What would you choose???

[4406v]

After all of the confusion lately about my 71 Cuda (am I going to sell it or keep it) It looks like I'm keeping it after all.(long story) I am trying to decide which engine I am going to replace the 383 with. Due to the extra added expense I don't think an old school Hemi is in the budget.

I have looked at a few stroker motors 400 based 451,470 and 440 based 493,540's. I'm looking for 500+ horsepower and torque running an automatic with power brakes.

Here's my question: Which one would you pick and why? Do you already run a favorite combination that you're completely happy with? Is there a benefit to the 400 style stroker over the 440? Or is the 440 stroker the best over all choice?

I don't want to make the wrong decision and I have gotten some pretty good advice on here so far. Thanks for your help.

[Road_Runner]

Is there a reason you're replacing the 383?  If its in good shape you could consider a stroker kit for it same as the 400.  I'm looking at Muscle Motors 3.9" stroker kit for my 383, yields right at 450 ci and with the cnc'd 440 Source heads I have should be an easy 500+ hp/tq motor.  Since its the original motor to the Roadrunner that's a plus for me, may not mean the same to you.  Its every bit as expensive to stroke a 383 as it is a 400 or 440, so if max HP is your goal it probably makes sense to start with one of those, but the 383 will be very close behind with the same mods / stroke.

Later, Jim

[4406v]

My 383 is not #s matching to the car and I have a guy interested in it complete. So I have an open mind on which block to start with. I just don't know which route to go. I've seen a couple 451's that really run and from what I've heard they rev like a small block? but have big block torque? Sounds like the best of both worlds.

I already know what a good 440 will do I'd just like a little bit more this time.

I have had a conversation with Eric at Muscle Motors and I like everything I've heard. Just trying to narrow down my choice so I can order my new engine.

The old saying "No replacement for displacement" really only applies to all out drag racing, although I'd like it to run REALLY well at the track I just want a reliable street car that runs as fast as it looks!!!

[brads70]

I have a 451, bought the kit from muscle motors. Had a issue with a set of rods but them made good on them.  I like it because it revs really quick. An engine builder buddy of mine can't get over how responsive it is. He builds mainly Chevy circle track motors and said it revs like a super-late model engine! 
Also it sits slightly lower which helps with air cleaner clearance. Lots of power, lighter, revs quick what's not to like!

[anlauto]

What happened to selling the car to the other member here ?

You can stroke a 383 to a 496 if you want...

[Chryco Psycho]

Everything is good & bad ,
 B block short deck is a stronger block overall but you will lose rod ratio if you go bigger than 451 ci , so basicall with the 451 you are building a 440 with over 7 lbs removed from the rotating mass , this is a very strong build .

 RB the block is a little weaker with the added height & larger main size but you can build 512 with very little rod ratio loss & still remove more than  6 lbs or so from the rotating mass .
 These 2 are my favorite street builds for durability & awesome HP & Tq

 You can go to 500 + in the 400 block but the piston gets very short to the point where some have the piston pin under the oil ring . The short piston will rock more you lose rod ratio so you have more side loading & pressure on the already short piston skirt .
 Same principal with the RB you get get close to 600 ci but you have the same problems lack of skirt length , poor rod ratio & excess side loading

[73restomod]

400 to either the  451 (3.75") or the 470 (3.9" stroke) are probably the best, especially with the stronger-lighter bottom end. I have a 440 that's not stroked, and power is good torque is great; but hood clearance... that really is nice I dropped mine a little over an inch with eddy RPM intake and a 1" tapered 4 hole, & I have a 1/4" to the T/A scoop.

[4406v]

One of my other choices for an engine builder was Nick Wilson at Compu-flow Just found out he passed away in August after suffering a stroke. R.I.P.