Need some advice.  I have a 350 small block, cast number 10066038, comes up as a 92 crate engine.  It is a four bolt main.  I am looking to build a 383 stroker from the ground up and wanted your all's opinion about starting with this block.  Thanks,

 

JR

There's no reason you can't use that block to build a stroker engine. GM Performance uses a 4-bolt main block for a number of crate applications. The main differences in the various crate engine is in the crank, pistons, heads, etc. The blocks are the same (not sure if that includes the ZZ-series crate engines).

Even though it's a 1992 cast block, you need to verify if it's a pre-'86 or a 1986 and after style block. The pre-'86 style is machined for a two-piece rear main seal. The '86 and later style uses a one-piece rear main seal. GM casts both styles.

I concur... thats a good block..

either way on the rear main it will work...  but youll need to know when ordering rear main seal and crank.

 

 

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I just returned from a short trip, my appologies for not getting back with you.  Thanks for the advice.  I disassembled the engine myself, it uses the two part rear main seal.  I keep the crank caps and bolts, but plan on replacing everything else.

JR

[QUOTE=StreetShark]

I just returned from a short trip, my appologies for not getting back with you.  Thanks for the advice.  I disassembled the engine myself, it uses the two part rear main seal.  I keep the crank caps and bolts, but plan on replacing everything else.

JR

[/QUOTE]

youll need to replace the crank to make it a 383..

383 is a 350 bored over .040 with a 400 crank

remember also that the 400 is externally balanced.

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I don't understand the part about keepin the caps and bolts. If you try to use old 4 bolt caps on a 2 bolt block, I would get after market splayed bolt caps and use them. You'd have to have it line bored either way to insure concentricity. Use the old bolts? Why not get new ones from ARP? It's cheap insurance on an expensive project

Dave

I just kept the 4 bolt main caps and bolts because I plan to re-use the main caps.  As far as bolts, I will buy a kit with all new ones I suppose.  Does anyone have experience with a 383 internally balanced stroker kit?  World motors has one for $1800.00, the normal route is an overboard 350with a 400 crank.  This is the first time I have done anything like this and free advice is well appreciated.

JR

In today's world, they have new cranks and connecting rods, instead of the 400 chrank.  Always keep the caps on the original mains or just throw the $200 block in the scrap pile.  It's just a reality. Also, you want a dynamically balance rotating assembly.  Not one just static balanced, end for end on the rods. 

Glad I kept those caps, I am looking into the kit that is complete and already balanced.  Might haveto wait a while though.

I agree with gellisvette. There may also be some clearance grinding involved. (I'm building my 383 now!!). I bought a completely balanced rotating assembly from a reputable machine shop. Also going with a roller cam. Worth the extra sheckles....

Paul   

Paul,

Don't forget to use 7/16 rocker arm studs. not 3/8. Finally got mine changed out.

JR....those new wheels really changed to looks of ur car. I LIKE

rearn2go7238944.8502662037

Yep - went with heavier valve springs too...

I found several kits and crate motors in my research, I just have not had the time to do a proper cost analysis of buying VS. building.  I would like to get the experience, but the thought of a crate motor is really hard to resist.

JR

JR - here's another option to consider. I'm getting a ready to run engine from enginefactory.com. I just add the accessories on the front and I'm good to go (well, I do have to put it in and get everything hooked back up). It will be all tuned and ready to go right out of the box. I'm getting it delivered around this time next month. I'll be posting about my experiences!

John, I will pay close attention.  I think the crate may be the best, simpliest and cheapest in the long run.

JR

gm performance parts has the ZZ383-500A

a 500 horse small block is more than just impressive..

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You can't beat GMPP products for reliability!!

Dave

I have a 383 GMPP crate and I am glad I went that route, nice solid ride. Only have 115 miles on her so I can't tell you about reliability yet. I don't think you can go wrong with any crate from GM. Good luck, it is a hard decision, so many good options out there.

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