Cascade Crew

Leejo2005 · Member Joined: 12 Jul 2009 Posts: 466 Location: Kennewick

I'm looking at building a 383 sbc for a truck.
My goals are that it must be able to run on regular fuel, have broad torque, and I hope I'm not being too optimistic here but 380-425hp/tq.

The block I have is a 350 4 bolt main OE roller cam crate that I blew up a few years back. I've already had the machine shop check the block out to make sure it hadn't been damaged but it needs a whole new rotating assy and I gave the heads away last year so I figured It would be a good donor for a 383 project.

I've never built my own engine from scratch like this and I'm hoping to do it for between $4-6,000.

One of my first questions is what are the drawbacks besides cost (if any) to a forged crankshaft, pistons and things like H-beam rods.

I've heard that it helps to improve oiling to the front main bearing, is that something the machine shop would do?

Thanks

Quasi-Traction · Posted: Thu Nov 04, 2010 7:03 pm Post subject: Re: School me

chevymad · Posted: Thu Nov 04, 2010 7:31 pm Post subject:

What you have sounds like a good plan and do-able. I'll make a suggestion on contacting Mike Lewis at lewis racing engines. See what he can do for you on the parts.. He'll also be able to make recommendations that will work and get you what you want. If you do buy somewhere else, plan on having whatever rotating assembly rebalanced locally.. the "balanced" sets you can buy are usually off i've heard.

http://www.lewisracingengines.com/contactus.html

Schultzy89GTA · Posted: Thu Nov 04, 2010 8:02 pm Post subject:

^--- Great guy. Does high end stuff but a real down to earth guy. Will give you plenty of advice whether or not you do any business with him. I have purchased things from him almost out of obligation for the free advice Wink

-Schultzy

P.S. His prices aren't bad either.

izcain · Posted: Sat Nov 06, 2010 3:10 pm Post subject:

There are no draw backs to the forged stuff although sometimes you will have a bit more weight in the rotating assy (if using H-beams)

There has been some problems on high RPM 383s with the front mains being starved because the front main is the last to recieve oil in the line. A reputable machine shop can perform a poor mans version of the priority main oiling in your factory block and I would recommend this if you are planning on leaning on this engine a lot.

That HP and TQ figure should be very easily obtainable with good quality well thought out parts.