383 or 355

[pjdm1980]

Can someone shed some light on why most people stroke a 304/308 to 355 when you could go to 383?
I'm no engine genius so was thinking it's because it's to much risk, work or its not practical?
Cheers Pat.

[T-rex]

As far as I've gathered, you need to take a fair bit out to get the clearance for the rods, and you will probably hit a water jacket so you need to get the block grout filled. Adding a a whole lot more effort for someone who probably is after something for the street. I'm sure plenty of people who actually race go 383 but people making it for the street will probably see as it extra costs not worth the effort and so you wouldn't hear about the 383s so much.

Of course I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

[pjdm1980]

Well that would make sense, thanks for your response.

[304runner]

Yeah they are not very streetable and go BANG pretty easy...

Most company that sell a 383 kit will harp on that they have customers that have had no issues with them, which usually makes me think that they get allot of people actually do have drama's with them...

[Reaper]

Yeah they are not very streetable and go BANG pretty easy...

Most company that sell a 383 kit will harp on that they have customers that have had no issues with them, which usually makes me think that they get allot of people actually do have drama's with them...

There are a couple of manufacturers who do 383 cranks that are very reliable. As far as streetable goes, the crank is one of the lower contributory parts. It's a matter of camshaft/intake selection where the power band is. You can choose a relatively mild cam that doesn't need too much compression/revs that will make a ton of torque down low and be very drivable. Of course most people choose 383 because they want something wild.

The poster above got it right with regards to clearance on the block. 355 crank fits into any VR onwards block and earlier blocks with minimal grinding. With a 383 you hit water and need to grout up some of the water galleys which is no real problem, just $$$.

Reaper

[Munz]

Of course most people choose 383 because they want something wild.

If wild, you mean sounds tough - then its all down to the camshaft


I'd be spending my cash on the 355, build it bullet proof and you won't really be thinking of the 383 when you plant the foot

[304runner]

Yeah, I wasn't having a dig at their cranks just the kit itself.... But id prefer to build a 304 or 355 for boost if it was power I wanted....

[Reaper]

If wild, you mean sounds tough - then its all down to the camshaft

Wild as in trying to wring whatever they can out of the poor old Holden block down a drag strip. That means biggest capacity, big compression, cam, everything.

Reaper