Engine Question and Board Question

[rockman20]

First off, why can't I use the search feature on the board? I was going to search for some threads on this, but it won't allow me. Says that I do not have access to that feature.

Now for the engine question. I have a 82 Scottsdale K10 with a 350 in it that needs power BAD! It runs great on its own. Enough power to get you around town. But the other day I pulled a 17 foot Crestliner Sport Fish boat in kind of a high wind. (side wind at about 15-20 MPH)

Just to get the dang truck moving I had to really get on it. To hold a steady 60 MPH down the interstate, I had to almost have the gas pegged to the floor. I am not impressed with this at all. It has 3.40 gears in it as well.

I was really wanting to go with a 454, but the budget is tight and a full engine (since I have no BBC parts) are not that cheap.

Now I was looking at doing the stroked option on my 350. But my question is, how would this work in a truck? Would a 383 stroker be a good match for a 4 X 4 pickup? I'm not looking for high end, high speeds. I will be using this truck for towing long distances and 4 wheel drive use. Would the 383 option work for me or should I still look for the BBC?

I can find stroker kits starting at 750 bucks and going up from there depending on HP.

Also, what all is required to stroke a 350? I know that the block needs to be ground a bit, but is there anything else needed? (Besides the parts! )

[SCOTI]

Sounds like your a great candidate for a stroker. Big blk torque w/small blk packaging. As long as you stay conservative w/the cam specs, it will be ideal for 4x4/towing needs. Check out the specs for the GMHT383 crate motor on the scoggins dickey link. It has 340hp/430tq w/the stock L31 vortec roller cam/heads so if you duplicated these specs w/cheaper parts you would be close.

[BigRed]

The search function has been disabled because of problems they were having with the servers regarding performance (I think).

I say go with the 383!!!

[AirMale]

I just happen to have a 383/450hp crate motor for sale if your interested. It is the best bang for the buck. If you want to see the details go to enginefactory.com and look for the street stroker. I'm asking $3k for mine, it has 2k miles on her. I'm moving into a $10k BBC.

[rockman20]

I would definitely stay conservative on the cam. Just open up the breathing a bit with some headers.

340/430.....that is right around what I would be looking for. Thanks for the suggestions thus far. If I do go this route, I will need to find a way to put "383 Stroker" on the hood where the original 6.2L Diesel ornament is at.

So now, why don't more people stroke the 350? Who has done this and what am I going to run into? Would a 2 bolt main block be suffice or should I be looking for a 4 bolt? Are there any certain years of blocks that this can only be done to?

Thanks for the offer AirMale, but 3K is a bit high for my weak pocket book. But how did you like the stroker while you were running it? Looks like a really sweet engine with the options it has on it.

[CRRoy71]

Rockman, I am in the process of building a 383. It is a good engine for 4x4's due to the ability to make monster torq down low.
I have all of the parts at the machine shop right now being clearanced. I would say go with a 4 bolt main, so that you won't be limited on HP. I am not sure how much you can push on a 2 bolt.(around 400 I think?)
Just be sure and get a good quality rotating assembly. I bought mine already balanced, so the machine shop wouldn't have to do it. Everything I have is in my signature below.
Everyone on this site has been very helpful. I am by no means an expert (this will be my first engine to build) but I am keeping everyone up to speed on my progress, and asking lots of questions as I go.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

[rockman20]

The cash flow is going to end up more then what I was looking for, but I am thinking that it is time for me to do some stroking, of a different kind that is! The low end torque is exactly what I was looking for.

I have a 4 bolt in mind, but I am not sure if the guy will sell it. He traded his Gremlin for the block in anticipation of building a hot street engine out of it. But he is cheap and when he found that it would cost him about 3,000 to build it, he got all mad and the block has sat in his garage since. Since he is so cheap, I am afraid that he won't let the block go at a decent price. We'll see I guess!

Can I take any year 350 block and stroke it?

[CRRoy71]

I don't think the year matters on the block. The only thing is that they went to a 1 pc rear main seal in 86 I believe. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

[Captkaos]

They make stroker cranks with one piece seals too, so the year block doesn't matter.

[rockman20]

Perfect. Now I just need to locate a healthy block. I really would be surprised if my 350 in the truck right now is a 4 bolt main. So I am keeping an eye out for a good block to start my project.

Does anyone know of any books that kind of go through step by step on this project or a really good website that I could follow? I will be doing all of this (less the machining) on my own. I have built a Chevy 350 and an Olds 350. But the last engine was about 6 and a half years ago already.

Thanks for all the help so far!