Crazy Canuck

Where do i start?

Live in Vancouver Canada & idc where to buy a crate engine from if Canada or US. Block is cracked & want a solid set up.
400-430hp is fine if torque does not suffer too badly.
Also what else can i expect to be changed? Fuel system, headers etc? Any tips r greatly appreciated. Should i stay with TPI or carb or what else is best? Would prefer to use the original hood but not if a poor idea then change it I will. FYI am a noob & looking in the range of $6-8k all in. Plan on getting this done early Spring for next year.

Thx n look forward to replies

Buddy

You could call Mopac and start pricing there first... they are west coast. They are like a Canadian Summit or Jegs.

Buddy

Randybdis has a 383 block and some heads for sale in the classifieds, take a road trip and save some money and start there....
IROCZ1989 also has a 383 for sale in the classifieds....

Abubaca

iTrader: (3)

Horsepower is basically a function of torque and time, relatively speaking, so they're more less linked. So long as you have the engine put together right and tuned up, a 383 is gonna make great, fun, tire smoking torque and power, no matter how you build it. That being said, you would build a race 383 different than a street 383.

I recently went from a cammed 350 TPI to a scratch built 383 TPI.

I stayed TPI because I'm hard headed and love TPI. MOST will tell you not to do that. It'll restrict overall air flow unless heavily modified, which I did. Still, it won't outflow most other options out there. PLENTY of choices though, if you don't mind ditching the TPI.

Obviously a carb will require modding the fuel system, but even sticking with EFI, it's likely the old stock pump isn't up to the task of the higher fuel demands. I went with a Racetronix pump and harness upgrade. I also needed bigger injectors.

I had larger diameter, 1.75" headers on my 350 already, so I kept them, but I think most shorty's are a little smaller. I didn't really look into it, but you'll wanna make sure your exhaust is up to the task. Smaller headers would've been great for my street 350, but I don't know how they'd be on a 383.

Hood clearance all depends on what hood and what intake. I think most EFI will clear stock hoods, but the stealthram barely clears camaros, and won't clear birds I don't think. ...and most carbs will clear with a drop base air cleaner, depending on manifold. Again, so many variables so you gotta research.

Also keep in mind the T5 isn't the strongest. Part of the reason it wasn't offered with the 350. I swapped one in with my 350 and it lasted just fine, but I didn't race. ....I feel like a 383 is a bit much for a t5. I went with a TKO600. It's pricey though. No reason you can't leave the T5 for now, and it may last a LONG time. "Officially" though.....the consensus on the boards is that the t5 won't be a long term choice for a stout 383.

Crazy Canuck

Thx all for the help.
Much to consider & do.
Next spring i hope i'm done.

Crazy Canuck

I could be ok with under 400hp if decent torque.
As for my T5 i won't be racing but do like some above speed limit highway driving, say 150-180kmh lol. 100-115mph US.
Mostly work out of town and anywhere from 4-15hr drives.
In town the wifey likes its rumble from our earlier days when we met.
Outta town lots of highway hills to climb.

Other things that came to mind:
Do i need to add sub frames?
Exhaust mods? Using a cat shell & no emission test here.
Lastly my rear tail lights won't work & i searched & no luck any tips or send it in to get done. Other tips r welcome also THX

Buddy

All thirdgen owners should throw a set of subframe connectors on, makes a huge difference. As for exhaust, well they make high flow cats as good as straight piped now, I would use that. Cause emissions.... don't kid yourself, our government will make this hobby harder to stay with, emissions is going to be a major issue in the future. Here in eastern Ontario we have had emissions testing for years. There are also the roadside checks going on. This is going to encompass the whole country in time. Best to just do less to get hassled now.

Crazy Canuck

I hearya but here in Greater Vancouver air care was removed.
Idk if a new form is coming but thx for the tips bro👍

Crazy Canuck

If i kept the TPI:
How much power loss?
What changes r needed eg harness or chip/ecm etc?

If carb only way to go:
What intake manifold & carb fit without a hood mod?
Is there a significant power loss to the above?

Wanna try it out 1st n see how it goes then maybe change to a carb later. What I am aiming at is about 400-430hp. Not going to race but the lower end power is fine if TPI with the higher end if carbed. Avoiding a hood mod if possible unless a carb set-up can fit as is & not for convenience if a mod is needed for a carb as the best choice to make. Still considering anyones ideas other than what i've already mentioned. Folks can suggest a full build plan if u like given this post & my earlier posts.

Thx again

Steve Mack

iTrader: (5)

TPI can make power and will give you the most torque over the other intakes.

Crazy Canuck

Thx

Sent a message to the performance shop to run this by him.
Piecing together my build on all ppls input & help.