To Stroke or not to Stroke....

[JJRJR]

Yes, I have asked this question before. But here we go again. My engine builder hasn't put it together yet so I still have the option to add a stroker. The bad part is that I already spent $1,200 on parts that will be useless if I do. Not sure I can send back my pistons, rods, etc. after they've already been balanced??

Guys, I'm just thinking that for $2K I can get this 383 up to 438 or even 496 with the 440 Source Kits. Easy 50 HP just by adding the inches.

What do you guys think??? Should I do it? I'm sure I could get some $$ back on my new pistons, etc. I know I won't sleep at night knowing I could have gotten more out of this 383 rebuild.

PLEASE excuse the repetiive question, but I really could use some opinions.

Are the 440Source kits a quality part? Will I really get more power from the 383 by doing it?

All opinions welcomed.

Thanks,

John.

 

[george68hemirr]

John....stroke....you wont be happy if you dont.....440 source has a great reputation.....you could sell your parts on craigslist

 

[SomeCarGuy]

You won't get crap back on your parts, unless you wait for the right guy.

You must get heads that will flow the number you need or the extra cubes won't "move the needle" for you.

 

[JJRJR]

Thanks guys, I tend to agree that I would be happier if I did all I can to the engine now. With regard to the heads, will ported Eddy Performer RPM heads flow well enough for the extra cubic inches? The guy who is going to port them said he typically gets an additional 30 cfm from those BB Mopar heads.

Thanks,

John

 

[69hemibeep]

There is no replacement for displacement, unless it blows .... My wise old man saying for the day But its your budget. :cheers:

 

[moparchris]

As I have said before. A total system approach is the way to maximize your dollar. You are piece mealing it and asking questions all over the place. Obviously you haven't heard the answer you want to hear. I have asked before but have yet to recieve an answer. The questions is, what are you going to do with it? Have you owned a musclecar before? Do you know what a 13 second car feels like? Once you think about and have clear answers then you can go forward, otherwise your just throwing around money then you will be posting asking the question as to why the kid down the street with a well sorted 318 is kicking your ass. Trust me I have seen it over and over again.

440 Source parts are cheap for a reason. If you stroke it and use the performer RPM heads then you wont have to worry about making big power so then the 440 source stuff might work but its still 50/50 chance of breaking a rod and making your whole motor junk. Just Google it and read all the breakage that has happened with cheap chinese parts.

So you manage to build a 500 inch monster that is what you think you want. Then your 8 3/4 screams for mercy every time you get on it, but you dont have to worry about it because you have destroyed third gear in your 833 because its really only rated for 600 ft/lb. So then you put an auto in it and have pretty much ruined your original intent. I have seen people go down this road too. Usually ends up in a fire sale and someone gets a Roadrunner for cheap and you loose half of your money that you have invested in it.

If you dont like what your hearing, my recommendation is to find a real good race engine builder in your area and tell him exactly what you want without any false expectations and let him make the decisions as to what you need. Going with advice over the internet is a shaky proposition. You dont know me and what I am capable of or anyone on this board. Really do yourself a favor and find a good engine builder who is accomplished and not the cheapest guy you can find. I also would look around and ask his customers what they think of him. Trust me it will be the smartest decision, and cheapest too, you can make. Doing it twice is pretty expensive. :cents:

 

[JJRJR]

Thanks Moparchris. I have decided to slow it down a bit and leave the stroker for another day. I am confident in my engine builder and he told me essentially the same thing. For street use, the build I have originally plannned is perfect and the rear and tranny will be able to handle it. I don't expect I'll drive it more than a couple times a week and really am too old to be racing, just want a nice powerful RR to have for many years. I think my build will accomplish this.

I do appreciate your candor and great advice.

Best,

John

 

[CompSyn]

Gotta love this 383 that runs 9.96 @ 134. This is done with a stock 383 crankshaft ot:

Car weighs in at 3100 lbs with driver.

[youtube:2eczx6jp]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K6ard18yo8[/youtube:2eczx6jp]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K6ard18yo8

 

[CompSyn]

More of the little Wee83...

[youtube:szls0st9]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4v7KbeqVN7Q&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL[/youtube:szls0st9]