I know that a 4 bold main is supposed to be stronger than a 2. I plan on building a mild 383 stroker engine. Would it be necessary for me to have a 4 bold main motor?

 

Not really. A 2 bolt main block is strong enough for most street applications. It's actually better to find a 2 bolt main block and have splayed caps installed.

If you can find a 4 bolt main block then use it. For a 2 piece rear main seal look for an 010 casting block. Those are plentiful and the best to use. The 010 casting can be 2 or 4 bolt but if it was out of a truck there's a good chance it's a 4 bolt.

Another alternative for the 2 bolt main block is to have the mains studded. My race engine is only a 2 bolt but with ARP studs.

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Stephen's racing page
or check out the race car

87 IROC SuperPro race car
461 big block
Best ET on a time slip: 11.589
Best MPH on a time slip: 115.91
Best corrected ET: 11.114

Altitude corrected rear wheel HP: 457
Best 60 foot: 1.646
Member of the Calgary Drag Racing Association

 

I doubt i'll be running the type of rev's it takes to break a block though will I? It should be a "mild" 383

 

From the millions of magazine articles that I have read, it seems that the general concensus is that 4-bolts are only needed if you are running in excess of 500HP or lots of Nitrous or Boost. So for the majority of street applications, 2-bolts are sufficient.

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Webmaster:SETHIRDGEN
GM Tech
ASE Master Auto Technician + L1
1987 Trans Am: 357ci
Ported TFS heads, ZZ4 cam, headers & exhuast and other go fast goodies
13.53 @ 103.77

 

4 bolts are stronger, and stronger is always better when it comes to engines. 4 bolts have less deflection therefore better bearing life than 2 bolts. They used them in heavy-duty truck and high performance applications for a reason. If you're going to invest in a 383, might as well spend the extra $/time for the 4 bolt for insurance.

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1985 Z28, Jasper Class 1 350, Edelbrock Performer intake, Dual snorkel air cleaner, K&N filter, Edelbrock headers, Catco cat, Hooker cat-back, built 700r4 w/ Darrell Young 2400 stall TC, Jet stage 2 chip, SSM subframes, Lakewood LCA's, Powertrax locker w/stock 3.23's, Centerline Auto Drag's

 

If you're going to invest in a 383, might as well spend the extra $/time for the 4 bolt for insurance.

[/B][/QUOTE]
Makes sense. That is the way I will go.


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1986 Trans Am. Mostly stock and now FOR SALE to make room for a 4th gen.