I have an 86 TA 305 TPI. The motor is tired and it needs replaced. I don't want to put money into building a 305. I can get a good 383 shortblock assembly for around $1800 or I can get a 350 shortblock for around $700. I don't really have a budget but if I can save a little cash and get decent performance then why not - my main goal is to have a good quality fun engine with the most bang for the buck. Here's my dilemma:

Do I get the 350 and use the $1,100 in price difference to put on better parts for more power from the 350 OR do I get a 383 and use your basic, no frills parts?

I'll be updating the drivetrain and suspension regardless of which motor I build so that's not a factor. I'm leaning towards the 383 but my friend is saying go with the 350 because it's more practical. Thoughts?

 

The 350 and 383 use the same block, and if you have the buy a crank, then you might as well get the 383 crank, since its usually the same (or very close) price as the 350 crank.

 

I say build a good hyd roller 350 and use most of the money to buy a really good set of heads. Just think about how much power you want to make and you will see a well built 350 is more than enough power to get the job done.

 

"Bang for the buck" is a difficult measure. How do you assign a "bang" value? HP? ET? General fun? If a $700 350 makes 240 HP and an $1800 3838 makes 270 HP, which gives more bang for the buck? You said "shortblock" - what heads were you planning on using?

A 350 is stretching TPI. Guess what a 383 does to TPI?

 

Assuming you're sticking with teh stock TPI system, the 383 would be a total waste. You'll lose top end and won't get nearly the HP the motor could make (unless its a total dog). I would...

1. Go with the 350 and mild intake port work - its cheaper and will run awesome.

2. Go with the 383 and expect to buy runners, plenum, and a thrttle body. Way more overall potential, just more expense.

No such thing as a free lunch!

Ty

 

I've decided to go with the 383. A HSR, a good set of aftermarket aluminum heads, and some good headers shouild wake it up. It's a little more money than I wanted to spend but a year from now I don't want to be wishing for more power. I only want to build it once and I don't want to build it as a 350and be disappointed.

 

Have you thought about induction mods yet?

(what do you mean by HSR?)

Ty

 

"Holley Stealth Ram".

It's a big-time induction mod.

 

Ah - thus making the 383 actually viable. Sounds like a rippin' setup.