
The Mopar 383 engine has been a popular choice for car enthusiasts looking to boost their vehicle's performance. With its large bore and short stroke, the 383 has the potential to be stroked and built up to produce impressive horsepower and torque outputs. The stock 383 engine, rated at 335 hp, has been a responsive platform for traditional hot rod modifications, with some claiming that basic bolt-on parts can take the engine well over the 400 hp mark. The affordability and availability of 383 blocks make them an attractive option for those looking to create a powerful engine on a budget. However, to achieve higher horsepower figures, such as 550-600 hp, significant machine work and upgrades are required, including aftermarket rotating assemblies, cylinder heads, and valvetrain components.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Engine | Mopar 383 |
Horsepower | 335-559 |
Torque | 392-611 lb-ft |
Bore | 4.25-4.28 inches |
Stroke | 3.375-3.91 inches |
RPM | 5,000-7,500 |
What You'll Learn
- Stroker kits can be used to increase the displacement of the 383 block
- The 383's horsepower can be increased with the right camshaft, valves, and springs
- The 383 Mopar's reputation as a small engine with big power
- The 383's ability to withstand modifications and abuse
- The importance of compression ratio and cubic inches in maximising the 383's horsepower
Stroker kits can be used to increase the displacement of the 383 block
The 383 block can be stroked to 450 ci, and even up to 496 ci with ease. Stroker kits are a complex modification and require the engine to be disassembled and carefully reassembled, but they offer significant power gains.
For example, a stroker kit for a 350 small block Chevy engine can be created by using a crank from a 400 engine, resulting in a 383 stroker. Stroker kits are also available for other engines, such as the Jeep 4.0 I6, where a crank from an old 4.2 AMC engine can be used along with oversized pistons to increase the displacement to 4.7L.
Stroker kits can be an effective way to increase the displacement and power of an engine, but they may also require additional modifications to the powertrain to handle the increased torque. The engine's responsiveness may also be impacted due to the longer piston travel.
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The 383's horsepower can be increased with the right camshaft, valves, and springs
The 383 engine has often been overlooked, with its bigger brothers, the 440 and 400, hogging the limelight. However, the 383 can be an excellent base for a powerful and affordable engine. With the right modifications, the 383s horsepower can be significantly increased.
One of the key ways to boost horsepower is to focus on the camshaft, valves, and springs. A flat-tappet mechanical camshaft from an upstart company like Camshaft Innovations can provide an aggressive profile without breaking the bank. This, combined with a good set of cylinder heads, can result in a significant power increase. For example, Muscle Motors was able to achieve 559 hp and 611 lb-ft of torque from a modified 383.
When it comes to cylinder heads, increasing airflow is critical. CNC-ported Stealth Castings, for instance, can increase airflow to around 315 cfm on the intake side and 233 cfm on the exhaust side at 0.600-inch lift. This increase in airflow translates directly into more power.
Another way to increase horsepower is to focus on the valvetrain. Upgrading to a set of COMP Cams Pro Magnum 1.5:1 rocker arms, springs, lifters, and pushrods can help regulate airflow in and out of the cylinders more efficiently.
Additionally, it's important to choose the right pistons. Forged pistons, such as those from Ross or Speed-Pro, are stronger and can handle higher compression ratios, which can lead to increased horsepower.
Finally, don't forget about the small details. Upgrading the oiling system, choosing the right ignition system, and ensuring proper clearance and tolerances during assembly can all contribute to increasing the horsepower of a 383 engine.
In conclusion, while the 383 may not have the same reputation as larger engines, with the right camshaft, valves, springs, and supporting modifications, it can be a powerful and cost-effective option.
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The 383 Mopar's reputation as a small engine with big power
The 383 Mopar engine has long been overshadowed by its bigger siblings in the Chrysler "B/RB" series of big-block engines, which includes the tall-deck Max Wedges, Hemis, and 440s. However, the 383 engine, often referred to as the "runt of the litter," has started to gain recognition for its performance potential and cost-effectiveness.
The 383 Mopar, also known as the "low block," has a 4.25-inch bore and a 3.38-inch stroke, with a standard issue 4-bbl motor producing 325 horsepower. While it may have started as an undersized and underappreciated engine, the 383 has gained a reputation for being a small engine with big power potential.
In the 1960s, Chrysler introduced two high-performance versions of the 383: the 383 Super Commando and the 335 hp engine available on the Road Runner and Coronet Superbee. The 383 Super Commando produced 330 hp thanks to an unsilenced air cleaner and dual exhaust, while the 335 hp engine featured high-performance 440 parts, including recontoured 440 heads with larger exhaust valves. These engines showcased the untapped potential of the 383 platform.
The 383 Mopar's reputation for big power was further enhanced by Mike Ware of Muscle Motors, who took a 383 block, stroked it to 450 ci, and achieved an impressive 559 hp and 611 lb-ft of torque. Ware highlighted the viability of the 383 block as a cost-effective starting point for a big-block build, noting that Chrysler built over 2 million 383 engines.
Despite its small size, the 383 Mopar can be built up to 450 ci or even 496 ci with relative ease. The similarity in bore and stroke dimensions to the big-block Chevy also dispels the notion that the 383 Chrysler is lacking in power. Additionally, the 383 Mopar offers architectural advantages, such as thicker cylinder walls, which provide a good balance of torque and horsepower output.
In conclusion, while the 383 Mopar may have started as an underdog in the world of big-block engines, its reputation as a small engine with big power potential has grown over the years. With the right modifications and expertise, the 383 can punch far above its weight, delivering impressive horsepower and torque figures that rival those of its larger counterparts.
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The 383's ability to withstand modifications and abuse
The 383 engine has proven itself to be a stalwart of the muscle car era, withstanding the test of time and modifications. Its ability to be pushed to its limits and beyond is a testament to its durability and performance.
The 383 engine, with its free-revving nature, was a staple in the Mopar community, offering an affordable and underrated option for enthusiasts. The engine's responsiveness to traditional hot rod modifications, such as bolt-ons and cam swaps, made it a favourite for those seeking increased horsepower and torque.
The 383's short stroke presented challenges in building decent compression, requiring domed pistons or extensive milling of the heads. However, its shorter stroke also allowed for higher revving, resulting in a fun-to-drive engine with a broad powerband.
The engine's reliability and affordability made it a popular choice for regular guys who wanted a performance machine. The 383 could be pushed to its limits, modified, and even abused without the fear associated with more expensive and rare engines. This accessibility led to the 383's widespread use and its role in establishing Mopar's legendary reputation for performance.
The 383 engine's ability to withstand modifications and abuse is further evidenced by its use in drag racing. NHRA racers often chose the 383 engine with HEMI heads, taking advantage of its smaller size and lighter weight to achieve faster speeds.
Additionally, the 383 engine's durability was noted, with one user commenting that they are "nearly indestructible" when well-maintained. This combination of performance, affordability, and reliability solidifies the 383's reputation as an engine that can withstand modifications and abuse while continuing to deliver impressive results.
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The importance of compression ratio and cubic inches in maximising the 383's horsepower
The compression ratio and cubic inches are crucial factors in maximising the 383's horsepower. The compression ratio is the ratio of the volume of the engine's cylinders when the piston is at the bottom to the volume when the piston is at the top. It is a measure of how much the fuel-air mixture is compressed before ignition, and it plays a significant role in determining the engine's power and efficiency.
A higher compression ratio generally results in higher thermal efficiency and more power output. However, it is important to note that increasing the compression ratio alone will not lead to a significant increase in horsepower. Other factors, such as the quality of the cylinder heads, camshaft, and valvetrain, also play a significant role in power output. Additionally, a higher compression ratio may require higher-octane fuel to prevent engine knocking or detonation.
Cubic inches, on the other hand, refer to the engine's displacement, which is the total volume of air that the engine's cylinders can displace in a single movement of the piston. In general, a larger displacement engine will have more power because it can burn more fuel and produce more torque. However, increasing cubic inches or displacement does not always lead to a linear increase in horsepower. The relationship between cubic inches and horsepower is complex and depends on various factors, such as the engine's design, components, and tuning.
To maximise the horsepower of a 383 engine, it is essential to consider both the compression ratio and cubic inches, as well as other factors such as head flow, camshaft profile, and valvetrain quality. A well-designed and properly tuned engine with an optimised compression ratio and displacement will deliver higher horsepower and better performance.
For example, let's consider the Chrysler 383 engine. With the right modifications, such as stroking the engine to increase displacement and optimising the compression ratio, it is possible to significantly increase the horsepower. In one instance, a 383 engine was stroked to 450 cubic inches and produced 559 horsepower, showcasing the potential of the underrated 383 engine.
In conclusion, while the compression ratio and cubic inches are important factors in maximising horsepower, it is the combination of these factors with other engine modifications and optimisations that will ultimately determine the power output of a 383 engine. A balanced and well-engineered approach is key to achieving higher horsepower and better performance.
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Frequently asked questions
A stroked 383 Mopar can make anywhere from 450 to 559 hp.
The horsepower of a stroked 383 Mopar can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the type of heads, cam, intake, carb, and headers used.
The 383 Mopar is a fast-revving engine that is fun to drive and can be built to produce a lot of power. It has a shorter stroke than some other engines, which allows it to rev higher and produce more horsepower per cubic inch.
Some common modifications to increase the horsepower of a stroked 383 Mopar include adding a set of tube headers, upgrading the carb and intake, and swapping in a higher lift cam.