View Poll Results: 383 or 408
383
39
22.29%
408
136
77.71%
Voters: 175. You may not vote on this poll
383 or 408...PLEASE READ AND VOTE
From what I've read and seen, durability between a 402 and 408 isn't an issue until you start making more then 1,000 hp. Even the 346 LS1 blocks hold up well at these power levels when properly built. Improved aluminum castings and 6 bolt mains go a long way toward making a strong, rigid aluminum block. And with studs, you get that much more insurance.
Good luck with your choice, and as long as you go with a reputable sponsor or shop in your area, you should enjoy the motor for many miles.
Jason
Good luck with your choice, and as long as you go with a reputable sponsor or shop in your area, you should enjoy the motor for many miles.
Jason
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 595
Likes: 0
From: Miami, FL
the 383s can make a ton of useable power at every rpm with a good H/C choice. I became a believer after I saw my friend's dad's 383 FRC. 500rwhp N/A and more low-end torque than most 500rwhp cars.
The only thing I really have against 383s is that it's a mopar number, lol. But the power is solid, if you're saving a substantial amount by going 408 -> 383, then I'd just go for an n20 383. As long as you build it right it should be an easy 10 second car. and if you don't build it right, the extra displacement won't help.
So exactly how fast do you really wanna go?
The only thing I really have against 383s is that it's a mopar number, lol. But the power is solid, if you're saving a substantial amount by going 408 -> 383, then I'd just go for an n20 383. As long as you build it right it should be an easy 10 second car. and if you don't build it right, the extra displacement won't help.
So exactly how fast do you really wanna go?
tell me about this knock sensor stuff that is news to me....
i want to build a street car....not TOO concerened with track numbers...id like to smoke cars on the street at will...and have something thatll get my heart rate going whenevevr i hit the gas!!!
I guess I am looking for torque
i want to build a street car....not TOO concerened with track numbers...id like to smoke cars on the street at will...and have something thatll get my heart rate going whenevevr i hit the gas!!!
I guess I am looking for torque
On The Tree
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
From: Houston/ Austin, TX
Im gonna go against the grain on this and recomend the 383.
I personally own a 383 LT1 (I know nothing similar) and have a very good buddy with a 383 LS1 C5.
If you can find a good deal on a LS2 block, then jump on that and go 402, but with how cheap LS1 blocks are... I would just go that route. The 3.9 bore is becomming the red headed step child to the 4+ bores and not always for good reason (no bashing, just alot of uneducated people thinking bore is ALWAYS better).
A 383 can make some sick power. Honestly, until you have driven a 500 rwhp car, dont take them lightly. His 3100lb vette put down 486 rwhp through a LS6 intake and stock TB. Hardly anything to laugh at.
A 383 is going to be a decent amount cheaper (if you go budget) and make similar power numbers with a little less TQ (around the ballpark of 5% TQ)
You really cant go wrong with either,
Just my opinion.
I personally own a 383 LT1 (I know nothing similar) and have a very good buddy with a 383 LS1 C5.
If you can find a good deal on a LS2 block, then jump on that and go 402, but with how cheap LS1 blocks are... I would just go that route. The 3.9 bore is becomming the red headed step child to the 4+ bores and not always for good reason (no bashing, just alot of uneducated people thinking bore is ALWAYS better).
A 383 can make some sick power. Honestly, until you have driven a 500 rwhp car, dont take them lightly. His 3100lb vette put down 486 rwhp through a LS6 intake and stock TB. Hardly anything to laugh at.
A 383 is going to be a decent amount cheaper (if you go budget) and make similar power numbers with a little less TQ (around the ballpark of 5% TQ)
You really cant go wrong with either,
Just my opinion.
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I was beating the idea around also, 383, 402 or 408... hrm... Ended up going 347 instead. There really has to be a limit... Especially coming from a 350 or so rwhp car running low 12's on radials. 347 with a turbo pumping massive boost into it will run like a champ. I guess in the long run, what are you realistic goals? Remember, torque destroys ****, not horsepower, take that into consideration when contemplating buying a large displacement motor. The 383 is an impressive engine, has been since the SBC days. If you're going 408, spend the extra few hundred and get the 402, it'll be worth the weight you save IMHO. If it's ALWAYS going to be an N/A engine, I wouldn't even consider stock displacement. Me personally, I would get the 402.
I always thought about FI, it woudl be bas ***, would that be my other option??
How would lets say a pro charger affect my stock engine...there is NO way I would be able to buy a forged block and then add a power adder....I mean thats HUGE dough....
Or is it?? I am not very familiar with FI, but never ruled it out...
WHat are my options there??
Erik
How would lets say a pro charger affect my stock engine...there is NO way I would be able to buy a forged block and then add a power adder....I mean thats HUGE dough....
Or is it?? I am not very familiar with FI, but never ruled it out...
WHat are my options there??
Erik
Birdman, yes it does, I have pacesetters that go into a custom x pipe, then into dual sweet thunders, over the axle into my CME....
(I actually dont have an EWP, SO i guess thats not exactly true, but i dont consider an EWP a neccesity like other bolt ons...
so you decide!
check it out:
(I actually dont have an EWP, SO i guess thats not exactly true, but i dont consider an EWP a neccesity like other bolt ons...
so you decide!
check it out:
Originally Posted by erikthegoalie
I always thought about FI, it woudl be bas ***, would that be my other option??
How would lets say a pro charger affect my stock engine...there is NO way I would be able to buy a forged block and then add a power adder....I mean thats HUGE dough....
Or is it?? I am not very familiar with FI, but never ruled it out...
WHat are my options there??
Erik
How would lets say a pro charger affect my stock engine...there is NO way I would be able to buy a forged block and then add a power adder....I mean thats HUGE dough....
Or is it?? I am not very familiar with FI, but never ruled it out...
WHat are my options there??
Erik
FI is definitely not cheap.
Gary
Originally Posted by erikthegoalie
Birdman, yes it does, I have pacesetters that go into a custom x pipe, then into dual sweet thunders, over the axle into my CME....
(I actually dont have an EWP, SO i guess thats not exactly true, but i dont consider an EWP a neccesity like other bolt ons...
so you decide!
check it out:
(I actually dont have an EWP, SO i guess thats not exactly true, but i dont consider an EWP a neccesity like other bolt ons...
so you decide!
check it out:
That exhaust is pimp.. I wish there was someone up here in CT that could build that.
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
From: DFW, TX
Originally Posted by JL ws-6
go alum 402... ls2 blocks are only about 300 bucks more then the iron block, and no added weight really (other then a heavier crank, etc.)
best of both worlds!
best of both worlds!
this is the route i went
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
From: DFW, TX
Originally Posted by Gary98Z
I have fi and so far I love it. Stock block with katech rod bolts installed. However, if you don't have forged internals yet, you have to be prepared and know that your engine could go at any time. Many people run 5-8 lbs of boost and lasted several yrs with their stock engine, but others have only lasted a few days.
FI is definitely not cheap.
Gary
FI is definitely not cheap.
Gary
LS6 @ 6psi lasted 2k miles
If you end up buying a short or long block I highly recommend LME. Their customer service is second to none. Byran will take the extra time to answer all your questions and figure out what will work best for your particular goals.
I think you should find a sponsor that sells all of these different displacements and have a chat with them, let them know what you really want out of your car, and they can set you up with the best choice, not steer you towards what they sell. All of the sponsors I have dealth with from this board are very friendly and have great customer service. I think what ever you decide you will be very happy. Let us know what's going on and post some dyno and track numbers when you're done.
AJ
AJ
thanks guys, i am glad people are still chiming in...
I contacted LME, and a few other sponsors...all is well..now just working on prices...saving...other parts..ya know...planning it out...
This should be done when im outta college...sooo
We shall see
Erik
I contacted LME, and a few other sponsors...all is well..now just working on prices...saving...other parts..ya know...planning it out...
This should be done when im outta college...sooo
We shall see
Erik