show I want even if it means a few hours at highway speeds. The block needs a complete tear-down and rebuild. When that time comes, what would you do?

A – Rebuild the original motor with a focus on the top end (heads, cam, intake, carb).  Run 3.23 gears.

B – Rebuild the original motor with a stroker kit (432 cid) an keep everything else stock.  Run 3.23 gears.

C -  Rebuild another 383 (I've got an extra block so I don't have to look for one) and keep the original for "safe keeping". Run 3.23 gears.

D – Rebuild the original block to complete stock specs, and run 3.91 or 4.10 gears with a Gear Vendors overdrive unit for highway driving. My thinking is that the shorter gears will give me some of the "pep" missing from having a bigger motor and overdrive will help on the highway.

[Ghoste]

If you want to keep up with 440's, how about "E- Build a mild 440"?

[Chargerguy74]

Out of the options listed, I'd go with C personally. That way I'm never worried about "really" driving the thing.

[Dreamcar]

If you want to keep up with 440's, how about "E- Build a mild 440"?

I'd have to buy one (not a big deal really), and I like the idea of having a 383 block when the fender tag says so (even though the stroker kit would change it).

[Ghoste]

Then you should go with the extra block and stroke it.

[Chad L. Magee]

Then you should go with the extra block and stroke it.

I agree, but I would start with a 400 block instead of a 383....

[BrianShaughnessy]

Then you should go with the extra block and stroke it.

I agree, but I would start with a 400 block instead of a 383....

Ding Ding Ding!!   

[Ghoste]

But then he's into buying a block again. 

[Dreamcar]

But then he's into buying a block again. 

Exactly. As stated above, I'd rather use the original block, of if I go with another block, I'd use the other 383 that I already have.

[Stegs]

id go with option B

stroker motors.....mmmmm 

[c00nhunterjoe]

C-1: rebuild the other 383 with a 3.75 crank. Pump gas, good aftermarket heads and a respectable cam in the .550 lift and 240@ .050 range. 3.91's on a 28" tire, 10" converter in your 727. You will smoke 440's, and still cruise the highways at 65.

[Dreamcar]

C-1: rebuild the other 383 with a 3.75 crank. Pump gas, good aftermarket heads and a respectable cam in the .550 lift and 240@ .050 range. 3.91's on a 28" tire, 10" converter in your 727. You will smoke 440's, and still cruise the highways at 65.

What do you think the rpms would be at 65? 3.91s seem steep, even with a 28 inch tire

[justcruisin]

Your RPM will be around 3000 at 65mph with a 4 speed, depending on the torque converter with your auto you could be at 3200-3300. IMHO 3.91 is a bit steep for highway use without an OD. You need to make a decision on how you intend to use the car and how much money you intend to throw at it. Regardless, I agree - stroke the spare block.

[c00nhunterjoe]

I have a 4 speed, 28" tires and 4.30's and im not afraid to cruise 65 on the highway. Ive taken 2 1/2 hour trips to cabelas in my car, all highway.

People seem to forget that you cant put big motors and big cams in these cars, then drop 3.23's or an overdrive in them and cant figure out why the cars are sluggish and run like crap trying to cruise the highways at 1500 rpm. My car at 1500 in 4th is skipping off the cam pretty hard and will start getting the rompin shakes if i try to push it to long. She is still skipping a little bit at 1800. anything under 2k isntreally the best cruise rpm. 2500 is good, she sounds reall nice at 3k and is my typical cruise rpm up to 3500.