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What makes a Chevy 350 a 383 stroker?

The Chevy 350 engine is a classic and widely-used powerplant, but did you know it can be transformed into a more powerful 383 cubic inch stroker engine? This modification involves increasing the engine's displacement by using a longer-stroke crankshaft, providing a significant boost in torque and horsepower. Let's dive into the details of what makes a Chevy 350 a 383 stroker.


What is a Stroker Engine?


A stroker engine refers to an engine that has been modified to increase its displacement, or the total volume of air and fuel the engine can draw in and combust. This is typically achieved by using a crankshaft with a longer stroke, which increases the piston's travel distance and, in turn, the engine's displacement. The Chevy 350 engine, with its 3.48-inch stroke, can be transformed into a 383 cubic inch stroker by using a crankshaft with a 3.75-inch stroke.


Benefits of a 383 Stroker Chevy 350


Converting a Chevy 350 into a 383 stroker engine offers several advantages:



  • Increased Displacement: The larger 383 cubic inch displacement provides more air and fuel for combustion, resulting in higher torque and horsepower output.

  • Improved Low-End Torque: The longer stroke of the 383 stroker engine produces more low-end torque, which can be beneficial for towing, hauling, or high-performance applications.

  • Enhanced Performance: The additional displacement and torque of the 383 stroker can translate to a noticeable increase in overall engine performance, making the vehicle more responsive and powerful.


These benefits make the 383 stroker a popular choice for enthusiasts looking to upgrade the performance of their Chevy 350-powered vehicles.


How to Build a 383 Stroker Chevy 350


To convert a Chevy 350 into a 383 stroker, you'll need to replace several key components:



  • Crankshaft: As mentioned earlier, the crankshaft is the primary component that needs to be changed, with a 3.75-inch stroke crankshaft replacing the original 3.48-inch stroke.

  • Pistons: Larger-diameter pistons are required to accommodate the increased displacement, typically around 4.030 inches in diameter.

  • Connecting Rods: Longer connecting rods may be necessary to match the increased stroke of the crankshaft.

  • Camshaft: Depending on the desired performance characteristics, a custom camshaft may be installed to optimize the engine's power delivery.


These modifications, when performed by a skilled engine builder, can transform a Chevy 350 into a potent 383 stroker engine, delivering a significant boost in power and performance.

What is needed to make a 350 into a 383 stroker?


You'll need a sbc 400 crank and rods, plus dished hyperheutectic pistons. You can use the original sbc400 rods, or even go longer using pistons with recessed rings. You'll also need to have your 350 block machined for crank, rod and rod bolt clearances.



What makes a Chevy 383 stroker?


This happens because the 400 small-block uses a 3.75-inch stroke compared with the 350's 3.48-inch stroke. Add in a 0.030-inch overbore and the displacement formula spits out 382.6 ci, which car crafters have conveniently rounded off to 383.



What is the point of a stroker engine?


As its name implies, a stroker is where we increase engine displacement by increasing piston stroke. When we increase stroke, we take the piston deeper in the cylinder bore, which increases displacement. The longer the stroke, the greater the fuel/air charge.



What can a 350 be stroked to?


It's about as reliable as a block can get and there are still millions available to the hot rodder. Stretching a 350 to 383 inches has been a common practice for the best part of 20 years.



How much HP does a 383 stroker put out?


Chevy 383 Engine - The 500/500

True 383 Power
RPMLB-FTHP
4,600501438
4,700502449
4,800500457



How much horsepower will a 383 stroker make?


Chevy 383 Engine - The 500/500

True 383 Power
RPMLB-FTHP
4,400498418
4,500500428
4,600501438



What is the difference between a stroker engine and a normal engine?


Further from the actual center of the crankshaft. This effectively lengthened the travel of the piston in the cylinder. Increasing. Its cubic inches.



How much horsepower should a 383 stroker have?


Chevy 383 Engine - The 500/500

True 383 Power
RPMLB-FTHP
4,800500457
4,900496462
5,000493469



What are the disadvantages of a stroker engine?


Cons- Cost. Some are very expensive. Potential RPM range loss. Depending how nice the factory set was, you may loose top RPM range due to longer stroke.



What is the difference between a 350 and a 383 stroker?


Why A Stroker, You Ask? The biggest advantage to putting a crankshaft from a Chevy 400 into a 350 block to produce 383 cubic inches is that more displacement equals more power. Also, the longer crank throw produces more downward thrust, which translates into torque.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.