I have an 84 Berlinetta with the LG4 305. A swap is in the plans and I'm leaning towards a 383 build similar to what Horsepower TV did in these episodes:

http://www.powerblocktv.com/episodes...3-stroker-pt-1

http://www.powerblocktv.com/episodes...3-stroker-pt-2)

Now I'm not really planning on using all the same parts they did, but certainly doing the same prep/blueprinting work they did. The car will be used for spirited driving on country and canyon roads, not really any dedicated track time.

So my first question is regarding the starting block for the 383. Summit has this block (http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-150100/overview/) ready to go. Can I use this block with my current front drive brackets and accessories?

Next question is cylinder heads. While perusing through Edelbrock's website there is a distinction between earlier-86 and 87-later heads. Is this due to the block, intake, or other factor? (Not sure if this was some general change for all 350 motors or not, but seems to coincide with the introduction on the 1-pc rear main seal roller block.

Next is the Qjet carb. I was given an Edelbrock Performer 3701K intake (Qjet and EGR) and would like to use this if possible with a high perf 383 motor. My question is will I be killing myself more than necessary to try and make the Qjet/3701K combo work?

Other than that, I'll be doing a full high flow exhaust with high flow cats and dual-snorkel air cleaner, dropping the AIR pump and keeping the A/C.

Any potential pitfalls or items of concern you see that I may have left out? I'm still learning all the motor combinations that Chevy offered in the SBC world. Any sage advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Nick

 

Yes,that block will work.87 is the year that sbc heads went centerbolt valve covers & used a different intake bolt pattern.This change was on all heads from 87/95.In 96 the Vortec came out which is an all together different intake pattern.Any of the sbc heads will work on that block.The change only affects the intake & valve covers.

 

Your accessory brackets should work. SBC's are SBC's.

87 up had the center 4 intake to head bolts at a different angle than the earlier engines

 

Thank you for the quick responses!

Anybody know about the manifold and carb combo/performance? The intake is rated for up to 5500rpm, and really I don't think I need more than that for my uses anyways. I'm looking more for mid-rpm power vs. high-rpm power anyways so perhaps it's not as big a deal as I think it is.

 

The Q-jet will work you will just need a little tuning for the 383 application.

The Performer manifold will work as well but for a better mid range and upper range power you would be better off getting a Performer RPM manifold. The RPM Performer is still a dual plane and on some applications can out perform and provide a lot better idle than some single plane manifolds.

 

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/engi...tbi-383-a.html

Exhaust routing and oil pan selection is worth some thought. I went with Dyno-Don and 3" Stainless Magnaflow system.

And as you can see I used the stock front drive accessories without a problem.