I first thought that the hardest part about working on my car would be knowing how to do the work. Now it seems like hardest part is trying to figure out what parts to replace. I currently have a 350 TPI engine in good shape with 42,000 miles. I'm thinking about building up the 350 with a FIRST intake, AFR heads and cam. I know that I will have to strengthen the automatic transmission and upgrade the stock rearend. My goal for the car is to keep stock look as much as possible but upgrade performance. Building up the 350 will probably put out around 380 HP and 400 torque at crank. Do I need to replace other items on the engine for saftey measures such as crank, rods, pistons, flywheels or is stock ok? From what I gather seems, 400 hp is cutoff for stock parts and upgrading internals would be good insurance. If I have to replace a lot of engine internals, it might make sense to go 383 stroker. I know new rear end will be needed (12", Dana, etc) that will cost about $1,200 more than upgrading stock. If I go 383, I'm assuming I will need bigger tires and upgraded rear brakes? So more $$ there. I'm in no rush to build engine now, just trying to plan ahead and see how much $$ is needed. Thanks!

383's require a lot of air, so they dont work very well with long tube runner TPI intakes. Stick with a 350 in that case.

Thank you for the reponse. I have seen dyno tests with 383 and large tube runner system. Engine produces good HP until 5,000 rpm where it flat lines which would be due to lack of air. I don't know if this would be a big deal for me since I am not looking to make a high rpm drag screamer. Just looking for good street maching that I can take to the track once in a while.

Does anybody know the HP/rpm limitiations of the stock 350 engine components? If I slap new heads, cam and intake on my 350 can I keep the pistons, crank, flywheel, balancer? Would it be wise to tear down the engine and inspect parts even If I can keep them? I know 10.5 compression is needed for aluminum heads so not sure if I need new pistons or decked heads. I'm trying to figure out how much $$ and what new parts it will take to beef up a 350. If I have to get forged crank, pistons and other engine accessories it may make sense to go 383. I think that going 383 will be a lot more money by getting new rear end and bigger brakes.

Thanks!

I'd say for the small difference in price, why not go with a 383? Even with the LTR set-up, the engine will be a blast and you can always upgrade the induction later... Whether you make 380HP with a 350 or a 383, you will need to upgrade the drivetrain anyway. Why not go with extra-flat torque "curve" of the 383?

There are a lot of people running 383's with the stock rear end and have no problems (I think problems arise when hp ratings go over 500 or with a trans brake setups). If your current rear brakes are well maintained it isn't a required part to upgrade. I understand the concern for stopping power (and upgraded brakes are nice) but your current brakes will slow you down just as fast with your 350 tpi as it would with a 383.