What Engine Is Better???
What Engine Is Better???
Which engine is better as far as how much Horse Power and Torque it can produce:
355 SB
383 SB
396 SB
406 SB
418 SB
427 SB
I've seen all of these in use either in magazines or in use by members of the boards. I think the 383,396, and the 427 would be the best. I'd like to do the 427 since I've found a 400 SBC but I've been hearing that it wouldn't be able to rev past 5500 and I'd like to be able to have a redline of about 6200-6500. Money is no object, I just want to know which is the best engine out of all of these????
Alex
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www.TransAmGTA.com THE 3rdgen Firebird Site!
1992 GTA (226 made), 1 of only 18 "Dk. Jade Met." 92 GTA's, My Window Sticker, LB9, 700R4 4-Speed, T-Tops, Grey Leather, EVERY available option except U1A.
Current Mods/Upgrades: 80 Series Dual Outlet Flowmaster, TPIS Air Foil, K&N Air Filter, and Mobil 1.
Future Mods/Upgrades: None but a complete restoration.
Best Track Time: 14.6sec@96.6mph
"If it ain't broke, fix it til it is!"
Webmaster www.TransAmGTA.com
My 3rdGen Firebird Message Board!
[This message has been edited by 92GTA (edited June 22, 2001).]
355 SB
383 SB
396 SB
406 SB
418 SB
427 SB
I've seen all of these in use either in magazines or in use by members of the boards. I think the 383,396, and the 427 would be the best. I'd like to do the 427 since I've found a 400 SBC but I've been hearing that it wouldn't be able to rev past 5500 and I'd like to be able to have a redline of about 6200-6500. Money is no object, I just want to know which is the best engine out of all of these????
Alex
------------------
www.TransAmGTA.com THE 3rdgen Firebird Site!
1992 GTA (226 made), 1 of only 18 "Dk. Jade Met." 92 GTA's, My Window Sticker, LB9, 700R4 4-Speed, T-Tops, Grey Leather, EVERY available option except U1A.
Current Mods/Upgrades: 80 Series Dual Outlet Flowmaster, TPIS Air Foil, K&N Air Filter, and Mobil 1.
Future Mods/Upgrades: None but a complete restoration.
Best Track Time: 14.6sec@96.6mph
"If it ain't broke, fix it til it is!"
Webmaster www.TransAmGTA.com
My 3rdGen Firebird Message Board!
[This message has been edited by 92GTA (edited June 22, 2001).]
Well I know there is also a 434 Stroker small block. I have no idea what stoke crank or what you need though. I would look into a 434 if I were you. Just look it up on the net or maybe ask someone on the board maybe someone will know.
I thought of that but in order to do that I would have to bore the 400 SBC .030 over and I didn't want to bore it so then I would have room for future rebuilds and stuff. I'd rather just stick with the 427 
I think these are my eventual plans
http://www.TransAmGTA.com/Engine.html
PLEASE let me know how I can do better and if my parts match up for optimum power...
[This message has been edited by 92GTA (edited June 23, 2001).]

I think these are my eventual plans

http://www.TransAmGTA.com/Engine.html
PLEASE let me know how I can do better and if my parts match up for optimum power...
[This message has been edited by 92GTA (edited June 23, 2001).]
Supreme Member
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,238
Likes: 4
From: Calgary, Alberta, Republic of Western Canada
Car: 1986 Sport Coupé
Engine: 305-4v
Transmission: 700R4 and TransGo2
Grab the current edition of GM Hi Tech Performance. They have an article about a guy who pours custom small block moulds that put the Chevy 400 small block to shame. His blocks are simply incredible, and if money is no object ...
Supreme Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 5,183
Likes: 42
From: Oakdale, Ca
Car: 89 IrocZ
Engine: L98-ish
Transmission: 700R4
If built correctly, there's no subsitute for cubic inches...plain and simple.
If you're concerned about the redline you'll be setting the motor up to run, then adjust accordingly with the rearend gear ratio.
But I'm pretty sure no one builds a 427/434 to just run to 5500
If you're concerned about the redline you'll be setting the motor up to run, then adjust accordingly with the rearend gear ratio.
But I'm pretty sure no one builds a 427/434 to just run to 5500
If you are concerned about engine redline.. just keep in mind, the valvetrain can be set up to run the numbers you want with stronger springs and the right rockers... the crank is going to be the biggest of you troubles... if you go with a crank with too big of a swing then when you start revving it up, there is going to be too much side-to-side pulling on the piston going on... it'll wear the block out real fast...
IMO, try destroking a 454, or destroking stock CI's... (not destroking a 383 for example, as a 383 is a stroked 350) That'll get you you 6500 rmp redline... as well as a whole sh*tload of torque
otherwise, I agree with what 8Mike9 said... no substitute for cubes. Build a good motor and then worry about keeping it below it's redline with rear-end gearing.
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1985 Camaro SC - 2.8L, auto.
Mods:
Removed air baffles, mandrel bent cat-back pipes (but stock replacment muffler, Dynomax Turbo and Catco converter are on thier way)
IMO, try destroking a 454, or destroking stock CI's... (not destroking a 383 for example, as a 383 is a stroked 350) That'll get you you 6500 rmp redline... as well as a whole sh*tload of torque
otherwise, I agree with what 8Mike9 said... no substitute for cubes. Build a good motor and then worry about keeping it below it's redline with rear-end gearing.
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1985 Camaro SC - 2.8L, auto.
Mods:
Removed air baffles, mandrel bent cat-back pipes (but stock replacment muffler, Dynomax Turbo and Catco converter are on thier way)
Trending Topics
Check out the Aug. Super Chevy mag. They have a tech artical on a World Products MoTown 415 cid. small block that I would love to have, 482.4 HP and 545 lb. torque at 6000 RPM, running 9 to 1 compression on 87 octane gas, that would be one sweet street engine!!!
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92 Camaro RS 5.0 5-Speed
L98 Alu. Heads
SLP coated headers
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92 Camaro RS 5.0 5-Speed
L98 Alu. Heads
SLP coated headers
Dynomax cat-back
14" open air cleaner
1998 Dodge Ram SS/T
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