considering 383 stroker

[sumdood]

I am considering replacing my 305 V8 with a 383 stroker. My boat is a 2004 Cobalt 220, the 305 just doesn't cut it. The drive is a Volvo DP. The boat is too heavy for the engine, I need some more torque to pull skiers. has anyone had an experience with US Engine? Does anyone recommend a company to purchase a 383 marine longblock? i already have the alternator, starter,etc for the longblock from the old engine and do not want to pay the price for a new engine.

 

[Walt T]

Re: considering 383 stroker

I built my own 383 stroker and boy oh boy it's like having a big block in there. My boat is a 22 foot cuddy that had a stock 350. Summit Racing Equipment has them. I specified pistons, cam, Block and head machine work, and now I have a set of Vortec heads I'm gonna stick on it once they're all fixed up by the machine shop. I have 9.7:1 compression now, the Vortec small chamber heads will bring it to 10.5 roughly. I bought the cam from Summit, the stroker kit from Powerhouse Engine Components, Machine work was done at Performance Machine here in Denver area. Of course it's different for me since I can build my own engine. I spent about 2800.00 total on it. The performance increase is remarkable. I can't say what it will do for your boat but for mine, I am glad I did it.

Never heard of US Engine. Whoever you use make sure you understand the warranty completely.

Here is one from Summit, I have never purchased an engine from them.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mll-bp3834ct1/overview/make/chevrolet

 

[aogmitch]

Re: considering 383 stroker

Had to replace the engine in my boat this summer and looked at US Engine as a source. However, some internet surfing of them brought up a lot of negative reviews and their BBB rating was in the toilet. Ended up using a company called RapidO Marine. I'm not sure if they offer a 383, but they do have a 6.2L (377) small block that would slip right in. Found them mentioned and highly recommended on a couple other boating forums. Engine is doing great so far, have a little over 30 hours on it now. Customer service was great, shipping was cheap and easy and no core was needed for return. I didn't do the 6.2, but a 350 long block. You could call and talk with them to see what they could do for you.

 

[sumdood]

Re: considering 383 stroker

Thank you, have heard good things about Rapido. Also looking at a company called Tri-star. I prefer a 383 to a 377, apparently the 383 has more low end torque. has anyone dealt with Tri-Star?

 

[Walt T]

Re: considering 383 stroker

You are right about the torker motor vs the 6.2. The 6.2 is a decent motor but the 383 is a better deal for the money I think.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: considering 383 stroker

the 383 is just a 0.030 bore for the stroked 377. (just like a 355 is a 0.030 bore over the stock 350) 6.2 liters = 377 cubes (so does 383)

RapidO marine and Michigan Motorz have good reviews on here. However much like Walt stated, find a local machine shop. My last 383 started as a 350 I had plus $1800.

I will also be building a 383 out of my current 350 short block unless I stumble across a tall deck block for next to free. (I already have fresh Vortec heads on it from my last major wrenching)