Thread: General Opinion: Swap a 350 for a 383 or 396?

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Hi everyone...im new to this forum. Im 22 from CT and own a 1969 Nova SS. I watched my dad build this car in his spare time for the past 14+ years, he owns a mint 67 Chevelle SS396 bored out to 468ci that was his main resto. My Nova idles like a bada** but my dad's is just a beast. With all that said, I was just wanted other peoples opinions on my current situation. I have a 350 small block in my Nova and its good for about 360-370hp at the fly. Its fast but I want to be able to beat a freakin 2002 Audi S4. My dad, who has been a mechanic for 35 years, says the engine is worth about $2000 because it has low miles and is straight from GM. He says i should just invest money into the engine. Should I invest money for bolt on parts and crankshafts and exhaust etc. to get this mouse to squeeze out around 425hp or pull it, sell it and buy a 383 or 396 and not have to put as much money in? Thanks for any info.

Originally Posted by JoeProvolone84

Hi everyone...im new to this forum. Im 22 from CT and own a 1969 Nova SS. I watched my dad build this car in his spare time for the past 14+ years, he owns a mint 67 Chevelle SS396 bored out to 468ci that was his main resto. My Nova idles like a bada** but my dad's is just a beast. With all that said, I was just wanted other peoples opinions on my current situation. I have a 350 small block in my Nova and its good for about 360-370hp at the fly. Its fast but I want to be able to beat a freakin 2002 Audi S4. My dad, who has been a mechanic for 35 years, says the engine is worth about $2000 because it has low miles and is straight from GM. He says i should just invest money into the engine. Should I invest money for bolt on parts and crankshafts and exhaust etc. to get this mouse to squeeze out around 425hp or pull it, sell it and buy a 383 or 396 and not have to put as much money in? Thanks for any info.

A 383 with good alu. heads,hyd. roller cam,750 carb. and a good intake will put you up over 500 hp easily.

Thanks for your input...with that setup do you have any idea what the mpg are? Currently I get about 14mpg if I cruise at 2500-2900 RPM. I attached a crappy pic with of my engine...i used my razr so excuse the quality. Anyone know how to upload large images?

Originally Posted by JoeProvolone84

Thanks for your input...with that setup do you have any idea what the mpg are? Currently I get about 14mpg if I cruise at 2500-2900 RPM. I attached a crappy pic with of my engine...i used my razr so excuse the quality. Anyone know how to upload large images?

Most of my customers don't ask about mpg.
These engines are "weekend warriors" and may only see 1,500 miles a year.

Is cornering an issue? IMO, if not, go big block. Just my 2 cents.

Originally Posted by Dreamin' Mike

Is cornering an issue? IMO, if not, go big block. Just my 2 cents.

He is worried about mpg.
A big block might be a hard sale.

350 for 383 is a straight swap. Easier to do, less stuff to buy....
You will have a little more cash left to pay for gas....

Originally Posted by ceh383

350 for 383 is a straight swap. Easier to do, less stuff to buy....
You will have a little more cash left to pay for gas....

Good point.

[QUOTE=erik erikson]Good point.[/QUOT

Erik, I suppose this would mean a 408 Windsor would also not be considered a good swap??????

[QUOTE=Dave Severson]

Originally Posted by erik erikson

Good point.[/QUOT

Erik, I suppose this would mean a 408 Windsor would also not be considered a good swap??????

Well it could be done.
Now where did I lay my torch?

The car is a weekend warrior, 1250-1500 miles a year 4 months a year. I just got it handed down to me and want to put some more power into. Around here, cornering isnt an issue, just straight. And I know rats make horrible gas milage (my old mans 468 gets 8mpg). I guess the real question is can I get the same power and torque out of a 383 as I can witha 396BB? Is it even worth it to swap or just put some cash into the 350 for better parts? All while staying in a reasonable budget ($5000).

Whats the rest of the set-up on the car like? It sounds like you have nothing to laugh at under the hood right now and no less power then alot of the newer cars out there. I would suggest spending some on the motor you have and then taking a good hard look at the rest of the car. Gears? Tranny? Weight? Traction? Etc. You could spend all of your money on another motor and have none left over for the rest of the car. Something to think about.

I would just like to ask a uestion here.. "Are you going to build up this motor yourself ?"

Just asking because if you want the easy way, just go out and buy one and shoehorn it it. If you are doing the buildup yourself, the easiest way to big cubes is to build a big block.383's are a little bit more of a challenge and involve some thinking ahead. But whatever way works best for you.

well you know you could build a 454 small block, but that could be pretty spendy. im building a 406 right now, and the combo im going with is should produce 425 hp at 5000 rpm, and 523 lb ft torque at 3500 rpm. Thats at the flywheel. I got the vortecs with stock 194 150's in them and thats what gets the torque so much.
also, my buddy just finished his 355 build, with aluminum vortecs, lunati roller cam, and the whole works for 4800. he dynoed it at 422 hp
just some thoughts

A 350 is a good engine, and can be built to have a lot of power without all that extra weight of the big block. I would say its best to work on weight distribution, gearing(both trans and rear end). If you spin your tires a lot, look at the tire and traction setup. Sometimes you can overpower your car into slower times.

If a stock audi is beating you he is likely beating you on traction and weight not HP. Focus on those if you want to beat him. You may look at replacing the leaf spring setup that car came with with a 4 link. Then replace the tires with the beefiest set you can fit under the rear quarters.