[badknuckles]

383 vs 400 debate of the century??
really?? think so??
what about ford vs chevy?
imports vs power?
dodge vs its transmissions?

[kellogs]

I built a stout 408 for my daily driver. It dynoed 450 hp/475tq on pump gas.It runs 195 degrees whether it is 75 or 100 outside in or out of traffic. Cost was average it idles at 750 rpm and it will tear the tires off the rims.I liked low end torque so stuck with my 400. how 'bout a 377 big cubes short stroke

[Cstraub]

Kellogs,
Do you know the Shaw boys. . .Shaw and Sons Machine?

Chris

[joseph w.]

i personally think the 383 build is more cost efficient. after you spend three or four hundred dollars on getting the 400 to stay cool(i.e. radiator, steam holes, thermostat, water pumps,etc.) the 383 starts to look pretty good! i'm no expert by any means, but at the tracks i go to, bigger don't always mean better. i've seen 327s and 305s smoke big blocks like they were sitting still. yes, hp does turn the wheels and the 400 makes more power, but prices for parts, availability, and reliability are major issues for me. the 400 is too brittle after you bore it. once again, my opinion.

[killerformula]

Dude. I have NEVER nor will I ever see a 305 smoke a big block. Those motors are dogs and they don't make power. Trust me, I've tried! Remember that article when they put aftermarket slugs, heads, cam etc in that camaro 305 and couldn't even get it out of the 15's?! Even with the 4.10 gears adn the 700R4! Then they were all proud of it when the dumped it full of N20 and got it to run in the 13's.

K

[48LCCOUPE]

DEBATE OF THE CENTURY???

Oh I forgot the century is still pretty young isn't it?

[406 ss monte]

i know a machinist that build's 450 hp 305's. they don't suck as bad as you think. sure it will cost more, but it can be done. how he does it, i have no idea, & he an't talken, but that's why he makes the big buck's. it can be done

[Hippie]

I've built mild versions of both and was much happier with the performance of the 400 not that I was unhappy with the 383............. Never had a heating issue with the 400 either and I didn't do anything special.

[Blown79]

Wasn't going to post But, where did you guys learn this overheating problem with 400s from? Enlighten me. I run a 406cid that runs 170 all the time went to 190 once in parade mode traffic.
Back to the question when rules aren't a factor I will always take the bigger CID engine.

[Cstraub]

Due to the thin area between the cylinder walls on 400's the area was prone to get hot and crack. GM put steam holes here to aid in cooling. Most are cured if running aluminum heads and intakes.

Chris

[MR34FORD]

:smash : contact jasper motor company and tell them what you are going to do with the engine and they will help you. even if you don't even buy from them.

The 383 will give you a broader power band than the 400. the 383 develops more power at the lower end. Unless you run wide open all the time the 383 is the answer.

With the high gas prices you are going to have to run slower some time.

Good luck: JERRY

[Super Streeter]

As a builder of both race and street engines,I can tell you that the only time you "go smaller" is when you are dealing with a # per cube weight break.If you had a 400 block,I would sooner build a 377 out of it then scrap the 400 block and build a 383.Dont listen the the hype.There is no downside to running bigger bores.If I had to choose between a big bore or a big stroke I would choose the big bore every time.Some people look at the long crank as being equivelent to a longer crank on a bicycle,I look at the bigger bore as being a stonger leg.Stonger leg equals more speed potential.Isnt that what it is all about?

[badknuckles]

so then it's decided!
305 is the best motor ever?

[2wld4u]

305? best.... apparently Ill have what they are having....nah, make that a double...


2wld4u

[killerformula]

no they're not. One guy told me his 2.3 liter tempo smoked a corvette. That makes the 2.3 the best motor ever. Damn. Why didn't I put that as a choice?

K