BUILD ENGINE or PROCHARGER ??????

[RLE80L48]

I need some input. I have the bug for more power. I have been planning to build a 383 stroker. I have also been reading about the procharger someone posted a few days ago.I checked their web site and they look good. Should I have the machine work done, buy all the parts and put together a 383 or pick up a procharger that simply bolts on and will give about the same power results for roughly the same money? My L82 350 has been rebuilt 14400 miles ago.Its basically stock with ported and polished heads,roller rockers. Good and reliable but it just don't cut it for me. From what Ive seen it should hold up well with the Procharger. I want to do something soon before the $$$ I saved goes toward something besides my baby. I was hoping to see a few things and ideas to help me make up my mind at Carlisle Friday.What are your thoughts and opinions?

 

[1974vette]

well...the procharger would definately look cool. but i guess whichever would be the easiest to do...and how long you're willing to not drive the vette to do the work on it...

 

[1974vette]

heres the link to the pic..

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/attachment.php?s=&postid=7347

 

[MoeJr]

Build the engine. Much more reliable than adding forced induction. One of our shops is dropping a motor in a 5.0L Rustang that snapped the crank due to the supercharger the kid put on there. Forced induction is nice but can be a real pain in the wallet. I would buy a crate motor and tuck the original motor away. The fastburn 385 engine from GM seems to be a hot ticket. Just my .02

 

[MaineShark]

Build the 383. Buy a block at a junkyard, and use that, so you can keep your original. You might want to swap the roller rockers onto the new engine, though. Maybe even use the ported heads, if you're okay with iron heads.

There are several reasons:

Reliability. I'm a big fan of forced induction, but not until you get into the higher power ranges. Using forced induction on a medium-power engine is simply adding un-needed complexity.

Experience. If you build it yourself, you'll learn a lot. Heck, you'll learn a lot just reading up on how to build it, before you ever put your hand on the first wrench.

Massive bragging rights. Saying "I built that" is a lot cooler than saying "I bolted that on there."

Joe