OK, I've got a '95 Z28 w/ 112,000 currently on the clock. Runs great and pulls very hard for a bolt-on only car. But I also would like like to re-do the top-end soon (XE 224/230 + good ported heads) and don't really trust my LT1's stock bottom end due to the mileage and age.

The plan is to save some descent money and have the motor rebuilt freshly to stock specs (using the top-end I mentioned above) or spend the extra $$$ to get a quality 383 set-up. I don't want to spend a TON of money on a stroker kit if I don't have too, but if I believe it to be worth it, I will...

Since I'm not a mechanic or engine builder (don't have time to do it peice by peice myself), I'd rather just buy a nice already built 383 from a reputable manufacturer with a proven history. Are these complete stroker kits good buys in all your opinions?

Are you all satisfied with your 383's and the performance/reliability of them?

This is a tough call for me because I'll never drag this car much (mostly just enjoy it on the roads), so I'm not sure if it is worth going all out for a 383 over a rebuilt 350 with the semi-mild heads/cam I'd like to do. I realize it's not cheap. I mean, I don't mind dropping some money into it (this is my hobby), but I don't want to do this if it will cost significantly more either. Of course, I don't plan on getting rid of this car anytime soon...

Tell me about your 383 experiences and if it ended up being worth it for your car...

Thanks,

Mike

 

Yeah, I'd do it again. My only regret is that I didn't do it the first time I had it rebuilt. The first time I went with a 355 set up. The rebuild had problems and didn't last very long, so then I decided to build the 383. But what I think is important to keep in mind is that the bulk of the power comes from the head and cam combo. The 383 adds considerable torque to that, but good numbers and results can be achieved with a decent overhaul with a nice head and cam combo. I bought the Eagle forged kit with the H beam rods and splayed the mains because I use nitrous. If you don't plan on using nitrous or boost, then the money spent for forged internals is wasted in my opinion.

 

<~ Satisfied 383 owner.

-Mindgame

 

Definitely satisfied with my 383

 

Not just yes but hell yes!

Dean

 

Yup...I'd go with a little less cam and a little more head.

Ryan

 

absolutely!!

 

It's not the HP it's the TQ. I am just like a previous post and just wish I had done it the first time, but hey another memeber here got a great deal on a low mile rebuilt 350 when I sold it.

 

yah...i'd prolly do it again. some bumps in the road but it is always expected. after you beef the motor u need to beef the trans..then the rear end.. toys are such money pits!...lol

 

I would have done a turboed 355 again, instead of an all out 383.

If you are sticking with a stock casting head, then I would keep the cubes down.

 

i am interested in the same type of setup, where did you find the kit you got? how much?

 

I had a 388" setup...now I am going with a 396" setup and problem after problem with clearancing...should have went 383" and a big ol' turbo...

 

why not use factory castings on a stroker? Not being a smort a**, I just don't see why not.

 

Im not the head porter/engine builder here, but from what the ones who build these engines for a living say....

The stock castings, even ported, cant supply the airflow needed for a stroker to make good power without tons and tons of work and welding to them. You could go faster with less cubes and use the heads more wisely on a smaller cubed engine.

It all breaks down to RPM vs cubes vs cross section and airflow on the heads. Do some searches for SStrokerAce as he has been the most vocal on the issue.

 

but how much are the factory castings really holding you back? I mean what if you get a set to flow around 270-280 cfm at .600 then how much power would you gain going from that to a AFR or Trick Flow head. For that much $$$ it better pick up quite a few ponies