454 or 383

[son69]

Hello, i have a dellema. I need a new motor for my 69 camaro. i was going to build a nice 383, when my engine builder suggested he could do a 454 bb for about the same money. I realize i'll have to change some things to get the motor in my car, but now having trouble deciding. I will be driving it ao the street so drivability and reliablity will be a big factor, but i also want something that will put me in my seat when i put my foot down. I have a th-350 with a 12 bolt and 3.55 gears and a eaton posi. What do you recommend?????? pros and cons of both... Thanks in advance

[LowBuckX]

454 .. but the con is weight.

If you have a 383 making 450 hp and a 454 making 450HP the 454 will be working alot less for the same gains. The 383 also wont be making as much TQ as the 454.

[79TransAm]

Theres No Replacment For Displacment!!

[baz67]

Theres No Replacment For Displacment!!

Very true until you need to make all that mass change directions. The BB would be great for drag since the mass need to change direction once. If you want to corner then the SB would be better.

[son69]

Thanks for the input. i am leaning toward the 383. the car is pretty origional, and is coded as a ss-350. I wonder if changing the motor to a big block would have any negative effects on resale vs keeping it more stock with the small block. Thanks again

[speedster]

If you are looking for a 383, there is a guy on lateral-g selling one since I assume price is a factor in the 454 vs 383 choice.
http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=3005

[Travis B]

If you are looking for a 383, there is a guy on lateral-g selling one since I assume price is a factor in the 454 vs 383 choice.
http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=3005

jay is a good guy....he has a dyno sheet with the engine as well!

[jay web]

son69 - I am the guy with the motor for sale here & on lateral-g. It is a VERY nice engine. I never had this motor in a car, but Jaybird (also on this forum) has a motor (sbc) w/ similar power figures and that car will definately put you back in your seat! contact me for specifics on the motor, I think you will find my asking price to be very reasonable for what you would be getting.

[CAMAROBOY69]

I went thru this same delima about 2-3 years ago. The best way for me to go was the 383. I ddint have to swap out anything since it was still basically the same small block I pulled out. As mentioned it is also lighter. This thread could go on forever but the bottom line is I am more than happy with my 383 expecially on the track. Since I knew my car would be on the track I figured the 383 was the way to go. Overall you will save a lot more money since you wont have to make your car accomidate a heavier or bigger engine. The stroker puts out a ton of torque. I bet it is very very close to the same torque of a similar price built big block.
If your have any doubt of my 383 check the videos I put on my site keeping up with c5 vettes on a raceway.
Also if you go with the big block you will have to get new front springs.

[rocketman]

build a 454,small block. or bill mitchell builds one.i finished one for a guys dirt late model.they would make a killer street motor