350 to 355 or 383 or 396?
 

I am currently building an engine from a 350 block out of a 92 Camaro. Ideally, I want to bore and stroke it to a 396, but I can't figure out the bore and stroke combo--any ideas? So maybe a 383 or 355, by the way what are the mechanical differences between the two? Are there any good sites or books on motor assembly and installation that are very detailed?--I've never done this before.
Thanx.

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92 Camaro RS L03 with hypertech thermomaster chip and cut off exhaust.
future: 355 or 383 w/ TPI.

A 396 is a big block. A 355 uses a 350 block bored .030" over, and a 383 is a 350 block bored .030" over with the stroke of a 400.

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1984 Silver Z28, 383 cid 4 bolt, ARP Fasteners, 2 1/2" Cowl Induction Hood, 600 cfm Performer Carburetor, Torker II Intake, Performer RPM Heads, XE268H Cam, Magnum Roller Tip Rockers, MSD6AL Ignition, Blaster2 Coil, Recurved HEI Distributor, 700R4, TransGo SK, 2.73:1 Limited Slip Dana 44, Terminator Headers, Custom 3" TIG Welded Stainless Exhaust, Flowmaster Muffler, 4 Wheel Disc Brakes, Oil Cooler

a 396 isn't necessarily a big block. In january 2000's gmhtp, they built up a 396 LT1 for their project thunderchicken. They said that the 396 displacement seemed more effective than a 383 setup. they used a callies 3.875 inch stroke crank, 5.85 inch rods and bored the block .030 over. the crank made up a 46 cubic inch increase. all said and done with good heads, cam and programming they had 500+ hp to the wheels all engine. I called MTI to see if they'd build this with an L98 instead of an LT1, they said they won't but that engine cost around 8000 to build, a lil expensive for my taste.

I'd say to talk to speedomotive.com they have great stroker packages for all budgets in a 383 kit, from daily driver to all out race setups capable of handling 700-800 horses. I have no idea how wild you plan on going but they can guide you in the right direction.

building a 350-355 will let you explore another 500-1000 rpms but make less torque than a 383.

For a street car, and stoplight racing I'd say go with the 383 setup, just remember with whatever engine you build, heads, cam and intake (ported tpi, superram, miniram) are essential to whatever power you're gonna make, the bottom end only holds it together.

Steve