I want to build a 383 chevy to replace
my old 400 that I built over 10 years ago.

ok so for parts I have the 400
it was a 1972 engine so it has a forged crank

any sugestions would be greatly aprichiated.

what do you want to know? yer gonna need a 350 and just the 400 crank the 350 block is gonna have to be shaved down so that the crank clears in the block and yer gonna want to get it bored out about 30 to 40 over (not sure if you knew that or or not but it sounded kinda like you didnt)

i would say get a 350 crank and put it in the 400......and then get a lot more gear..........high rpm ish.......

no really i would keep the big bore and big stroke......keep it mild and build a lot a torque........

too much $$ for custom stuff when you could spend it elsewhere ..........fuel injection...d60s....ectect

just my opinion

Yah, you can run a 350 crank in the 400 block..........Thjat would be a 377, not 383, though.....

I would go with the 350 block/400 crank.
You probably know about the cooling probs on the 400 block, and I think you can only bore out a 400 once or twice over stock.....

just MHO

One of the ways to keep it cheap is use shorter rods ie: 5.56 I think, instead of 5.7, 6 or 6.125.
The longer you go, the more $$$$ it will cost.
I think it is cheaper to go with an aftermarket new 383 crank instead of getting a 400 crank turned down.
You can actually build one at a reasonable price that will live a long time and have plenty of nuts.

Buy a 383 kit from speed o motive they have kits starting at about 500 bones:D :skull:

Thanks for your replys so far the info is good.

sounds like i will have to find out how much it costs to have my crank ground down to fit a 350

it is a forged crank so it looks like cost wise
it might be cheeper to use it.

I am getting rid of the 400 because of the
heat problems.

seems like to diferent ways to go eather
shorter rods or modified pistons

which is better?????