71 Cuda ? Go with the 383 or put in a 440?

[67Vette427]

  Ok, I'm stuck in a dilemma. Should I just leave the 70 383HP in the Cuda, build a 71 383HP motor I have or put in the 70 440HP motor I just finished building. The problem is that the 70 motor thats in the car runs really smooth, doesn't leak oil, its only got about 1000 miles on it but its a lackluster motor. No balls. The cam is a mild grind, the heads are a mid 70's with the hardened seats. Now the 383HP I picked up I can build it anyway I want and get some power out of it. Then again the 440 is 40 over, balanced, with the 472 hemi cam and should put out around 450 HP.

Here is the question: Should I leave it alone? You can see its pretty clean in the pictures. Should I build the date correct 383HP 71 motor and keep it appearing as it does? Or should I put the 440HP motor in it and give the Vette a run for its money?

[MEK-Dangerfield]

It depends on your intentions. Many would be happy as it is, but I get the feeling you are liking the idea of dropping that 440 in it.    It's nice to have such options, but if you are serious about blowing off some ricers now and then, go with the engine that packs the most punch. 

  Mike

[67Vette427]

You're right I am leaning towards the 440 just to get the car to move like it should. It does ok with the current 383 but its not too impressive. The car is an original 383 car but its not # matching. I've got an OD 4 speed and a 3:23 posi. I should be able to get 400 horse out of the other 383 but the one in the car is maybe 275.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

You're right I am leaning towards the 440 just to get the car to move like it should. It does ok with the current 383 but its not too impressive. The car is an original 383 car but its not # matching. I've got an OD 4 speed and a 3:23 posi. I should be able to get 400 horse out of the other 383 but the one in the car is maybe 275.

OK,
  I can see what you mean. Since it isn't a numbers matching car, go with the 440. Let me tell you from experience, the 440 can pack a punch.   

  Mike

[Oldschool]

Considering that you have 3 options and can return it back how it is, the only logical choice is-----FOUR-FOUR-ZERO!    
Make it run like you want it to, then you can always swap it back. Just my       .....Oldschool

[67Vette427]

I did the Vette motor about 6 years ago. Took out the #427 and built a 502 that pushes about 550 horses maybe more but its a rocket and I have a lot of fun driving it. The 427 is still on the stand in the garage. The 440 I have to build would be a little milder with the 915 heads and the flat top pistons than the Vette motor but it would put some spring into the Cuda. Still its nice to see it with the original style motor but I think I'd keep the 440 stock looking if I go that route.

[matt63]

Thats a nice looking Cuda.  If it was me I would leave the 383 in it because it is so nice and I like the originality (if thats a word).  You can always beef it up internally and keep it looking pretty stock.  If originality isn't an issue for you the 440 won't cost anymore to build once you have the block.

[daves70]

Put in the 440. I can tell you want to!!!

[AprilsPink72Cuda]

 

[72hemi]

I know plenty of people who run 383 and love'em. If it was factory a 383 car, personally I would build the 383 up (even having both choices) and stick it in the car. This one guy I know only runs 383's and currently he has a '69 super bee running in the deep 11's and the car is still very streetable.

[Stacked440]

I agree, if it was factory with a 383 id build a 383, but if its just a clone car with no matching numbers, i'd go with the 440.  Keep in mind, theres nothing like a good runnin' motor .

[67Vette427]

Its a BS23N car from the factory and has the 383 billboards. If I did the put the 440 in I wouldn't advertise it, just leave it to those who know the diff.

[Chryco Psycho]

the 440 will always make more torque
 the best approach though may be to build the other 383 , use a 440 steel crank & rods & get approx 430 ci & all the 440 torque & still look bone stock

[67Vette427]

Never thought of that. What does the 383 block need to set this up? Clearance?

[Chryco Psycho]

not much , the 440 mains need to be cut down to 383 size , the bottom of the cylinder bores will need to be notched to clear the rod bolts