383 block strength?

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I really don't understand the reason for the snarkiness, defensiveness, or general belligerent attitude towards the question. I even prefaced it with some relevant background. This isn't a Chevy vs Mopar or whatever thing. It's a basic question about an engine.

I have seen many 440 with broken blocks... ranging from stock motor homes to race engines(and everything in between). I would think that most Mopar gear heads would agree that it is a weak point.

I however have seen a metric **** load of 383's and have never seen a single failure. I'm sure that the collective brain trust here has far more experience than me though.
 
Pascamp said:
I really don't understand the reason for the snarkiness, defensiveness, or general belligerent attitude towards the question. I even prefaced it with some relevant background. This isn't a Chevy vs Mopar or whatever thing. It's a basic question about an engine.

I have seen many 440 with broken blocks... ranging from stock motor homes to race engines(and everything in between). I would think that most Mopar gear heads would agree that it is a weak point.

I however have seen a metric **** load of 383's and have never seen a single failure. I'm sure that the collective brain trust here has far more experience than me though.
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I wasn't bein any of that. I clearly said "no offense". It's not my job to pamper you and put your little girl britches on to make sure you don't get your feelins hurt.

Sure, plenty of 383s have been blown all to HELL. Just like 400s and 440s. But was it a blanket problem? Are they weak? Not just no but HELL NO! Their deep skirted block adds a lot of strength and rigidity to the block. Just look at one.

I don't know what you're lookin for here, really. I mean, if somebody comes on here and shows you pictures of a 383 all blowed to hell and back, will that be what you're wantin to see? Help me understand.
 
Agreed! Big blocks have a few known caveats. In making some really good power, the oiling system & cap walk is a known issue you need to address. A good rear main seal to save a huge headache and the rest is basically pretty darn good.
 
440outlawdart said:
i never have,after seeing 400s and 440s failed,but everyone runs them,very few race a 383 today
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And nearly 100% of the time the 400's get stroked and putting out way more than the measly stock HP level. Usually 2x or more.
 
roccodart440 said:
And nearly 100% of the time the 400's get stroked and putting out way more than the measly stock HP level. Usually 2x or more.
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yeah, I think the general consensus from everyone here is pretty much up in the 600 HP range for a totally stock block, without a main girdle. I know for a fact some have gone further. For a 383, that's gettin into the 100% over stock power territory. For a stock block. To the OP, just keep reading that.
 
rumblefish360 said:
Agreed! Big blocks have a few known caveats. In making some really good power, the oiling system & cap walk is a known issue you need to address. A good rear main seal to save a huge headache and the rest is basically pretty darn good.
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There are a bunch of diff. engines out there that have cap walk , even 4 bolt main jobs, When u get serious h.p. out of them a heck of a bunch do it .
 
famous bob said:
There are a bunch of diff. engines out there that have cap walk , even 4 bolt main jobs, When u get serious h.p. out of them a heck of a bunch do it .
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But we’re talking about the low deck big block right?
 
roccodart440 said:
Agreed. Here is the thing that I never understood about a 383. Why run a big block that is the size of a small block, or smaller. It makes no sense to me. Now stroke one and you are getting there, but you still are short on cubic inches, and you are at the ceiling of the block.
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431cid.

Bob Mazzoli swears by those 431 strokes.
Only way I'd run a 383 anymore. I have a 400 I'd build 1st. 361 cant even be bored to a 4.25 without over heating issues, seen that already. ..wouldn't think a 383 would fair well either.
 
RustyRatRod said:
yeah, I think the general consensus from everyone here is pretty much up in the 600 HP range for a totally stock block, without a main girdle.
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I just joined that club for the first time. I'll let you know if she gets to crackin'
 
I have a 383 with a 440source 4.25 stroker kit. It makes 489 cubes. It will have a comp xr292r, ported eddy heads, and a weiand T ram. 11-1. Have to get it together, but there are other projects ahead of it.
 
604B1duster said:
I have a 383 with a 440source 4.25 stroker kit. It makes 489 cubes. It will have a comp xr292r, ported eddy heads, and a weiand T ram. 11-1. Have to get it together, but there are other projects ahead of it.
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^^^^^^^^

I like that cam , great for the street , mine didn't have a whole bunch of vacuum tho, had it in a 406 sbc , and my 505 . Had to downsize a hair to make my ful inj. run right .
 
RustyRatRod said:
"It's a *****" as they say, but I still have fun with it. I tell you.......one of my dream builds is a completely stone stock 340 built to 71 specs.......BUT blueprinted. Everything. Deck height, combustion chamber size, you name it. I would cheat a little and run the 273 adjustable rockers........and the 68 340 4 speed cam, because IMO that engine shouldda had that cam. It's arguably the most powerful considering the intake and TQ. ....and GOOD headers of course. I think with a good ignition curve and tune, it would fly. But alas, I'll never have the resources.
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My dream build, also!
 
Pascamp said:
I really don't understand the reason for the snarkiness, defensiveness, or general belligerent attitude towards the question. I even prefaced it with some relevant background. This isn't a Chevy vs Mopar or whatever thing. It's a basic question about an engine.

I have seen many 440 with broken blocks... ranging from stock motor homes to race engines(and everything in between). I would think that most Mopar gear heads would agree that it is a weak point.

I however have seen a metric **** load of 383's and have never seen a single failure. I'm sure that the collective brain trust here has far more experience than me though.
Click to expand...
Then u already know the answer. Stronger than a 440, but weaker than a 400. Kim
 
famous bob said:
^^^^^^^^

I like that cam , great for the street , mine didn't have a whole bunch of vacuum tho, had it in a 406 sbc , and my 505 . Had to downsize a hair to make my ful inj. run right .
Click to expand...

It’s your cam Bob, I bought it from you !
 
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