this one is about the blocks. 383 or 400. which block is stronger. i've heard the 400 block is the best bore/stroke combo for power and piston choice. i've heard the 383 block is stronger. if the 383 is a stronger block but will make a little less power is it worth it to use the 383 block for the strength? this is will be a street motor. will the strength of the blocks be a factor in a street motor?

Read this... http://440source.com/blockinfo.htm 383 is the weakest!

Edit: dosen't mean a 383 won't make a good street motor...just the 400's have stronger webs and, side reinforcements. either will survive till cap walk becomes an issue... but that's another matter not the blocks fault

400 for a bunch of reasons. The 400 block is stronger, the 400 will give you more cubes and there are more pistons choices for the 400.

Sheldon

I'd like to get my hands on some 383 blocks to see if they can't be bored out as much as a 400. I wouldn't be surprised, especially if it were an older block.
Cory

The reason to use a 383 block is because you have it and it can make a great street engine. Is it the best... well I guess a KB or MP aluminum block is the "best" but expensive.

So is the 400 a little better than the 383? Yes, but not if you don't have it. If you have a 383 then have fun. If you can find a 400 have fun too.

thanks. are 400 blocks that hard to find? i know a guy that thinks he wants to get rid of his. i haven't really looked that hard for one yet. are 400s considered a B block or RB block? what would be the stampings to look for? thanks again.

the 400 is a B and will have "400" on the machined pad on top close to the dist hole and on one side of the block in large cast letters. I just got one (bare block) from craigslist for $60 & it cleaned up at .030" & making a 451 w a 440 crank/rods/KB280 pistons which is much better cubewise than 400.