355 vs 383
355 vs 383 Ok.I know I has been asking alot of questions lately about bottom ends and I promise ill leave you guys alone.........eventually Haha.
But for the time being, what is the real difference between a good 355 vs 383? I know the mantra, no replacement for displacement. But if im wanting a semi budget minded street car that I intend to only be a fun weekend car. Then what do I stand to gain? I know that peak numbers in my mind don't justify the extra cost involved and im not sure but I would be willing to venture that there may only be 10-15 hp/ta difference through the entire power band. Plus everyone I talk to hates the gas mileage their 383 delivers. While this isn't an economical move or a gas mileage dd. I would like to beable to take a 75 mile trip and not have to stop for gas before getting home. So please old wise ones, chime in.
But for the time being, what is the real difference between a good 355 vs 383? I know the mantra, no replacement for displacement. But if im wanting a semi budget minded street car that I intend to only be a fun weekend car. Then what do I stand to gain? I know that peak numbers in my mind don't justify the extra cost involved and im not sure but I would be willing to venture that there may only be 10-15 hp/ta difference through the entire power band. Plus everyone I talk to hates the gas mileage their 383 delivers. While this isn't an economical move or a gas mileage dd. I would like to beable to take a 75 mile trip and not have to stop for gas before getting home. So please old wise ones, chime in.
Thanks gregbob. I was off a few points on power, but I knew that the cost was outrageous for the hp you got. Now here is another question. Say down the line I add a nitrous kit and want to spray someting like a 200 shot on a forged bottom 355. Will it hold within reason? What if a methanol kit is used in conjuction with the nitrous? Any difference?
all this 383 talk around here man its REDONKULOUS ha.
a 355 will meet 80% of peoples goals thats the way im going to go with stock crank and all now that im employed again
Don't get caught up with the 383 talk it seems more and more that people do it just to say the famous line "I has a stroker in it"
and if your forged internals and tuned right that motor will last
a 355 will meet 80% of peoples goals thats the way im going to go with stock crank and all now that im employed again
Don't get caught up with the 383 talk it seems more and more that people do it just to say the famous line "I has a stroker in it"
and if your forged internals and tuned right that motor will last
Unless you have the money to also beef up the rest of the drivetrain I really don't see ANY advantages to the 383. If you compare dollar for dollar I'll also bet that with the same amount of money spent a 355 beats a 383 every time. Put the extra money into head work and chassis mods to handle the extra horsepower.
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How is a 383 FOUR TIMES as expensive as a 355? 
You're adding the cost of a crankshaft and some clearancing to the block. I went with a 383 because it was only a few hundred dollars more. The heads, valvetrain, pistons, rods, etc. in a 355 are all the same in a 383, unless you choose to go with a 6" rod, but even then it's not four times the cost.
You're adding the cost of a crankshaft and some clearancing to the block. I went with a 383 because it was only a few hundred dollars more. The heads, valvetrain, pistons, rods, etc. in a 355 are all the same in a 383, unless you choose to go with a 6" rod, but even then it's not four times the cost. LS1 Tech Stories
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TECH Regular
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 458
Likes: 1
From: Keller, Texas
$$$ is the difference, thats all. To me it sounds like you don't need a plus sized engine. Why waste the money on a weekend car? Just build a nice heads and cam 350. That should meet all of your needs.
But if were have to choose, I'd spend the money on a 383.
But if were have to choose, I'd spend the money on a 383.
and OP...Ramair is right a 383 doesn't cost 4x as much.......its not much more if your buying rods and pistons anyway its the same price and all uu need to spend $$ on is the crank.......
How is a 383 FOUR TIMES as expensive as a 355? You're adding the cost of a crankshaft and some clearancing to the block. I went with a 383 because it was only a few hundred dollars more. The heads, valvetrain, pistons, rods, etc. in a 355 are all the same in a 383, unless you choose to go with a 6" rod, but even then it's not four times the cost.
You're adding the cost of a crankshaft and some clearancing to the block. I went with a 383 because it was only a few hundred dollars more. The heads, valvetrain, pistons, rods, etc. in a 355 are all the same in a 383, unless you choose to go with a 6" rod, but even then it's not four times the cost.A 355 can be done with a simple piston swap, so yes the way -I- would build it would be 3-4x the cost.
true i did exactly that but .......it "can" be done on a budget.....
So to you, a 355 with just a piston swap is fine, but a 383 would need a solid roller valvetrain, massive heads and a high dollar bottom end?
I guess my 383 isn't built PROPERLY.
I guess my 383 isn't built PROPERLY.
If you have to have any work done on the stock crank or you're building an all forged bottom end then the rotating assemblies for the 355 & 383 cost exactly the same amount. Cams, heads, headers etc will all cost the same regardless of which you build so for my money I went 383 and if both engines make the same hp per ci it's 383 ftw.
A budget 355 like mine is way less than a 383 bottom end, I believe everything including a new stock crank was under 500. But if you are forging it go 383, it will make more power everywhere
Teching In
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 21
Likes: 1
From: Puerto Rico
Just take a look at Aleks SS Camaro (old setup) on Youtube. I bet it was a troublemaker for any 383 but im not saying that a 355 is better than a 383. At least for me, from the moment i clicked that video? All my question had been answered.
