68 Cuda 383 vs a 360

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tooslow

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I have 2 engines choices
383 and 360
How difficult is it to fit a 383 into a 68 notchback Cuda ?. I know I need BB motor mounts and all of that . I want Headers, very important
I am building a mild driver . Would I be better off installing the 360 SB
I dont want AC but power steering, yes
 
I have 2 engines choices
383 and 360
How difficult is it to fit a 383 into a 68 notchback Cuda ?. I know I need BB motor mounts and all of that . I want Headers, very important
I am building a mild driver . Would I be better off installing the 360 SB
I dont want AC but power steering, yes
Having put a big block engine into my '68 Valiant and a 360 magnum (408) stroker into my '70 Duster; I will tell you that the stroker wins every time. Easy installation, good clearance all around, and plenty of street performance.
 
what engine do you have more parts for? both are bolt in deals. the 383 headers are available so no problem there...
 
For a mild driver 360 all day long.

I went thru a similar decision making process about 5 years ago when I started redoing my 69 cuda. I had equal amount of parts between BB and SB stuff, but ultimately decided on a 360. I've had 383s before and have never been overly impressed with the power they make for a Big block. After having a 440 in a duster with TTI headers and working on SB stuff, to me the 360 is lighter, easier to work on, and if you want some extra power than just stroke it.

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I have 2 engines choices
383 and 360
How difficult is it to fit a 383 into a 68 notchback Cuda ?. I know I need BB motor mounts and all of that . I want Headers, very important
I am building a mild driver . Would I be better off installing the 360 SB
I dont want AC but power steering, yes


It isn't hard at all to fit a 383. TTI makes the headers you'll need.

I would just go with the 360. No point in going through all the hassle for 23 cubic inches.
 
383 all the way. Check air flow from the heads, strength of block and crank, internal balance, dry intake. I've had both, I sold all my 360 stuff years ago, still have the 68 Formula S 383.
 
I agree with the 360 here. Even more so with a stroker crank. I like the small block stroker well enough that I would use one in a B body build instead of going with the typical B or RB engine.
 
PS on either can be a pain and the last I knew not possible on the B/RB swap unless the Borgensen box will clear some headers. As stated, your 360 with aluminum heads and a stroker kit will make B/RB power in a lighter and more compact package and will work with power steering. I converted to power steering and love it. I used a Firm Feel Stage III box and a 900 PSI Saginaw box and its perfect. No over assists, its tight, and you can run larger front tires and gain a faster ratio and an even faster ratio with the Borgensen box. My car is all street driven and I love my PS.
 
Don't forget different transmission bell housing size from big to small block manual or automatic.
 
The Big block lost the battle for me when you said Power steering. Lots of thread on it and with a RB you can forget it unless you can locate a set of Schumacher Tri's which are no longer available. You are talking about a B block and just for your own sake if you want the 383 reach out to TTI and let them tell you if they will fit.

But for the word "mild" LA all day long. Go 408 if you want some additional guts from the stoplight....

JW
 
I have 2 engines choices
383 and 360
How difficult is it to fit a 383 into a 68 notchback Cuda ?. I know I need BB motor mounts and all of that . I want Headers, very important
I am building a mild driver . Would I be better off installing the 360 SB
I dont want AC but power steering, yes

I put in bold what I consider the biggest factor.
Mild is subjective.

While the extra 23 cubes isn’t a whole lot, it does have some pro’s that will make for good power. More torque (just due to the CID difference) w/bigger valves and better breathing enhanced with headers.

I’m not fond of the draw back of more weight in the engine and transmission. While you could lighten up the weight down to a stock small blocks weight with aluminum parts, the same can be done with the small block.

The small block has a weight advantage & if your not to big on a cam, mileage. More room to work as well. IF you were so inclined to put in an OD trans, it’s a bolt on deal to the engine. Not so with a big block.

Power wise, the big block is a winner all day long. The notion of stroking the small block to a 408 can be done as well to the big block and probably cheaper as well. Look to 440source.com. Stroker kits are starting @ $2,000. The 383 can go to 490+ cubes cheaply.
 
What all made the 360 easier to work on for you?

Easier starter access
Easier to get to Transmission bolts
Spark Plugs WAY easier to get to
Headers are easier to install/remove
Have more room between front of block to radiator which makes it easier for your fan setup
 
Easier starter access
Easier to get to Transmission bolts
Spark Plugs WAY easier to get to
Headers are easier to install/remove
Have more room between front of block to radiator which makes it easier for your fan setup
The starter is a nice plus for sure.
Spark plugs are a really nice plus for sure!
Can set up is tight but should not be a problem. The fan clutch (if your using that style) is available @ Hudson, they have what they titled the “Muscle Car Short fan clutch.”
Transmission bolts are @ the hardware store. (Use grade 5, grade 8 a plus!)

The real bear is hooking up the trans to the engine with the engine installed already. Getting your hands in the back to install the attaching bolts is already a bit of a PIA with small block.
 
buddy had a 68 with our 400/451 in it. headers were a nightmare for some reason. manual steering auto car. the Fn things just didnt fit. hit in multiple places and we almost had to pull the motor to get them in. These were Hookers for that year and 383 deck sized so the application was correct. use or Stroke a 360, parts are about the same price as 360's now. Both will break traction at will. what more you need?
 
What are your skills. Are you looking for a certain e.t. or anything. I can tell you a 383 built correctly will run. Big bore short stroke.
 
What are your skills. Are you looking for a certain e.t. or anything. I can tell you a 383 built correctly will run. Big bore short stroke.
Oh yea it will run and very nicely.
But he said a driver. Very broad description.
To me, FWIW, this would be a low compression small cam and not really looking or caring about the amount of power the engine makes. Stock converter and gears not numerically higher than 3.55. But probably lower.
 
Do the 383 swap and don't look back, far more potential in every way.
With the B- block swap you have all the makings in place for a 500 cube low deck stroker if you choose in the future.
But right out of the gate a 383 with the right combo of parts will out perform a 360. right combo of parts !!
 
Oh yea it will run and very nicely.
But he said a driver. Very broad description.
To me, FWIW, this would be a low compression small cam and not really looking or caring about the amount of power the engine makes. Stock converter and gears not numerically higher than 3.55. But probably lower.
Got ya. The 360 will run good, I had 2 79 300's but they need more comp. a for real 9.0 to 1 and they run good with a stock 340 cam. 10.5 to 1 and they run great but must mix fuel.
 
Oh yea it will run and very nicely.
But he said a driver. Very broad description.
To me, FWIW, this would be a low compression small cam and not really looking or caring about the amount of power the engine makes. Stock converter and gears not numerically higher than 3.55. But probably lower.
You buy that. lol I don't know anyone that isn't looking for more power sooner or later.
 
For a mild driver 360 all day long.

I went thru a similar decision making process about 5 years ago when I started redoing my 69 cuda. I had equal amount of parts between BB and SB stuff, but ultimately decided on a 360. I've had 383s before and have never been overly impressed with the power they make for a Big block. After having a 440 in a duster with TTI headers and working on SB stuff, to me the 360 is lighter, easier to work on, and if you want some extra power than just stroke it.

View attachment 1715812063

View attachment 1715812064
Side bar, not related but what a beautiful car. Well done Sir.
 
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