383 Stroker vs. 350
 

Hey -
Debating about an engine combo for a custom 1956 Chevy Pickup. The project is finally going back together and it is now time to figure out what to do for an engine. Althought the 468 Big Block is fun in the '72 Cheyenne, I think I am sticking with a SBC for the 1956.

Have the opportunity to purchase a 383 Stroker but the guy lost the paperwork on it. About 500 miles on motor. Supposed to be dynoed at 405HP /450ft lbs - balanced, blueprinted, 2.02/1.60 Sportsman II cast heads. Asking around $2000.
In talking with some people, they said that 383 Strokers are gas hogs compared to the 350 counterpart. Any truth?

I had a 355/350HP, 2.02/1.60 heads, built for my 1955 Chevy. Cruising I can get around 18MPG. (staying out of the 4bbl of course!) Plenty of power to light up the tires. Thinking about it now, the money spent to rebuild and work on the heads, etc., could purchase a similar HP crate motor. This has kind of elliminated my original option of rebuilding the 350 that came with the truck. (Found out it was a '72, 2 bolt main.)

This leads to my question - given the option of 383 or 350 crate engine, what is the better option? I am looking for a streetable engine that has plenty of performance but also nice for driving. 350-375HP (or thereabout).
Thoughts?

Re: 383 Stroker vs. 350
 

Thought I posted in the engine section but ended up in high performance. Doesnt matter to me if it Mods want to change - just want to hear from people that have experience with 383 Stokers or 350 Crate Engines.

Thanks much!

Re: 383 Stroker vs. 350
 

So you have a choice between a used 383 with little info or a new crate motor? If you want a decent motor with about 350-375 hp I would go with a new crate motor.
I doubt you would see any MPG difference between a 383 or a 350. You might actually get better MPG from the 383.

Re: 383 Stroker vs. 350
 

Totally agree given the two choices. Because you make more torque in a lower RPM range the 383 is absolutely capable of better efficiency than the 350. But buying a engine of unknown heritage,,, no way! The 383 can be built too many ways of cheap and unreliable. Unknown packages are usually less that stellar and should be avoided like the plague.

Myself,,, I'd take that 72 block 2bolt and build it into a nice solid 383 taylored just for that 56 PU.

In the end just keep this in mind,, you always get what you pay for.

Re: 383 Stroker vs. 350
 

I went from a smog 350 with a mild cam to a 450HP 383 with a 750 CFM carb and my mileage actually improved a little.

Another good example is the Edelbrock/Pat Musi 555 big block. They claim that it gets really good gas mileage.

The point is, if you can get a large cubic inch engine to be highly efficient, then keep it at a optimal RPM during cruise conditions, you will get good gas mileage.

Re: 383 Stroker vs. 350
 

my 350 has about 3000 miles on it now and i'm kicking myself for not spending the money and building a 383, I'd go with a 383 if i had the money, not necesarily that 383 though