Why does it seem that more people go with a 383 over a 396? I mean if you are going to stroke your motor, and have to buy a new crank anyway, why not go big? Just curious.

 

Because the difference in HP/TQ isnt worth the extra machine work or parts. Sure it sounds cool to have a "396" stroker but difference isnt worth it to some people. IF you do a search in the advanced tech section, there was a good dicussion on why this is true.

 

Price wise, I think 383's might be a bit cheaper for the simple fact that, as you said, everyone does a 383. They are mass produced and therefore, a bit cheaper.

Machine work to the block might also be a bit less for a 383 aswell.

Personally, I'd go with a 396. As a matter of fact, that's what I bought last week. A 396 rotating assembly.

There probably isn't going to be much, if any HP advantage to going with a 396, but I decided to go that route for 3 main reasons.

#1. - EVERYBODY does a 383 Why not be different?

#2. - Saying: "It's a 396" is always going to sound cooler than saying
"It's a 383. "396" just has a nice ring to it don't it?

#3. - 383's are for Mopars J/K


Pics of my new 396 Rotating Assembly

 

Believe you wont 'get as many miles out of a 396 also.

 

Indeed!!

Very nice rotating assembly BTW!

 

396 involves more clearancing in the block mostly in the oil pan rails.. Most also require a small base circle cam.. Mostly the reason most go 383 is due to the thicker ring land's on the piston due to the pin being able to be lower in the piston therefore allowing a thicker Comp. Height.. I.e take's more of a beating from boost/juice.. and their generallly cheaper as well.. But their is a certain exclusiveness w a small block 396.. HP Diff are very negligeable as well as TQ diff. Money is usually the deciding factor...

 

For me it was 1. cost, I got a good deal on a new 383 kit from a board member and 396 kits are alittle more costly. 2. There is more clearencing involved. 3. Not enough additional power to warrant 1 and 2. From what I have seen horsepower is about the same with a slight torque advantage going to the 396.

 

I've heard that a lot too, but has anybody ever done a reliabilty/longevity comparison between a
383 and 396 Probably not. Why? 'Cause it would be virtually impossible to come to a solid conclusion as to which "lasts longer". There are just too many variables.

As far as I know, there isn't a "set" limit as to how long any given motor will last. I'ts not as if you can say a blown 383 will last 50,000 miles and a blown 396 will only last you 35,000 y'now what I mean?

Personally, I wouldn't base my decision on the fact that "technically" a 383 may last longer. I would think it's pretty safe to assume you wouldn't notice a difference in reliabily from a 383 or a 396. As long as the machine work to the block was done properly, and the rotating assembly put together properly, a 355 or a 383 or 396 or whatever, should all last about the same. Just my opinion.

 

Wow, that's just what I was looking for. Thanks!

 

No problem.

 

My understanding was the 396 had more taken out and you can't expect the same milage out of it as a 383. I wasn't sure if they just used a shorter stroke or bored more.

 

I agree, although I went the 396 route as well for more of a Unique thing, but having the NA comparison yes not much, but in the situation of a blown or some form of boost would it not benefit to have a few more cubes, where the boost would show a significant difference?

 

Dude I could've said that any better!

 

93 Formy, that's all to weird I have a 93 as well...and bought that EXACT SAME rotating assembly...

 

That is pretty creepy isn't it

I checked out your website and it looks like your we're also pretty much in the same stage of build-up although you've already bugun sanding down the engine compartment before paint. I'll have to wait for spring (or atleast untill the weayher get's warmer) to do the paint prep myself.
Good Luck !