Thanks to everyone who voted and replied to my other poll. This one has more options that were overlooked in the first one. Do not forget to give your reasons please.

 

My vote goes to the 396 (other ). More cubes than the 383, and relatively identical price. But it really depends on what you want this engine to do. Daily driver? Race car? Do you want to have a high reving engine? We need some more details. Later.

Adam

 

Given the choices I'd have to go with the 377 (4.155" bore with a 3.48" stroke). You give up some cubes to the 383 (but not many) but you've got alot better bore/stroke ratio so it'll rev easier. The 42- (4.155" bore with a 4.00" stroke) comes in second 'cause its got hella cubes (it'll be more work and more expensive). 383 finishes third, but it would be cheaper...

 

I'd pick the one that will reach your HP goal for the least money.

 

Well, I want something I can drive every day, but still dominate on the street or the track. I now this is greedy, but aren't we all when it comes to going fast. I'm interested in seeing what eveyone would choose if they could build one of these and why. i may just go with a non-stroked 400, but give me some ideas and convince me otherwise. I want more displacement of course, but I want something that will rev. Maybe 377 is the way to go.

 

I wanna build a 406 for my car. Funds are tight at the moment, so it'll probably be a while before I get to. I can always dream though.

 

So am I correct in saying that a 377 is a high reving S.O.B. similar to the 327, but has more torque similar to the 383? Is there any reason I should not go with a 377? If I build this thing I don't want to be disappointed.

 

Than none would be appropriate. 427 and 396 needs a custom made crank, and the 383 needs to be drilled for a 400 crank. The 377 needs special spacers, but is probably the most cost effective in terms of short block.

The 377 is a real screamer and I plan to build one some day, but... and there is always a but with anything but the 350... it is a top end motor, throw away dreams of low end torque. Pulling 550 horsepower in a wildly free reving engine is not impossible and is quite reasonable, but it will be at 7,000 rpm. But you need a T-56 tranny, because the 700-R4 will not like it and the T-5 will blow chunks. You will also want a interesing intake, head, cam package, with large ports. For TPI you will need to port out a Lt1 intake.

Destroked motors are becoming more popular in the drag community, because destroking a race motor you can get better traction, without losing a tenth of trap time. But forget wheel stands!!!

 

383, gets 20 mpg and I estimate low 13's with 2.73 rearend. Monster low end torque, very streetable, can't tell it isn't stock until you lay into it. Nobody has gotten into my car since the swap and not been impressed as hell, this includes many who have hot rods. Besides, you can build a decent 2-piece rear 383 for about $1000, mine is all roller and steel and cost about $2200.