Just curious how people feel about both these engines. I always see you guys doing 383s and 396s, and I'm just wondering what people think is a better setup. Which one would be better for forced induction and nitrous? Please list some pros and cons on both. Thanks guys.

 

If you're going to boost and add N2O, why would you want to remove more metal? 383 already requires you grind the block. 396 removes a little more metal and you MAY hit the water jacket. It uses a 3.85 versus the 3.75 stroke on the 383. People do it and some have success. On my 383, we hit the water jacket on 6 blocks taking it easy... core shift.

 

Oh wow your from Berlin, I'm from wolcott, which is next to waterbury and southington. I hope you go to the pike. I hope to be there soon with my 383

Anyways I've done a crap load of research. Basically what it boils down to is that with a 383 you get the extra cubes (33) and with that you get more torque and displacement to play with But still retain the ability to rev the motor a decent amount. Due to the longer throws of the crank.

BUT here is a great site that talks about rod ratios and how longer rods help with N/A motors (no boost) while shorter rods help with boost motors. CHew on that for a bit.

http://victorylibrary.com/mopar/rod-tech-c.htm

With a 396 you add an additional 13 cubic inches but then you sacrifice the motor's abilty to sustain higher revs. SO all your power is down in the low to mid range.

I think it boils down to prefference. I've seen people with 383's do faster times than 396's, it all has to do on how its set up.

If i was doing a boost motor id do a blower on a 396, and a turbo on a 383

Or better yet just a 355 (0.030 over block; stock stroke) and boost it.

Reguardless of the cubic inches. Internals, Cam, Heads, block machining, and general set up will effect the motor alot. SO decide what you want to do then build around that.

And last thing the more meterial you remove, there is less for the cooling system to get rid of.

 

In theory a 383 will last long then a 396 before it has to be rebuilt. for the reason there is more angle on the rod pushing the piston into the outside of the cylinder wall. hard to describe in words a picture would make more clear.