Motor build options

[bryan leonard]

Hey guys looking at big block motor options I got 383 that will need bore out and one sleeve on a budget so
Crate motor options? New heads after short block build price/ quality and other issue is down in New Zealand so shipping costs jump in as well any advice would be appreciated photo of the car

 

[pschlosser]

If it's a "numbers matching" 383 engine block, repair it, and rebuild that motor. The value of the car will be greater with the numbers-matching motor in it, than most other engine options.

If you don't really care, and you just want to drive it, then put it whatever you can find down there in NZ. Chances are, your options are limited with just NZ alone.

If you're on a budget, then the 426 Hemi will be out of reach. Those seeking the most power on a budget, have often gone to the 440, with varying options (bored-over, stoker crank, ported heads, 6-pack intakes and/or fuel injection). But as these get more scarce, people are turning to modern engines (example 2005 392 Hemi) and with 6-speed (example) transmissions and overdrive. Now who wouldn't want that?

If you arrange for your own shipping, by boat from a common point of departure (example Long Beach California) then many more buying options open up for you. You can buy crate motors from ebay and other private parties, simply having them ship the engine to Long Beach. By arranging your own shipping (by boat) you have a strong idea what it will cost, and what your budget must be.

 

[Xcudame]

If it's a 72-74 Challenger, the 383 isn't numbers matching. But there's nothing wrong with a 383. Is it complete but needing the overbore and sleeve (crank and rods in good shape)? If you need cylinder heads, I'd sure consider a pair of aluminum heads. It costs almost as much reconditioning a pair of cast iron heads as a new set of aluminum.

I'm in the process of assembling parts to make my 70 Challenger's numbers matching engine into a 431 stroker motor. So that's an option too. I would imagine 440s are even more rare in NZ than here in the States.

For big block Mopar parts, 440 Source is a great option.
www.store.440source.com

 

[Chryco Psycho]

I agree , build a 430 CI stroker , use the smaller trick flow heads & A lunati cam

 

[bryan leonard]

If it's a "numbers matching" 383 engine block, repair it, and rebuild that motor. The value of the car will be greater with the numbers-matching motor in it, than most other engine options.

If you don't really care, and you just want to drive it, then put it whatever you can find down there in NZ. Chances are, your options are limited with just NZ alone.

If you're on a budget, then the 426 Hemi will be out of reach. Those seeking the most power on a budget, have often gone to the 440, with varying options (bored-over, stoker crank, ported heads, 6-pack intakes and/or fuel injection). But as these get more scarce, people are turning to modern engines (example 2005 392 Hemi) and with 6-speed (example) transmissions and overdrive. Now who wouldn't want that?

If you arrange for your own shipping, by boat from a common point of departure (example Long Beach California) then many more buying options open up for you. You can buy crate motors from ebay and other private parties, simply having them ship the engine to Long Beach. By arranging your own shipping (by boat) you have a strong idea what it will cost, and what your budget must be.

Thanks mate I’ll have a look at the options I got the 383 bored out 60 over no sleeves required so take that
As small win

 

[bryan leonard]

If it's a 72-74 Challenger, the 383 isn't numbers matching. But there's nothing wrong with a 383. Is it complete but needing the overbore and sleeve (crank and rods in good shape)? If you need cylinder heads, I'd sure consider a pair of aluminum heads. It costs almost as much reconditioning a pair of cast iron heads as a new set of aluminum.

I'm in the process of assembling parts to make my 70 Challenger's numbers matching engine into a 431 stroker motor. So that's an option too. I would imagine 440s are even more rare in NZ than here in the States.

For big block Mopar parts, 440 Source is a great option.
www.store.440source.com

Nah it’s not numbers matching got it with a cuda I bought I am interested in those 440 source heads are they ok they seem like there priced pretty good thanks for the advice

 

[slantfish]

440 Source is a solid company with solid products

 

[Xcudame]

To be honest, when they first came out there were some issues with the 440 Source heads, but they listened to customer's complaints and fixed the issues. Very good company. I've bought loads of items from them and have no issues with any of them. In fact, they make the best rubber motor mounts out there, period! (but they have 440 Source moulded into them) .

store.440source.com

 

[Deathproofcuda]

Thanks mate I’ll have a look at the options I got the 383 bored out 60 over no sleeves required so take that
As small win

If you decide to build it as a 383, instead of a stroker, you need to be REALLY careful about your choice of pistons, heads, and head gaskets. Due to the short stroke of a 383, it is easy to wind up with a low compression dog if you aren't careful selecting parts. Also be careful about measuring the deck height, and consider getting the block decked so that it is square and pistons aren't too far down in the hole. Zero-decked, where top of piston is level with the block deck, is usually desired.

 

[6PKRTSE]

Nothing wrong with building what you have. As mentioned above nice little stroker is always nice.