Engine debate

[oldtoyboyd]

I have a debate on which engine too use in two of my trucks. I have a mint condition 73 /forums/images/graemlins/k5.gif with a mildly built 350/sm465/np205 and 35. I have a stock 74 400 that I am debating putting in it. Should I go with that or build a late model 383 for this truck. Its main purpose is cruising aroung and eating mustangs for lunch.

The other truck is a 86 /forums/images/graemlins/k5.gif with a old 350/sm465/np208 that is starting to get weak. I think I am going to go with a 383 and an rv cam with a stock throttle body fuel injection off a 90 model truck.

I have been debating these for a while and now it is time to do both of them but i havent made up my mind what I want to do.

 

[pauly383]

My personal opinion , given the circumstances would be to : Leave the mildly built truck alone as it sounds like it is running well already. Then I would remove the tired 350 from the newer one, get a Scat crank (strong, new, fits 350 block already with light pan rail notching), matching pistons, rebuild kit,and make a 383 with 5.7 rods. The 400 is getting harder to find as its been 383 builds all over the U.S for the last 15 years. So with that said, sell the 400 to help finance the rebuild of the 350 to a 383. Just MY ideas /forums/images/graemlins/k5.gif

 

[K5er4Life]

Go for the 383, its a great little motor. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif Not to say though that the 400 is not a great motot=r too but IMHO do what was mentioned and sell the 400 to fund the 383, also some of the heating issues with the 400 might not be worth the hassle for what you gain with it. /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

 

[75-K5]

I'd say go 400. The coolness factor is through the roof and you can do some awesome crap to it!

 

[CaveBlazin]

383! /forums/images/graemlins/woot.gif 383! /forums/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif 383! /forums/images/graemlins/peace.gif
You can find Unbalanced 383 kits for as little as $500 if you supply your rods and Ive seen kits with rods for $600 but the price will depend on what you want in the kit. My kit was $580 and I had the SCAT crank,High performance bearings(cam, rod and main), Felpro gasket kit, springs,keepers,lifters,cam of my choice (RV 4x4), timing chain set, KB hyperuetic pistons w/ sealed power rings and last but not least mild performance pushrods. All of this stuff is name brand and really nice. Let me know if you interested I'll give you the guys name who sells these kits o yeah and that price was for delivery too. /forums/images/graemlins/peace.gif

 

[K30CJ]

Any time I had a choice between a "dime a dozen" 350 and a 400, I'd go with the 400. Lots of people get wood over 383's, but I don't see them as that great. Drop in the 400 with plenty of radiator, and enjoy the torque. /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

 

[bablazer73]

[ QUOTE ]
My personal opinion , given the circumstances would be to : Leave the mildly built truck alone as it sounds like it is running well already. Then I would remove the tired 350 from the newer one, get a Scat crank (strong, new, fits 350 block already with light pan rail notching), matching pistons, rebuild kit,and make a 383 with 5.7 rods. The 400 is getting harder to find as its been 383 builds all over the U.S for the last 15 years. So with that said, sell the 400 to help finance the rebuild of the 350 to a 383. Just MY ideas


[/ QUOTE ]
I agree with that sort of. I would sell both and go Big Block. But thats me!!! Its a size thing!!
But if you decide to sell the 400, which I would do, It would be best to research the block and decode it. Find out what it came from. Some blocks are worth MORE for historical value, than just being an engine. I went through this a while back looking for the "correct" 427 block for my 69 tripower vette. When i got it it had a 70 454 block with the 427 guts. A 427 block used 500.00 a 427 block for a 69 vette?? 1,500 and up!! Some of these blocks are getting VERY hard to find. I sold a JUNK M22 that had the stamping for a 67-68 ss camaro. 600.00. I got 2 of them for 200.00!!!
same for older 350's!! Research and get TOP dollar. and build the 350.

 

[oldtoyboyd]

I am thinking of waiting on the 73 like some have said and put a big block in it after the wife finishes nursing school. It is my best truck and it would be cool to have one in it.

If i do that should I build a 383 for the 86, use the 400 for it, or I was thinking a 383 with maybe a whipple supercharger on it.