383, 406 or go for a BB. The tired 350 is coming out over the winter and will be replaced. What do you guys think? I can do most of the wrenching. What I can't do is compare the engines in my car and need your opinions. A fast (12 sec 1/4) rice eating car is a good start.

I would definately stay with the small block, personal prefences would be a 383. Reason why is with the big block, you would be looking at suspension upgrades along with the motor. The 383 would be more long term dependable when using the identical upgrades. I could be wrong on either point, i am sure that someone here will correct me if i am.

I agree with Dave. 383. If I ever blow my engine up, I'm going to go that route.
Sarge

I built a 383 with a extreme energy 286 roller cam and with 3.55 gears ran a 13.5 quarter, spinning the tires the first 50-75 feet. I believe there is a twelve second run there for sure. They wouldn't let me try again until I got a helmet. Now I have 3.90 gears and swapped out the th350 auto for a 6-speed manual and need to try it again.

I've got a BB 454 at around 500hp. With the right tires I'm sure it will run in the 11's, if I floor it going 70 it'll smoke the tires. The BB's are alot more expensive & they do require suspension upgrades if you're coming from a SB. But you can't beat the torque...I can start from a stop in 4th gear & it's smooth. They also require a very good cooling system & a good strong transmission. If I had a SB I'd go for the 383 and try to get 400 to 450 hp. Then you have the best of both worlds. I've got friends that have 383's & they're plenty fast.
Good Luck
Alan

A while back, I had a camaro with a 406. The motor made an easy 425 h.p. and would "Haul the Mail"
Also built a 406 and put it in a 26 foot cabin cruiser, we get plenty of torque out of it too! I'd say it's as close as you can get to a big block and maintain the weight of a small block.

I would go for a 383. You can use your 350 to make it or pick up a cheap block and do it. 350's are plentiful at the junk yards, or just by a new one from jegs or summit. Easy to do and they are proven perfomers. Just my two cents.

Read John Lingenfelter's "On modifying the Chevy small block engine". Great book from a virtuoso of small block performance. I learned alot from it. Now applying it is another story.

JR

|UPDATED|10/28/2004 6:56:20 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

I like the 383 also..

its a very easy swap from 350...

A small-block can defintely be made into a 12-second car. I have a friend with a 383 Camaro that is in that neighborhood, and you would be lighter. However, from a personal perspective, there's just something about a big-block. The sound and low-end power are awesome! Follow your heart. If you do go the big-block route, I agree with the above that suspension upgrades will be necessary.