305 died last night...time for a new engine

[shrtbx]

Well...just got the word that my 305 is officially dead. Its bitter sweet. I have a 350 with a new 383 crank in a box in the garage from an old project. Is it practical to drive a 383 stroker motor as an everyday driver on low octane gas. Just want some opinions. I think the rebuilding of the 305 is a waste of money although its practical. IM pulling my hair out lol ...a

[Srubydo1986]

i like power so i never cared about mpg ill drive it no matter what it takes.

[shrtbx]

would a 700 r4 handle the power?

[Srubydo1986]

Should if u get a 1987 and up year transmission. One thing when installing a 700r4 (if it not whats already in ur truck) make shure it hooked up exactly the way it was when it came apart. Its very touchy about its shifting habits.

Just one peice of info dont do a neutral drop it, I completely blew my 1989 700r4 with B&M shift kit to dust along with a detriot lock rear.

[Pyrotechnic]

You can build the 383 up mildly. Infact, if you go with a mild performance street cam and maybe a set of Vortec heads (not sure what your budget is) you could probably build a more efficient engine and get decent mileage. Keep your compression ratio around 9:1 or so.

A 383 built the way I described above will put a hurtin' on any stock 700R4 on it's factory rebuild in no time. If you can find a reputable tranmission builder, they can rebuild one to take 300-400HP reliably if you have the funds to do that. A slightly higher stall torque converter will also help take advantage of the new power you have on tap.

[lurch115]

Originally Posted by Srubydo1986

Should if u get a 1987 and up year transmission. One thing when installing a 700r4 (if it not whats already in ur truck) make shure it hooked up exactly the way it was when it came apart. Its very touchy about its shifting habits.

Just one peice of info dont do a neutral drop it, I completely blew my 1989 700r4 with B&M shift kit to dust along with a detriot lock rear.

*LOL* don't do a neutral drop in anything! 9 times out of 10 it does VERY bad things....

if i remember right they made a heavier 700r4....had a big "K" cast into the case....those are strong enough to handle about 500 horse...i know my 4X4 has a 700r4 with a shift kit in it and for the last 2 years i've owned it i've used it for tractor pulling and have never had a problem....shifts good and firm, and shifts when it should.....trust me..you wanna be tough on a tranny....try draggin' 30,000 lbs.....but thats just my opinion

[Srubydo1986]

yea i got a 700r4 tranny just sitting in my garage with the big k on it was bad a*& when it wa in the truck but i rolled the truck and tranny only has about 1000 miles on it. (rolled cause i was to sick to drive, did any way)

[alemanc]

I agree. I'd go with the power.

[swb85]

Go with the cubes!!! I'm building a ~450hp 383 to stick in my daily driver, gotta have a little fun on that daily commute.

[cuda]

Where is this "K" cast into the case? I also am looking at stroking my TBI 350.

[knightlife]

I get 8 gas stations to a mile...Simon says go with the 383 so you can dominate all...buhaha!