to build a 383 do you think i should just use the current L98 block in my car and have it machined, or go buy an old short block, strip it down and build it up so i can still drive my car while i build? if i was to buy a block, exactly what should i go out looking for?

 

Keep driving yours......you'll try to rush to get done if your car is apart.....BTDT, rushing an engine together = mistakes = $$$$$$$


I haven't decided on a 400 or 383 build yet. I'm REALLY Leaning towards a '87-up 350 block, because I want the ability to use a factory style roller cam cheaply. And the price of a good 1 piece RMS 3.75" stroke crank has come down alot.

Right now I'm dealing with my machine shop guy to find out what crank I can use that's a decent price where I can "zero" balance the damn thing and not have to spring for the high $$$ special flywheel to use with the WC T5 I'm swapping in.

I always preach this...it's ALWAYS cheaper to start with a known, good, RUNNING core engine. Smoke is okay. Make sure it's not doing the old antifreeze / oil milkshake mombo, and make sure it isn't knocking. Spending a little more now, can save you big $$$$ and time when you start having to deal with bad blocks, heads, rods etc.....

I see take out L98 type short blocks all the time for $200-500.

You could also sell off what you don't need, or since you're doing a 383, check with the local machine shops. ALOT of times, especially with the economy sucking as it is now, you can pick up a nice block, short block, whatever for CHEAP, as customers leave stuff when they can't pay for it, and the shops just want their labor back out of it...... I found a 400 small block for a buddy of mine last spring for $400. It had been tanked, magged, bored, honed, came with a full bearing set, pistons, and a redone set of 5.7" rods...... Can't hurt to make some phone calls.


HTH

 

sounds like a good deal, i would like to be able to build the engine at my own pace and do it right. i remember a friend of mine that bought a short block for $50 and had it remachined, bored and honed to build his engine so i was thinking of doing something like that, but i'll just have to see what i can find, thanks for mentioning about the stuff people couldn't pay for, ill have to check into that.

 

Yeah, I agree. Look for a block so you can keep running your car and build the new engine up at your own pace and do it right. Keep your eyes out though, and ask all your friends about what they have sitting in their garages. I got my block for free ('78 or so 350 4 bolt main, never bored or anything) from a good friend of mine, so keep your eyes out, because getting a solid core for free or very cheap is a big help to lowering engine build cost! Just my .02

-Paul