I've wanted a car with just about rip your head off power since I was 18. I finally got a 94 Z28 three years ago and must say I was a little disapointed. But of course the engine is solid and has a lot of potential. I'm thinking about doing a 383 build up but I want to know first how dependable that setup is. If it needs a lot of maintenance and/or breaks a lot I probably won't do it. Also, if the life of the engine as a 383 would be 20K I probably won't do it. My car has LE 1 heads and cam already and I'll be putting headers on it over Thanksgiving. I will also be driving the car every day once I'm out of school, (although one day I might get a cheap ----box to drive to work.) So how about the 383? Is it a dependable, reliable setup, or will it break constantly and be torn up in less than 20K? Also, any information about gas mileage or anything else would be appreciated.

 

Although the motor in my car now is only 2 years old, freinds have had 383s in the past. One is about 12 years old and still running very very strong. Mine can go anywhere anytime any place , it still have A/C, power steering, power brakes, and never has gotten hot.

 

There is little about a "383" vs. stock displacement motor that will affect reliability. Piston speed and piston acceleration are both a little higher due to the longer stroke, but are still quite reasonable. What will determine reliability (and longevity) is the quality of the parts, the suitability for the intended use, the care taken in assembly, how fast you turn it, etc. Unfortunately, you are dealing with three factors: price, power output, and reliability/longevity that interact in the usual way. You must pick which is most important, the others will be compromised. IOW, it can be fast and cheap but in that case, it won't be reliable. Or, it can be fast and reliable, but be prepared to pay for that privilege.

Overall, a good short block with a nice set of heads and a mid-size cam with the right drivetrain components should be plenty fast enough and also reliable if carefully assembled and driven.

Rich Krause

 

The 'infamous' triangle principle. You are absolutely correct though.

 

[QUOTE=bluemaggot]I've wanted a car with just about rip your head off power since I was 18. I finally got a 94 Z28 three years ago and must say I was a little disapointed. QUOTE]

Weren't we all? You don't have to go to a 383 to get what you want. IF the bottom end is still solid, save some money and do bolt-ons.

 

If I were in your shoes, I'd probably do bolt-ons first. The first thing I would have done was headers. Let her breath. Then second, get a daily driver and then build a stroker but that's just me. If something does go wrong with the stroker, at least you have a second car. I know you weren't asking this, just saying.

 

bluemaggot...i sent you an email.

as far as the reliability, i agree that a 383 should be just as reliable as a stock displacement motor, plus it'll be a lot more fun and torquey around town without a real big hit in gas mileage. that's eventually my plan. gotta pass emissions now though and dont have the funds.

 

Thanks for the replies. It looks like the 383 will be an option. And I will probably end up doing it this summer or after I graduate in December '05. The Hot Rod has been like an idol in my mind for the past 7 years; and I think that maybe if I finally take it to the extreme I will be over it. So my philosophy is to go ahead and take it to the extreme as soon as possible. If I finish a 383 and still find myself with this problem I will know that there is no cure except to sell the car and keep away from Hot Rods forever.

 

well, as said before it shouldnt be any diff. then a stock build. the biggest determining factor is assemblin the eng right and getting everything right. which is no diff. then a 350ci motor. I like mine, but it cost some dough. also, how hard you drive it will determine how long it lasts too.
chris