383 vs 408 for drag racing???
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From: Kansas City, KS
383 vs 408 for drag racing??? ok... broke some valve springs (comp) in my 383, but all the pistons are fine, just need a line hone and basic rebuild. I'm really debating a 408 for about an extra $1100 for the block and pistons, plus some head work for a 4" bore. then i can turn around and sell the ls1block and 3.9" forged pistons for maybe 500... guessing $700ish out of pocket.
I am about 50/50 on it what to do. is it worth it?? adds 80lbs to the front end, and what, maybe 30rwhp more?? this is a 99% drag car and will have a dual stage nitrous setup on it, but won't be sprayed a LOT. car is not setup for 9's NHRA rule wise..
I think everyone will say 408, but I need a kick in the ***... I do have some sentimental value to my old engine/383 setup
long story, but it was a hell of a build-up/process to get it to run 10's and I hate to see it go. had JUST ordered a BIG FMS cam and new springs for it too 
thanks guys
I am about 50/50 on it what to do. is it worth it?? adds 80lbs to the front end, and what, maybe 30rwhp more?? this is a 99% drag car and will have a dual stage nitrous setup on it, but won't be sprayed a LOT. car is not setup for 9's NHRA rule wise..
I think everyone will say 408, but I need a kick in the ***... I do have some sentimental value to my old engine/383 setup
long story, but it was a hell of a build-up/process to get it to run 10's and I hate to see it go. had JUST ordered a BIG FMS cam and new springs for it too thanks guys
Last edited by 383ss; Aug 24, 2004 at 11:44 PM.
I think the 408 has more potential to make more power and go quicker. However I do believe you will be best suited to stay with your 383. Do you plan on doing different heads with this rebuild? Going to have be a complete matched setup to knock some socks.
I think your 383 is a good runner keep what works.
I think your 383 is a good runner keep what works.
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Originally Posted by GueSS Who
I like my 408.
I make 550rwtq N/A.
It feels like a beast.
6.07@115 with a 1.44 60ft in the 1/8
I make 550rwtq N/A.
It feels like a beast.
6.07@115 with a 1.44 60ft in the 1/8
Last edited by 383ss; Aug 24, 2004 at 11:49 PM.
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Originally Posted by MUSTANGEATER
I think the 408 has more potential to make more power and go quicker. However I do believe you will be best suited to stay with your 383. Do you plan on doing different heads with this rebuild? Going to have be a complete matched setup to knock some socks.
I think your 383 is a good runner keep what works.
I think your 383 is a good runner keep what works.
ya, next spring I would get a better seat of heads which i plan on getting either way... probalby some hand ported AFR's.
I have a cam on the way that should work great with my 383 or a 408. ordered it last week
why do you think I am best suited to stay with the 383???
Last edited by 383ss; Aug 24, 2004 at 11:50 PM.
Originally Posted by 383ss
ya, next spring I would get a better seat of heads which i plan on getting either way... probalby some hand ported AFR's.
I have a cam on the way that should work great with my 383 or a 408. ordered it last week
why do you think I am best suited to stay with the 383???
I have a cam on the way that should work great with my 383 or a 408. ordered it last week
why do you think I am best suited to stay with the 383???
I'm not debating what will go faster 408/383 just pointing out a few things that you may not want to deal with. Either way I think you'll get it running good.
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yep, cam is on the way, and heads were already planned. with the new cam, I would be dialing in a different setup anyway, and hell, isn't that half the fun 
thanks for the input
thanks for the input
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Originally Posted by 383ss
yep, cam is on the way, and heads were already planned. with the new cam, I would be dialing in a different setup anyway, and hell, isn't that half the fun
thanks for the input
thanks for the input
You were right talking on 2 boards is fun lol Like I said once you dial it in it should be killer either way.
you'll have to fix one thing though just b/c everyone thinks it....
will have a dual stage nitrous setup on it, but won't be sprayed a LOT
I give it 5 passes and a crackhead will be born.
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The Bull
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Grand Rapids, MI
Stick with what you have. If you like it (like I do) you can run with it for a while. You can always add more later. To be honest, the extra 20 cubes are not really going to net a massive amount of HP or TQ differences. I thorougly enjoy my 382 and I'm planning on sticking with it.
Originally Posted by 383ss
I've never even been in a car on juice 
i say untill you break the 383 aluminum for some reason stick with the combo you have. that cam is ground for your combo and the tuning is right on (just take some timing out for the big nitrous shot). i just dont see spending the money for no reason - because i doubt you go much faster with the extra cubes if you are looking to spray.
btw, i dont see why your new FMS cam wouldnt work in a 408" motor. it is ignorant big anyways
dammit! 
you are M6?
You personally won't catch me adding 110 lbs(yes that's what it is, not 80) onto the front of my M6 car, less of a big deal in an A4.
I say stick with what you have, yeah the iron will handle a big spray kit better than the aluminum but you can still hose the living **** out of a properly setup forged aluminum motor, and if you aren't aiming for 9's I'm going to assume you won't be spraying near the breaking point of an aluminum setup.
Look at it this way, 30 cube isn't going to make up for the huge weight added to the front of you car, especially not in an M6, you might slow down if anything.
You personally won't catch me adding 110 lbs(yes that's what it is, not 80) onto the front of my M6 car, less of a big deal in an A4.
I say stick with what you have, yeah the iron will handle a big spray kit better than the aluminum but you can still hose the living **** out of a properly setup forged aluminum motor, and if you aren't aiming for 9's I'm going to assume you won't be spraying near the breaking point of an aluminum setup.
Look at it this way, 30 cube isn't going to make up for the huge weight added to the front of you car, especially not in an M6, you might slow down if anything.
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I cut 1.46 60fts on motor with the added 110lbs. I yank the wheels on motor now more then I did with the 346 and a 150 shot. I am in a 3400+lb Fbody.
I do have a TH400 though. I think you overcome the weight with the power and torque.
I do have a TH400 though. I think you overcome the weight with the power and torque.
The Bull
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Grand Rapids, MI
Trust me, all this crap about adding weight to the front end to keep it down is rediculous. No offense, but you shouldn't have a problem with it either way. Especially with a few minutes in tweaking the suspension.
