71 350

[mst]

Kinda in the same boat as BigBrakeFuelie. Debating on swapping out my original 350/270hp with a HP 350 or 383. Of course I'll keep/store the original motor. Just went through all the suspension, steering...etc. Guess I'll shop around and decide what I can or want to afford. Heard crate motors were the way to go.

 

[Jack]

get a crate

Kinda in the same boat as BigBrakeFuelie. Debating on swapping out my original 350/270hp with a HP 350 or 383. Of course I'll keep/store the original motor. Just went through all the suspension, steering...etc. Guess I'll shop around and decide what I can or want to afford. Heard crate motors were the way to go.

First, welcome to CACC! For most folk, crate motors are the way. Also for most folk, horsepower/torque & power band considerations may not've been understood. For average-to-spirited street performance ... big Torque is king ... "useable power" equates to torque. For drag racing & low e.t. ... high Horsepower becomes more important. Keep in mind our C3s can be VERY unforgiving to lower manifold vacuums ... Big horsepower is all-to-often accompanied with low vacuum.

Take a look at GM Performance Parts' factory sbc crate known as HT383 (GM as in Chevy). 4-bolt main, forged 3.8" stroke crank, 4" bore, roller cam, 9.1:1 CR (great for street & pump gas). Comes with iron L31 Vortec heads. Rated at 415 TQ, 325 HP on required minimum 87 octane ... under $4000 complete less carb & dist ... with GM warranty ... PN 12497317. Also, HT383 short block available from GM.

http://www.sallee-chevrolet.com/ChevySmallBlockV8s/HT_383.html

Also take a look at link below to Hot Rod Mag's six-step buildup of an HT383. BTW, I verified all those HRM dyno results (including baseline) were with 91 octane “76 brand” fuel.

http://www.hotrod.com/editorial/art...e=text&id=66278

ZZ450 - 458lbs torque, 450hp ($5550 @ sallee chevy pn SC450BLB) aluminum fastburn heads, 4” bore, 3.80” stroke --- requires minimum 92 octane

ZZ4 - 405lbs torque, 355hp ($3525 @ sallee chevy pn 24502609) aluminum heads, 4” bore, 3.48” stroke. Upgraded to 395hp via HOT roller cam & 1.6:1 roller rockers ($4195 @ sallee chevy pn SCZZ4-6) --- either requires minimum 92 octane

385 Fast Burn - 385lbs torque, 385hp ($4075 @ sallee chevy pn 12496769) aluminum fastburn heads, 4” bore, 3.48” stroke --- requires minimum 92 octane

350 HO - 380lbs torque, 330hp ($3195 @sallee chevy pn 12486041) iron L31 vortec heads, 4” bore, 3.48” stroke --- no published minimum octane requirement (likely 87)

Goodwrench 350 - 304lbs torque, 249hp ($1575 @ sallee chevy pn 10067353) iron non-vortec small-valve heads, 4” bore, 3.48” stroke, replacement engine w/ 3 yr/50K mile GM warranty --- no published minimum octane requirement (likely 87)

HT 383 - 415lbs torque, 325hp ($3750 @ sallee chevy pn 12497317) iron L31 vortec heads, 4” bore, 3.80” stroke --- requires minimum 87 octane

I’ve done the “build a stroker 383” thing (actually 388ci). IMHO I did it for FAR less dollars than a similar crate or local-build from anywhere ... but it’s COST me a whole lotta aggravation, wheelin’-n-dealin’ and TIME ... and no warranty. I don't drag race, but I do like a spirited car. Little doubt in my mind, if I were to want a similar stroker again ... I’d probably buy the HT 383. If I didn’t like it’s heads I could easily sell them (they’re real popular) ... or I’d get the ZZ450 for about $1800 more.
JACK:gap

 

[mst]

crate

Thanks for the info Jack. I like to do my research on these things and the best way I've found is to talk to others in similar situations. Got the car about a year ago. Been going through everything. Will be ready to tackle the motor and 4-spd soon so I'm looking into the best options. I've heard several people say I will be very happy with a 383. I talked to a local guy the other day who has a couple 400+ hp's for $2500 each and also a 500 hp for a bit more. I suspect the 500+ hp motor would have vacuum issues. Vacuum was always a big concern of mine. Thanks for the web links. I had looked at sallee chevrolet before, and will probably continue to.

Mark

 

[BigBrakeFuelie]

Mst.-Hello and welcome to CAC! I was wavering back and forth over what engine to put in my 80 Vette.I was real close to putting a 383 stroker in there.Being in Cali I had to worry about smog laws which are pretty strict out here.I didn`t what to cause a headache by not being able to register my car or having to sell it.
I even considered just buying the basic 350 universal engine and forgetting about performance.I did as much research as I could and called around and finally found a shop that would guarentee I would pass emissions while they rebuilt my current engine up to 325hp.With the feedback Carb the 80`s have I`ll probably be closer to 290hp. but that`s perfect for me right now.
I hope you don`t have as much to worry about regarding emissions.As far as the 383 goes I found a shop in Long Beach that is selling for $2095 4 bolt main,new crankshaft,5.7 RODS,balanced assembly,Keith Black pistons, etc.
I believe if I didn`t ;live in Cali I would have opted for the 350 HO. Crate motor from GM.
Good Luck!

 

[mst]

BigBreakFuelie: Thanks for the input. Don't have all the emission regulations here in TX so that's not much of a concern. Seems like the 383 is a popular choice. I'm planning to visit a local motor shop this weekend to have a look at a few and maybe get a build sheet, firm prices...etc. The tranny and rearend are stock so I'm wondering if they will hold up and be a good combo for the higher torque/hp motor. Been a lot of good discussions here so it's been helpfull in making some decisions. I sometimes get anxious to get it on the road. Only drove the car a few miles when I bought it and put it on jack stands in the spring. Been turning wrenches ever since, but that was my plan. Still enjoying it.

 

[AKRAY4PLAY]

a 400 small block is another option you have. GM offers a new block and some old blocks can still be found. they can give you more power than a 383 and not hurt the vaccum because of the larger displacement. the only big issue a 400 has is the steam holes. most blocks and heads already have them, you just need to make sure they are there and clear to flow. if you want to intertain the thought of a 400, i have some pretty good info on them. brian