If you had a choice between these motors, which one would you want?
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.
383 or 406 sbc?
- Thread starter retroblazer
- Start date
tiger9297
1/2 ton status
I have looked into a 383 and I know how you get to the 383 ci., but how do you get a 406???? I'm planning an engine build myself. I would be interested in everyone's input as well.
retroblazer said:
No substitute for cubic inches - it's an old saying but it is so true......
Actually build what is most economical for you - the 383 is very strong and the 406 only gets better .
Tom
sled_dog
1 ton status
Steamhole and heating issues with the 400 block are the only thing I'd say to keep away from them cause of. You can build a 383 out of a single rear main motor as well(I am right now) so that can be an advantage. 350 blocks are easier to find. For power if run right the 406 will be better.
406= 400 block bored .030 over
I'd build a 383 before a 406 myself... oh wait I am...
406= 400 block bored .030 over
I'd build a 383 before a 406 myself... oh wait I am...
Poohbair
1/2 ton status
A 406 in a minute. 383's are great motors, but not that impressive when compared to a properly built 406
1985K20
1/2 ton status
heating issues is easy to fix with the 400 blocks...get that big triple core rad on there and change your thermostat to a 160 instead of a 195 and get good air flowing and your laughin
akbound
1/2 ton status
406 in less than a minute. More cubes=more torque and more horsepower
sled_dog
1 ton status
MarcS said:
have to say you are wrong about that. A 383 is a 400 crankshaft in a 350 block. So thereby you have the same large stroke with a 400 + more cubic inches. Setup the same side by side a 400 will make more power, at midly different RPMs of course.
tyco91burban
Registered Member
406 hands down
as my daddy said "there is no replacment for displacment."
of course he also said "speed cost money how fast you want to go"
that is what i allways think of when looking at motor build.
as my daddy said "there is no replacment for displacment."
of course he also said "speed cost money how fast you want to go"
that is what i allways think of when looking at motor build.
sled_dog
1 ton status
there are at least 2 replacements for displacement. Boost and Nitrous. Sure you will make more power with a bigger motor also running those but you can still get close to say a V8 power with the right power adder setup on a 4 cylinder. I wouldn't do it but its doable and I must respect that. There is a kid in my class who I think just about every other sentence out of his mouth is "There is no replacement for displacement" hearing that all the time has made me take a pretty good stand on the side of power adders on the subject. Of course the other sentence out of his mouth is "those things run hemis". STFU. Ok sorry that was pointless.
SUBFAN
1/2 ton status
A two piece rear main seal 383 has a better chance of being more reliable. The lifter valley is thicker on this block than the one piecer....
There is less chance of overheating a 383. Both can be built for about the same money....
(I am doing a stock bore 400 myself)
There is less chance of overheating a 383. Both can be built for about the same money....
(I am doing a stock bore 400 myself)
mpascino
1/2 ton status
Working on a PFI 409 olds motor myself.....I get a kick out of a small block with >400 cubes. Keep em cool and don't over rev em and they'll provide a long life.
