383/388 Chevy stroker

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(Parts stack height)
(Overview)
 
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A 383 is a 350 block bored +0.030" with a 3.750" crank. A 388 is a 350 block bored +0.060" with a 3.750" crank. The 383/388 SBC stroker has become one of the most popular engines in the history of the small block Chevy. The only engine that surpasses it in volume is the production 305 and 350 SBC.  
 
A 383 is a 350 block bored +0.030" with a 3.750" crank. A 388 is a 350 block bored +0.060" with a 3.750" crank. The 383/388 SBC stroker has become one of the most popular engines in the history of the small block Chevy. The only engine that surpasses it in volume is the production 305 and 350 SBC.  
  
A 388 can also be achieved by boring a 350 block +0.30" and using a 3.80" crank.
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A 388 can also be achieved by boring a 350 block +0.030" and using a 3.80" crank.
  
 
The following article will help the new engine builder to better understand the details involved in building this powerplant.
 
The following article will help the new engine builder to better understand the details involved in building this powerplant.
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Some builders prefer not to use a 6" rod, the thinking being because the wrist pin intrudes into the oil ring groove- meaning pinned rings or support rails must be used to allow the oil control ring package to do its job- isn't worth the possible advantages from a higher rod/stroke ratio and/or lighter pistons, etc. However, Ross offers a 383 stroker piston with a 1.120" compression height that doesn't require rail supports.  
 
Some builders prefer not to use a 6" rod, the thinking being because the wrist pin intrudes into the oil ring groove- meaning pinned rings or support rails must be used to allow the oil control ring package to do its job- isn't worth the possible advantages from a higher rod/stroke ratio and/or lighter pistons, etc. However, Ross offers a 383 stroker piston with a 1.120" compression height that doesn't require rail supports.  
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If that option does not appeal to you, you can use the 3.80" stroke crank as mentioned above, use a 5.7" stroker clearanced rod and a Sealed Power H859CP Piston which has a compression height of 1.425". The stack out will be crank 1/2 stroke 1.9", connecting rod 5.7", Piston 1.425". This will give a stack out of 9.025". This will be dead zero deck height on a standard 350 block. For quench area a thicker head gasket will have to be used such as a FlePro 0.71 MLS.
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Yet another option, although one of the least popular, is to use the stock SBC 400 rod with a 350 SBC piston. The stack of parts looks like: 1.875" + 5.565" + 1.56 = 9.00". The main complaint about using this combo is the rod length.    
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Yet another option, although one of the least popular, is to use the stock SBC 400 rod with a 350 SBC piston. The stack of parts looks like: 1.875" + 5.565" + 1.56 = 9.00". The main complaint about using this combo is the rod length.
  
 
==Clearances==
 
==Clearances==
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For clearance, I-beam rods are much easier to use than H-beam rods.
 
For clearance, I-beam rods are much easier to use than H-beam rods.
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Another option for increased clearance are small base circle camshafts which are designed specifically to give the additional crankshaft counterweight clearance. If using the 3.80" stroke crankshaft this is a must even when aftermarket stroke rods are used.
  
 
===Crankshaft and rod to block===
 
===Crankshaft and rod to block===
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==Aftermarket parts combos==
 
==Aftermarket parts combos==
A popular parts combo for a 383/388 stroker is the Scat cast steel crankshaft and Scat I-beam forged Pro Stock rods. The Scat counterweights will clear the pistons using a 5.7" rod and the rods will clear the cam, so no grinding on the rods for cam clearance will be necessary. You may need to do a little grinding on the inside of the block at the pan rail to clear the big end of the rod, but it will be minimal.   
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A popular parts combo for a 383/388 stroker is the Scat cast steel crankshaft and Scat I-beam forged Pro Stock rods. The Scat counterweights will clear the pistons using a 5.7" rod and the rods will clear the cam, so no grinding on the rods for cam clearance will be necessary. You may need to do a little grinding on the inside of the block at the pan rail to clear the big end of the rod, but it will be minimal.
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Eagle also makes a great cast steel crankshaft internally balanced for lower power applications such as street engines without power adders.
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The Eagle 10352380057I is a great 3.8" stroke crankshaft for up to around 500 HP. It's design exceeds the factory specifications for a stock engine and carries the standard bearing sizesHowever, it is not recommended for high RPM use or power adders such as turbos or nitros.
  
 
==Quench==
 
==Quench==

Latest revision as of 08:44, 11 August 2023

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