360 or 383?

Pistons for a 383 shouldn't be that hard to find as it's 4 1/4" bore

They're not hard to find...but ones that are easy to find are either heavy, .060+ in the bore, run a fat ring package, or if they don't do one of the above things, cost nearly twice as much...or some combination thereof.

We all know the adage about speed costing money, how fast do you want to go, but I understand the plight about 383 pistons...I have a 383 sitting in storage and want to do something with it using good modern parts, but I don't fancy dropping the money required to get there right now. The only ones I'd want to buy for those reasons are Diamond because they're comparatively light, run a low friction ring package, have decent valve reliefs, and they come to near the top of the deck...but they cost $750...and that's not exactly chump change for most people. By the time you spend the money, you'd be better off dropping in a stroker kit and selling the leftovers for nostalgia or scrap.

...meanwhile...with a 360, I can think of at least 6-7 mfrs that make quality pistons and won't make you pause or cringe when you click "place order"

Otherwise, I agree...for most purposes, the 360 will be a better deal. The aftermarket as a general rule is focused on SBs...might as well make it work for you.