Ok I am in the process of a rebuild, and I have removed EVERYTHING from my block so it is now bare. I have been reading and I am still confused and I now have another decision in mind also. So I will make it clear what I want. I want a 500-550 Hp daily driver (track ready), 150 shot of nitrous, LS1 smoker (have rivals around here in LS1's) of course the Ls1 smoker part is based on "no juice mode". I am really looking to have a powerful car, but not a 3 year long build. I am not balling, but I look to spend about 4-5k max.

383 Stroker (Please do not get too technical)

What do I need to do to accomplish this (step by step). What is the price of this project. Not looking for the most expensive parts either. If I can use stock on some things that is fine with me.

396 stroker-same thing


Which engine mod is better overall performance wise and daily driver wise. Also which one would be able to make 10 hr road trips w/out any problems?

Thanks guys. I just read up on 396 strokers and now I am interested. Let me know what you all would do. Remember I am going for a LS1 smoker without using nitrous. The nitrous is for track times.

 

It's all in the heads and cam (I would get heads with 195cc runners), keep the compression as high as stock or a little higher, and you'll definitely want forged pistons for a 150 shot, and it seems like the stock crank/rods don't hold up to reliably to 500hp.
Forged rotating asembly + block machining + good heads/cam will run you over $4k.

 

would it help that I just got hired at Autozone and get a 20% discount?

 

Not really. You might be able to get some of the stuff through their supply chain but not the major, expensive, stuff.

While you'll see some folks offering a cast crank stroker setup, you should avoid a cast crank at the power levels you wish. A forged setup from Callies is a good choice. Rods are important, especially in the hardware. Be sure to use a high strength rod bolt...ARP2000 is a good choice. Fored pistons are a must to deal with the stress of nitrous but will be noiser than the stock hypereutectic cast pistons. Just saying....

As mentioned before, heads/cam are where to spend the most cash...it's all done right there.

 

396 wont cost much more over a 383, as your going to need a brand new rotating assy. anyways for the power your looking for... never be done on the budget you listed... you say 500-550 hp... you want that before the nitrous or with it? check out advance inductions.. they have a good rotating assy for your goals for something like 2196.. expect to spend at least that on the bottom end, and if it was me, put splayed caps on it. plus machine work and assembly, your already at atleast 3k. now check out there heads section on the same site, youll be spending atleast 2k there....

 

dont forget all the supporting bolt ons also, a 500hp 383 will cost around 10k or more, you could cut costs and just go with a 355, but that is what i did and it cost me 7k

 

i didnt even bring that up.... trans to hold the power... about 1600 if hes t56, not sure on an auto.... rear end to hold that,,, about 2000 anyways... full suspension to hook it 1500.... theres more than just making the power, you gotta put it down to the ground

 

i was not even including the drivetrain, with a decent clutch as long as he is not launching with slicks he should be ok for a while