360 vs 383

318willrun said

Didn't want to derail stroked 340's thread any further. I think this is a really good comparison. I have both now, and in the past. Can we put aside our bias and speak facts, functions and possibilities?

Lets assume same car/gear/transmission & converter. Which do you like best in these 4 scenarios :

1. 360 4bbl stock vs 383 4bbl stock.
2. Mildly hopped up for the street
3. Decently built bracket car engine
4. Well built-high horsepower race engine.

Click to expand...

1. Can I cheat and say magnum 360? In an a body specifically I dont see the 383 being worth the difference in cost and size.
2. Same. 360 magnum.
3. Same 360 magnum. Every 383 block will need machine work. That's money I won't spend on a 5.9 block that will let me buy better heads.
4.383. Bigger is better and better flowing heads are available


My rule of thumb is bang for buck is always magnum 5.9 but if I were a legit racer or I need torque for a truck bigger is better.