Haven’t built one myself, but I did build a 400/470, that thing is an animal! Mopar action or Mopar something did a 383/496 a while ago, might dig around to find it and read it.
If I were to build something new, I’d go right for the 489(383) or 511(400).
Obviously, it’s likely the least expensive way to get on the road again is to repair the current 383.
A lot of good points there. A little more insight into my thought process...
I want to get a solid short block, stroker preferred, built up and for now use my heads, cam, intake, etc. Phase 2 in a year or 2 would be new aluminum heads, new cam, maybe a new intake.
I already have headers (headman) and a weiand aluminum dual plane intake.
We bought a 496 Already built. Had alot of leakage past the rings, not sure why, 30% plus. So using the parts to build a 512 with a 400 block, we'll see how that works. The wrist pin intersects the bottom of the oil ring, real short skirt. It had quite a bit of slap, so that didn't help. RunningHave you built one? Any issues with longevity?
I think a bit different in the original engine deal. For about the same money, I'd rather build a 400 vs the 383 because a big bore engine imo, is a better deal overall. The 400 generally has a stronger main web structure plus the larger than a 440 bore helps to not shroud larger valves. I also like to keep the stock stroke....if the car isn't a pig as far as weight goes. Yeah, torque is great but a light weight recip assembly will rev pretty dang quickly in a short stroke configuration. Kinda funny because I was a long stroke thinker in the 70's but these days I'm not which is totally opposite of the main stream street rodders. lolI understand the idea of setting the original engine aside if I was doing a high hp engine that may meet its maker in a blaze of rod throwing glory. But for a street car I would prefer to keep a original car together. It's probably the one circumstance that I would not build a 400. I would keep the engine and car together because its unusual to have one that survived...and imo really kool to keep it that way. However, I have no problem with stroking the original engine and making more torque and hp. Wolf in sheep clothing so to speak. 496...go for it!!