Well I am getting closer on an engine selection. I am starting to lean towards a 383 stroker crate complete. Has anyone bought and installed one from enginefactory.com, paceparts.com or cranescorvette.com or somewhere else? Comments?

Also, will an Eldebrock #7501 Air Gap intake with Eldebrock 800 SCFM carb fit under the standard 1980 hood?

I have not bought one from any of them.  But you can't go wrong with a 383 stroker.

My 383  Enforcer 500 came from American Speed in Moline IL. Here's their site.

http://www.amerspeed.com/

 Just for grins, take a look on E-Bay Motors, to Engines, to Complete Engines to 383 Stroker. Some don't sound too bad.

 i have been totally satisfied with an engine from edelbrock, it has awsome power and a good warranty just in case, price was competitive too rd

If you look at the Edelbrock catalog, it states the Air Gap intake will not fit under a standard Corvette hood. I have an Edlebrock Performer intake and am very pleased with it.

Since you plan on using an Edelbrock square-bore carb, consider their Performer EPS intake. It's designed specifically for their square-bore carbs and makes more horsepower and torque over their standard Performer intake.   

Check out T&L Engines out of NC. They have a 408 SB for around $4400 with 450-550 HP (depending on cam) and 530lbft torque!!!! The 408 specs can be found on ebay if you search 408 under engines. Their website is  http://www.tandlengines.com/ .  I really do not have any personal experience with them other than checking their website. Good luck.

There's lots of 383 stroker engines out there. I won't call them "cheaper", but less expensive. My first priority would be that they start with a NEW block, not one salavaged from a junk yard. Also, lots of builders say they dyno the engine and will furnish you with the stats, but they fail to say that the engine is NOT torn back down to check for wear after breaking them in on the dyno.  

I have no experience with anyone other than American Speed but I can say that I am pleased with their engines and they are always willing to speak with you on the phone if you have any questions.

As for T&L Engines here in NC, I'm not familiar with them, but notice on their feedback that everything they have sold has been parts. Couldn't find any evidence of an engine being sold on eBay.  Another  thing is their statement on warranty, "Warranty options are available". I guess " seasoned GM 4-bolt main block" means it's a used block.

Anyways, Good Luck to you Bernie in finding the application that you're looking for. Just remember 3 old adages (1) Everything that shines isn't gold (2)  You usually get what you pay for (3) Buyer Beware

rearn2go7238803.5389236111

Nice little run about ya got there rearn2go! I think it is a common practice to sonic check a used block and machine it if it passes the test. Not sure how it compares to a new block other than the new one is not stressed but apparently a good machined block works. This process should cut down on costs but then again as you said, "you get what you pay for". Anyway just wanted to comment on your tire shredder! Very nice ride indeed.

Thanks Problemenko. I don't know about "shredding" the tires. Maybe if I hit the NOS, which I never have. I'm kinda embarressed to say it, but I'm scared of it. Besides, it's only there to use when you need it and I've never needed it. rearn2go7238803.6184143519