360 or 383?

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Drg racr

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I've started gathering parts for my 360 build. I have a set of domed pistons, a set of J heads coming and a fresh block. I haven't decided on a cam yet.
My dilemma. I found a guy that has a 1966 383 big block, complete from carb to oil pan, with a 727 trans, fairly cheap.
This is strictly a drag car, no frills. I'm wanting to go fast fairly cheap (comparatively speaking). I'm trying to lighten the car too. Is the added expense of a big block worth it? Is a '66 383 worth $400?
 
Kind of need a lot more info, what body? What's it set up for now /6, sb, bb? What exactly do you have for the 360? The 383 will have kind of poor flowing 516 heads big valves and porting they should go 11's your only gaining 23 cubes with the 383.
 
Also, with the 383:

* You'll have around 50 lbs of extra weight up front.

* Piston and intake choice is much smaller, if you find them.

* Less room in engine compartment. (Plugs & headers.)

* You have the option of a built 904 for the 360 that would be about .15 faster than a similarly built 727, if you decide to go that way. (With same converter specs - converters don't interchange between transmissions.) Only 727's were available with big blocks.

Focus on a well balanced combo that's easier to build and reliable.

I vote for the 360.
 
A '66 383 is worth $400. I can make a good argument for a big block. But a good one as well for a 360. The cheapest way to go fast is to make a plan and stick with it. Changing the plan always costs money.

Big blocks do cost more.
 
Locomotion said:
Also, with the 383:


* Piston and intake choice is much smaller, if you find them.


I vote for the 360.
Click to expand...


Pistons for a 383 shouldn't be that hard to find as it's 4 1/4" bore....


But the 360 has more stroke and less weight.


The 66 383 heads did now flow as well as the 68 and later ones...
 
I would be hard pressed to swap to a big block if fairly cheap is the goal.You already have most of what you need for a good running 360.
 
Looks like I made a good choice. I think I'll stick with the 360. Although, I might buy the 383 anyway and stick it under the bench in case a Fury or Satellite roller comes my way. ;)
 
The big block trans, if it is good is worth 200 or more, if it is unknown it is a 100 to 200 dollar core. They are getting harder to.find.....
 
I love the sledge-hammer torque of a 4bbl 383 with a short period cam. It may not be fast in the QT, but it will sure feel like it. Even in a heavier car.
Put a 440 crank in it, And you will have a permanent ear-to-ear smile.
 
In the words of Herb McCandless to me " take that 383 out back, dig and hole, and bury it" lol. He told me to go with and 408 before using the 383. Which I did and I love it.

Now if you did deside to use the 383, I seen that 440sorce has a kit to make it a 438 or a 496:finga:
 
You also need to factor swap headers and mounts to make the 383 it fit so, $400 add another grand if you buy new decent stuff. To me that $1400 will go along way in the 360. Plus an old, used engine and racing don't mix unless you don't care if it blows at any time.
 
Pistons for a 383 shouldn't be that hard to find as it's 4 1/4" bore
Click to expand...

They're not hard to find...but ones that are easy to find are either heavy, .060+ in the bore, run a fat ring package, or if they don't do one of the above things, cost nearly twice as much...or some combination thereof.

We all know the adage about speed costing money, how fast do you want to go, but I understand the plight about 383 pistons...I have a 383 sitting in storage and want to do something with it using good modern parts, but I don't fancy dropping the money required to get there right now. The only ones I'd want to buy for those reasons are Diamond because they're comparatively light, run a low friction ring package, have decent valve reliefs, and they come to near the top of the deck...but they cost $750...and that's not exactly chump change for most people. By the time you spend the money, you'd be better off dropping in a stroker kit and selling the leftovers for nostalgia or scrap.

...meanwhile...with a 360, I can think of at least 6-7 mfrs that make quality pistons and won't make you pause or cringe when you click "place order"

Otherwise, I agree...for most purposes, the 360 will be a better deal. The aftermarket as a general rule is focused on SBs...might as well make it work for you.
 
there is no such thing as a small block.....big blocks the only way to fly... IMO 383 :) but dont limit yourself 400 426 413 440
 
ive always loved the quick reving small blocks,its what ive mostly owened,in an a body they are hard to beat.but ive also always wanted a stroker 440 in a 66-67 b body.
 
Big block auto trans missions are not hard to find - SharaDon Performance in Hugo MN has 35 of them...

I vote the 383 simply cause I am in the middle of putting one in my Demon

You have the fenderwell or hedman b body header option to keep cost down, swap mounts are $62 for slant to B/Rb/ $69 for slant to small block/ small block to big block are $65

440source makes nice aluminum heads as well as aluminum water pump housings for cheap - mill those heads and run them - plenty big for a stock 383 to make good power

Only need 1 intake for a big block race car = M1 w/ a 750 holley

you'll need a hood scoop, or just rock no hood = 100lbs off the front

IF that $400 motor runs, leave the rotating assembly, and build a decent top end, and a decent cam, run the shim head gaskets to get the compression up
 
"But the 360 has more stroke and less weight."

Nothing more needs to be said
 
I've built 2 big block A bodies. IMHO it isn't worth the added *** ache and cost to gain 23 cubic inches.
 
moper said:
"But the 360 has more stroke and less weight."

Nothing more needs to be said
Click to expand...

If anyone else wanted to add another reason, it would be that he already has the 360...something about a bird in the hand being worth two in the bush...
 
moper said:
"But the 360 has more stroke and less weight."

Nothing more needs to be said
Click to expand...

LOL! Well, if ha want, I'll play Devils advocate and we can toss cow pies at each other all day:finga: Baha ha ha ha.....

txstang84 said:
If anyone else wanted to add another reason, it would be that he already has the 360...something about a bird in the hand being worth two in the bush...
Click to expand...

In reality, I agree. He all ready has the sb engine, might as well roll with it.
Not to mention changing plans costs money. Money that could be well spent on the first plan.
 
ill take the 383, our pretty much stock 383 went 12.65 @ 3500lb, i havent seen a stock 360 do that
 
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