what do i need to build a 388 stroker? - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

drumminfoolz · 08-05-2009, 11:10 PM

its a 69-79 350 that is already bored .060 over. i think the deck has been milled already. the pistons are keith black hypeuretic flat tops. i was wondering if all i need is a 400 crank, or will i need different rods and other parts?

soxbaseball · 08-05-2009, 11:17 PM

dont you mean a 383

drumminfoolz · 08-05-2009, 11:28 PM

a 383 is bored .030 over. a 388 is bored .060 over.

Orr89RocZ · 08-05-2009, 11:33 PM

60 over is gonna end up being a 388 actually.

I'd get a 383 designed stroker crank and rods for those pistons. What is the piston compression height? Are they designed for a 350 3.48" stroke or what? If they are you'll need to get pistons designed for 3.75" 383 stroke, and order them instead. If you use Iron heads, get some dished pistons as flat tops will put you at 11 to 1 compression. Need aluminum heads for that

400 crank is the old way of doing things. 383 designed cranks are abit better if trying to build a 383-388 as they have proper 350 mains for your block

quickkris2006 · 08-05-2009, 11:41 PM

think someone could throw up some part numbers for whats needed? ive alway wanted to have a 383 stroker

drumminfoolz · 08-05-2009, 11:58 PM

i have no idea what the compression height is. so all i would need is the 383 crank, and pistons designed for a 5.7" rod, right? that way i wouldnt need new rods.

InfernalVortex · 08-06-2009, 03:35 PM

You can use 5.7 rods with a 383, but I think a lot of people go up to 6 inch rods. Up to you.

You need the whole rotating assembly. Stroker crank, rods, and pistons designed for the 3.75 stroke and the length of rods you're using.

Then you need to clearance the block for the longer throws on the crank and rods. Then you need to make sure none of your rods hit your cam. You may need to get a small base circle camshaft. Then you have to deal with the balancing and using, most likely, external balance parts. So you need a new damper and flywheel/flexplate.

Orr89RocZ · 08-06-2009, 05:57 PM

measure from the center of the piston wrist pin hole to the top of the piston and you'll get a compression height. If its anywhere near 1.56 then its a 350 type piston for 5.7 rods, giving total deck height of 9.000" which is zero deck machined block

383 with 5.7 rod will use 1.425" piston. 6" rod uses 1.125" piston for 9.000" zero deck block
6" rods are nice for motors that will turn some rpm as it keeps piston weight down. It makes it abit easier to balance the crank too.

91interceptorZ · 08-06-2009, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drumminfoolz

i have no idea what the compression height is. so all i would need is the 383 crank, and pistons designed for a 5.7" rod, right? that way i wouldnt need new rods.

New rods are relatively inexpensive...and you might be able to get a kit to save you some money....say from scat. you will need the right pistons though as other have stated.

There are different combos you can use...but my understanding on rod length is this......5.5xx rod for a lot of torque (rare and hard on block)....the normal 5.7 rod (good all around torque and power), and what most people are doing now the 6.0 rod (more top end and rpm)....I don't know the exact tech. data why the different rod lengths change how the motor runs, but it just does.