383 or 350 Questions
 

First off, I'm looking to build an engine that will take me into the 12's. I'll be using a TPI setup, and heads off an 87 305 Formula. All of this of course will have work done to it (valve job, polish/port). I know I'll also have to get a custom chip burned, or burn my own. I will be putting this engine, with trans into my 92 3.1 Bird. I also plan to add posi, and new springs on the front to handle the setup.

Here are the 383 Kits I've been looking at from Powerhouse:
Chev 383 Stroker Kit 5.7 Rod Flat to Piston-Powerhouse 383 Stoker (5.7 Rod)Pistons; 10.8 Compression (64CC...9.5 with 76cc), Street/Strip Rings, CR1 5.7 Rods rod bearings; main bearings, complete gasket set, and new 383 Stroker cast crank.

OR

Chev 383-I Stroker Kit 5.7 Rod "Street Friendly" balanced kit-Powerhouse 383-I Stoker (5.7 Rod)Pistons; 9.0 Compression (64CC...8.5 with 76cc), Street/Strip Rings, CR1 5.7 Rods rod bearings; main bearings, complete gasket set, and new 383 Stroker cast crank.

Both of these also have the Balance, New Balancer, and Flex Plate.


Here's my questions.
1. Which would be better to attain my goal? One of these or a built 350?
2. If one of these, what else would I need if I had a complete power train out of the 87 Formula 305 TPI besides a 350 Block, and bigger injectors?
3. Would anyone suggest a different route?
4. Would the engine I'd be building run on pump gas?
5. Considering this is going into my V6 Bird, am I going to be able to use my factory wiring harness?
6. If I do a good job with this engine and hit my target of at least 380HP (counting the ram Air setup I'm planning), would I be able to hang with a 2000 WS6 Trans Am?

[This message has been edited by Ovrclck350 (edited March 26, 2001).]

If you're going to put 305 heads on it, don't waste any more money than you have to on the bottom end, because you won't be needing any more than a stock one.

Kit #1 looks like flat-tops, kit #2 has dished pistons, looks like the stock dish size from 70s model 350s.

• 1. More inches is always easier to make more power with.
• 2. A SET OF REAL HEADS!!!!
• 3. Get a set of heads. Then go to work on the limitations of the stock TPI, including the runners and intake base.
• 4. Depends on the heads. Aluminum 64cc heads woudl work fine on a flat-top 350, would be close to the limit on a flat-top 383.
• 5. I don't know. Never fooled around with a 6-cylinder car.
• 6. I don't see 380 HP in your buildup. Considering that a stock 350 TPI was good for some 230 HP, and there's nothing in there that indicates increased horsepower except for the increase in CID, I would guess that with a complete exhaust from a good set of headers all the way to the street and an otherwise stock TPI, you're going to be lucky to hit 300 HP. So I don't see this plan competing with LS1 cars.

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"So many Mustangs, so little time..."
ICON Motorsports

Sorry I forgot to mention the exhaust. I do plan on headers and 3' exhaust all the way back. The brochure claimes their kits dynoed anywhere from 350HP/42lb torque to 421HP/448torque. What heads would you reccommend that aren't that expensive?

ttt

What cam are you planning to use? Also, heads are a key component in your quest for power. I would also look at "upgrading" your TPI intake to a better breathing system.

Those 3 things are what make a stock L98 have far less power than it is truly capable of. And with a 383, you will want even more "breathing".

Remember, the L98 (with the TPI setup) does not produce all that much more power than an LB9. Yes, it makes more torque, but not much more power.

what would you suggest then? I don't believe that i can carbeurate it, I believe it has to be fuel injected. Not quite sure on the laws here in Tx yet. I am going to plan the cam later, but it won't be TOO hot of a cam, but one that does provide performance with a good vacuum.