383 Build

[mtnrat]

Re: 383 Build

Steve, I know exactly how you feel at this stage. Research is your best friend. I had never built an engine before so I bought a few books on SBC building. I started with Rebuilding the Small Block Chevy Step by Step Video Book, then How to Rebuild Your Small Block Chevy by David Vizard, and How to Build Big Inch Chevy Small Blocks. I also bought a few others just because I get obsessive. I already had Dennis Moores Marine SBC book. I then slowly figured out what parts I wanted. Yea figuring out the piston-head-rod combo was the most difficult. I really wanted good quench.
Here are some of the parts I went with:
Enginequest Heads 200cc and 72cc combustion chamber.
SB Chevy 383 Mahle Forged -16 D Dish Top Pistons to work with 6" rods
Scat 383 4340 Forged Standard Weight Crank - 3.750" Stroke
Scat 4340 Forged Pro Stock SBC 6.000" I-Beam Rods - 7/16" Cap Screw.
Lunatti Roller retrofit lifters. 1.5
Clevite 77 bearings
RPM air gap intake
Q-jet jetted for 383
etc etc.
Static compression of 9.1:1
Quench a tight .035

As you can likely see I spent a fair amount on the engine.

As for deciding on the cam I took the guesswork out of it and called a custom cam designer and had one ground for me. Cost a little more, but you get a cam matched to your components. I asked for one with a smooth idle and good around the dock manners, and no chance of reversion as I am through leg exhaust. That was more important to me than maxing out the performance.
The engine was night and day compared to the 350.
Again research is your best bet and before you buy stuff run your combination of parts by some of the guys here. It will save you buying the wrong stuff. Don't ask how I know.

 

[WizeOne]

Re: 383 Build

Ditto on the custom cam. You could even go with a good regrind from someone like Delta Cams in Seattle. They have a great reputation and could point you in a direction that would satisfy marine requirements and make the best use of the stroked motor.

 

[mtnrat]

Re: 383 Build

For my cam I used Chris Straub. Another well respected cam guy is RM Builder who is on many of the performance boat and engine sites.

 

[StevNimrod]

Re: 383 Build

Steve, I know exactly how you feel at this stage. Research is your best friend. I had never built an engine before so I bought a few books on SBC building. I started with Rebuilding the Small Block Chevy Step by Step Video Book, then How to Rebuild Your Small Block Chevy by David Vizard, and How to Build Big Inch Chevy Small Blocks. I also bought a few others just because I get obsessive. I already had Dennis Moores Marine SBC book. I then slowly figured out what parts I wanted. Yea figuring out the piston-head-rod combo was the most difficult. I really wanted good quench.
Here are some of the parts I went with:
Enginequest Heads 200cc and 72cc combustion chamber.
SB Chevy 383 Mahle Forged -16 D Dish Top Pistons to work with 6" rods
Scat 383 4340 Forged Standard Weight Crank - 3.750" Stroke
Scat 4340 Forged Pro Stock SBC 6.000" I-Beam Rods - 7/16" Cap Screw.
Lunatti Roller retrofit lifters. 1.5
Clevite 77 bearings
RPM air gap intake
Q-jet jetted for 383
etc etc.
Static compression of 9.1:1
Quench a tight .035

As you can likely see I spent a fair amount on the engine.

As for deciding on the cam I took the guesswork out of it and called a custom cam designer and had one ground for me. Cost a little more, but you get a cam matched to your components. I asked for one with a smooth idle and good around the dock manners, and no chance of reversion as I am through leg exhaust. That was more important to me than maxing out the performance.
The engine was night and day compared to the 350.
Again research is your best bet and before you buy stuff run your combination of parts by some of the guys here. It will save you buying the wrong stuff. Don't ask how I know.

Funny you mention the books, I've got one by the bed and one currently next to me as I type this. I called Chris Straub (I think that's his last name) on the cam but he was out of the office; I'll try again tomorrow.

Which of the Clevite bearings did you end up going with, a regular 77 or one of the H-, P-, or V- series? I'm ordering parts soon and I'm planning on using some of next week's spring break to get some of the build done.

 

[mtnrat]

Re: 383 Build

Pretty sure they were the H series.

 

[John_S]

Re: 383 Build

On the cam, I think the stock cam that is in the Merc 6.2L (320HP) has a little more lift and duration than your crate cam.

 

[StevNimrod]

Re: 383 Build

On the cam, I think the stock cam that is in the Merc 6.2L (320HP) has a little more lift and duration than your crate cam.

That's what I was thinking. I guess I can add the crate cam to the heap of parts I'll be needing to rid myself of. I've looked around and can get the stock Merc 6.2L cam for just over $300 so I may go that route, unless someone has a better idea. The other option is getting one from Chris Straub. I got a chance to speak with him today and he's going to run the numbers and get back to me tomorrow. I think he said I'd be looking at just under $500.

Mtnrat,

What did you do for an oil pan and windage tray? I'm trying to get as much of this stuff ordered up and out of the way so I can get this done in relatively short order.

I really do appreciate all the guidance you guys are giving; it's making the process somewhat less complex to a newbie.

 

[mtnrat]

Re: 383 Build

I used a stock oil pan and tray.

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: 383 Build

am I reading this right?

Did you have a 383 crate engine?............and decide to build your own stroker out of another block?

If so.............why didn't you just use the crate engine............wanted more power?

 

[StevNimrod]

Re: 383 Build

am I reading this right?

Did you have a 383 crate engine?............and decide to build your own stroker out of another block?

If so.............why didn't you just use the crate engine............wanted more power?

Haha, no to all.

I never had a 383 crate engine, just the CAM from one. The crate engine has more than enough power and, although I'm not sure if it's in the right range for a boat, I probably would put it in if I had it.

I'm doing the 383 build starting from scratch.

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: 383 Build

ohhhhhhhhhh............

well good luck..............i would love to do the same thing some day!!

 

[StevNimrod]

Re: 383 Build

ohhhhhhhhhh............

well good luck..............i would love to do the same thing some day!!

My advice would be to start now. Or at least several months ahead of time so you have time to find deals. I got a complete engine for chump change, and some Vortec heads from a guy who did all the machine work on them and went a different direction and needed cash.

From what I remember from our Vortec head swap discussion, you and I are similarly set up as far as weight goes. I'll keep you posted on how it ends up for me, and I'll post a complete spec sheet when I get it done.

 

[StevNimrod]

Re: 383 Build

Quick question...

Does anybody know where Don S posted the wiring schematic for Merc electric fuel pumps on carbed engines? I've tried several searches and have spent more time reading about everything BUT what I'm looking for.

I'll need to do the conversion since the new block didn't have the hole for the mech pump.

 

[StevNimrod]

Re: 383 Build

Strike my last, I found it.

Mysteriously enough, in a thread called "convert from mechanical to electric fuel pump?". Go figure.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: 383 Build

My advice would be to start now. Or at least several months ahead of time so you have time to find deals. I got a complete engine for chump change, and some Vortec heads from a guy who did all the machine work on them and went a different direction and needed cash.

From what I remember from our Vortec head swap discussion, you and I are similarly set up as far as weight goes. I'll keep you posted on how it ends up for me, and I'll post a complete spec sheet when I get it done.

I luv your handle...is your engine already stroked or is it a 5.7 stock motor....Ancient chinese saying there is no substitute for c.u. ....bs...

opps forgot this link i might help you with your cam, it a very intresting guide

http://www.compcams.com/Camquest/

 

[StevNimrod]

Re: 383 Build

I luv your handle...is your engine already stroked or is it a 5.7 stock motor....Ancient chinese saying there is no substitute for c.u. ....bs...

I can't help it, I was born with it.

The engine is a 5.7 I'm having stroked.

You can squeeze HP out of almost any motor, for a certain period of time. Just like you can take one kilogram of TNT and make over 3 million HP. What they don't tell you, at least in that contrived example, is that it's all over in a microsecond...and nobody lives to talk BS the next day about how "awesome" it was.

In other news, maybe mtnrat (or anyone else) can chime in on this:

Can I use the 350 flywheel from my current motor (machinist needs it to balance the engine) or do I need to grab a 400 flywheel from somewhere?

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: 383 Build

I can't help it, I was born with it.

The engine is a 5.7 I'm having stroked.

You can squeeze HP out of almost any motor, for a certain period of time. Just like you can take one kilogram of TNT and make over 3 million HP. What they don't tell you, at least in that contrived example, is that it's all over in a microsecond...and nobody lives to talk BS the next day about how "awesome" it was.

In other news, maybe mtnrat (or anyone else) can chime in on this:

Can I use the 350 flywheel from my current motor (machinist needs it to balance the engine) or do I need to grab a 400 flywheel from somewhere?

:redface: forgot to post this tool for you sorry didnt mean that post to be sarcastic..

http://www.compcams.com/Camquest/

 

[straubtech]

Re: 383 Build

Steve,
Great working with you on the phone. Cam will be on it way. Let me know how she runs to Put N Bay.

Chris

 

[StevNimrod]

Re: 383 Build

:redface: forgot to post this tool for you sorry didnt mean that post to be sarcastic..

http://www.compcams.com/Camquest/

I'll have to find a PC I can use. One of the many joys of being a Mac user. I already have a custom grind en route, but I'd like to at least see what 3 phone calls and 2 hours on hold with Comp couldn't get me.

I don't care about sarcasm, keep it coming...if anything I tend dislike people who can't appreciate a little sarcasm.

 

[StevNimrod]

Re: 383 Build

Steve,
Great working with you on the phone. Cam will be on it way. Let me know how she runs to Put N Bay.

Chris

Great working with you too Chris. I'll look forward to getting it. Did you go to school up this way?

Guys,

If you're doing a build, this is the guy to talk to about getting your cam right the first time. I called Comp Cams and despite my asking for someone to help me work out the specs on a custom grind, I was given several different off the shelf parts. That might work for some people, or maybe even most people, but if you want to have it dialed in give Chris Straub a call (http://www.straubtechnologies.com). When I get it put together and installed I'll be sure to follow up.