Step-By-Step Instructions To Getting 450 Horsepower Out Of A 383 Stroker - Trucks! S1, E16

Stacey and Mel are in pursuit of more horsepower! Who isn't? So we're building up a 383 Stroker in hopes of getting 450 horsepower out of it.

[@rmmm6725]

When he said “without spending more then 3k” I knew this was an old, old, ooollllld episode.

[@Lure-Benson]

There hasn't been anything cheap in doing the 383 I have. I lost count around $4000 and gaining more $ The machining was terrible in cost. I own a 1988 1Ton Chevrolet truck I have gone through 2 454 engines so I always heard how great the 383 was so I am doing a 383 now using the 6-inch rod I was told would make more toque. I offer guide services in Alaska and pull daily in the summer a 28 foot jet boat. Winter cold really kills the engines on cold starts seems to add up to killing engines that work hard through the summer the cold oil starts adds up on wear for the engine. I hope running the 383 on the 454 radiator the 383 runs allot cooler than those big blocks that always run hot. It is going to be interesting what the 383 can do for me.

[@KingJT80]

well yeah 1300.00 for a 383 short block assembled that won't blow up? SIGN ME UP!! now it cost 2100.00-2400.00 from mabbco

[@Lure-Benson]

@@19ADAM80 How can you say that when I haven't a clue what I paid in total to build the 383 I now have almost in the truck as of yesterday and today the 383 will be set in the motor mounts then starts the hooks ups to electrical - radiator - oil coolant lines and to the torque converter after the bolts go through the bell housing then bolt the engine snug to the bell housing. Not one prebuilt 383 is done for a work truck for towing. All of the 383s are made for race engines. To get the engine I needed was to build it myself. Also try look for a 383 using 6 inch connecting rods, good luck finding one because the common 383 is done using the 5.7 connecting rods. For me finding 383 pistons for 6-inch rods for a rage of compression in 9-5-1 Plus wasn't easy when most all pistons for 383 using a 6-inch rod run in compression in the 11-1 range. To get the 9-8-1 compression I have and settles on I had to search for Aluminum heads with a 68 cc combustion chambers using 202 & 160 values. If I had used heads with 72 cc combusting chambers with the pistons I bought it would have been 8-1-1 compression which is not what I needed. I used the Eagle 6-inch connection rods to squeeze the last bit of torque from this 383. Using the 6-inch rods cause a longer dwell time for more gas to burn and the angle the 6-inch rod changes also added to more torque. The machine shop said this 383 will turn out 410 Hp. I'm not racing I am using my truck for a work truck for my fishing & hunting guide services where I am towing a heavy 28' - 5 " jet boat to work and to and from the lower 48 to Alaska. So truthfully you have no idea what I needed and how long it took me to gather the parts to put this engine together that isn't like any of the 383s for sale.

[@Lure-Benson]

@@19ADAM80 Well I don't have magical friends to come up with a 383 using 6-inch rods a RV cam and made for towing. Maybe you should ask your special friends for a 383 like I put together being you are so concerned I need to buy one already made.

[@heavymetalcowboy5359]

No shiite. Every vid like this needs to have at least 2K on the price tag.....

[@talonvaughn6175]

Wow I was probably 11 of 12 when I watched this. I remember Stacy being solo. Back when Danika Patrick was the host of Power Block, good ole days. I remember my dad telling me to always make a teck weld on the oil pump pick up. Good tips he had. Miss him

[@davidchavez81]

People who didn't know this was 20 years old till they started talking about prices... here's your sign.

[@andrewmartin6217]

It's like Ted Danson from Cheers and Bubba from In the Heat of the Night did a car show.

[@nathanverser7745]

🤣that’s awesome!

[@granthenderson2146]

Yep can't under that now 😂

[@BiGGBLUNT1]

😂😂

[@grizzlygamingGG]

I love Power Nation! Been watching for 20 or more years now..

[@jimmydm3]

Look at how young Stacey is in this old video

[@Chris-bn1bn]

If anyone has seen Edelbrock power packages, you already know that the power ratings are extremely weak for heads in that price range. Do yourself a favor & buy a true race head manufacturer, Brodix, Dart, AFR, Patriot, if you can find a old set. You can also find better cams elsewhere. Keep in mind that too much LSA will rob you lots of torque.

[@johnbehneman1546]

I LOVE IT!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

[@marcuslimbaugh4592]

I love this show

[@bigredracer7848]

2👍's up gunpowder and gasoline thanks again for taking the time for us all to be with you for the great show

[@user-rr7kl9jz9o]

That is exactly how i do my valve lash- right thru the firing order- start with #1 on TDC compression stroke , both valves close - lash int and exh. Then rotate 90 deg. To #8 and so forth - easier to do w intake off so you can watch the lifters bottom out in the bore -

[@cgarris8674]

Blast from the past, I think I saw this episode about 20 years ago.

[@yourmom705]

thats what inwad thinking. 1300 for a short block i was like wait a minute wait a god damn minute did he just say 1300???

[@oneshotpete6.591]

Yup Stacy had a mullet .... 😆

[@jamarjohnson1595]

@@yourmom705 😂😂😂😂

[@StevenPfeiffer]

Ya just in the block and pistons he had $2k. I think it would be a lot more today

[@grandnattygarage7355]

I knew the second they installed that Mallory distributor Lol

[@CWMawss]

Been watching this build up and it looked to me like they may have used MLS or multiple layer steel head gaskets for the head install. It would make sense for the amount of horsepower they are trying to produce. As for the timing cover, no did not see a paper gasket but that could have been a case of using Permatex form a gasket or similar substitute on the gasket surfaces instead of trying to fiddle with locating the stocker and making it stay in place while the camera is rolling. A lot of builders go that route so far as to substitute RTV gasket maker/sealer on the front and rear china rails of the block and do away with the rubber end seals when they drop the intake. Better sealing with less chance of the seal walking or blowing out or leaking. Remember that most of what you are seeing is done for the camera, not for the final assembly and test. There will be more hours put into that build that the camera will never see or show.

[@maldo72]

shows like this are dead when you have so many that can produce content with more details... when I look back at these shows (and this is all we had before youtube /facebook etc ) they seem like a joke/manufacture advertisement disguised as a show ... you can clearly see they are just slapping on parts and not building an engine (yes they may have guys come in after to complete the job but have to laugh at these old shows

[@m16ty]

Yes, the show is edited to fit within the tv slot, but after visiting the set years ago it’s a whole lot different than I thought. I imagined that the tv personalities just did a little work and bolt up for the cameras and they had crews in the background that actually did most of the work. After my visit I found out that the filming is really low budget with the only crew is the people you see on tv. Yes, most of the work is done off camera, but the people you see on the tv are the ones doing it. That whole show, along with all of the Spike TV vehicle shows, is just the people you see on tv and one camera man. All the shows are in one building, and probably people from other shows help each other out if needed. After the tour, I found it kind of comical when you watch a show like Trucks and they say they need to send their vehicle over to the guys at Horsepower TV for something and they act like it’s a big move. The reality is all they have to do is go on the other side of the wall.

[@andycoslet6479]

This was just an Edelbrock commercial

[@xravenhairsexgod]

Stacey's garage before Stacey's own show Gearz. 🔧😼

[@charlesgraham9954]

i watch all these back 20 years ago. lol

[@mermaiddreams83]

Under cut valves are more for reducing valve weight for better valve train control more than helping flow!!

[@LionWithTheLamb]

Yes, it helps reduce higher rpm valve float. It does help flow but it's miniscule I was always told.

[@tmtheasphaltgambler3709]

uh.................where's the dyno results of this combo?

[@josephmartin6998]

I thought a thicker bill bye but you’re more accurate 😆

[@jordanwiley4582]

Neat.

[@WalterBarger-io9ck]

Awesome build on a 383 stroker but where's the rest of the videos?

[@bradnavratil5502]

AFR aluminum heads are the way to go....

[@KingJT80]

of course but youre gonna pay more tha n those eddys. 900 a piece vs 700

[@jimwilson7403]

Profilers..best bang for the buck.

[@LionWithTheLamb]

@@KingJT80 I would just run worked over Vortech heads instead if my only option was Edelbrock.

[@johnsheetz6639]

Order a motor from blueprint you're welcome.

[@melindaortiz9741]

High volume oil pump won't dry out the pan , it's only 15% more from stock

[@Coltontutt]

Really only need to worry about it on engine that run at high RPMs for extended periods of time and at that point those engine would hopefully have a bigger pan anyways lol. Still would pick a high pressure over high volume any day.

[@LionWithTheLamb]

@@Coltontutt Exactly, my Dad knew a guy that blew his engine using a stock pan and a high flow pump doing an extended burnout. This was back in the late 70's.

[@johnwehunt4305]

What, no windage tray or pan baffle! Up to 30hp loss.

[@giovannimattis6901]

what dampner/harmonic balancer did they use?

[@jclark2019]

I have a '72 Pontiac 400 if anyone is interested. Straight out of a Gran Prix manual. Machine work done for .030 over pistons, which i have, Forged pistons, Summit street cam , ARP bolts, new oil pump, 850 Quad that needs rebuilt, more. LMK

[@josephbolin9899]

I think stacy David still has the same haircut today

[@SpaceGringos3D]

He does. I follow him on Facebook 😂

[@douglas1982b]

I hope to get to build a SMC in my lifetime. Most the people with experience are getting too old to want to fool with it. I would probably have to learn the entire process by myself.

[@dynodon100]

Is the place where you got the short block have any left ..I would like one.

[@tallica8145]

When you order Ted Danson and Kevin Spacey off wish

[@enlilstyxx1011]

the Gapless is not meant for daily driver application, this is what I was told my them. Those Edel heads look great, I went through 3 SETS of bad ones before going with Brodix. The flaws, bad machining etc is mind boggling how it ever made it through QC but 3 sets was too much for me. I have their intake and AVS2 which I love.

[@LionWithTheLamb]

The carburetors and intakes are probably their best products (opinion).

[@housepumpinpc3983]

Wouldn't go with gapless rings either. They had me with forged pistons. Certainly not necessary for a street build with that hp rating. And that engine ain't $1800 anymore...

[@evilfingers4302]

Damn, that Hudson would make one helluva Sleeper.

[@democratpro]

it does. it sleeps 24/7

[@user-yl7nf4th8y]

What kind of oil do you use for a 383 stroker drag car?

[@dennisgiudici8655]

Man they left a key piece of info out......the torque specs that you need to tighten shit too!

[@poortouringhotwiregarage5617]

What the hell was Mel oiling before he put the oil pan on?? 😆😆

[@scottconnor405]

Looking to build a cpl 383 sbc for my boat that cud get about300+ hp at 3500 rpm… any suggestions or info b appreciated.

[@bobstephens8851]

Not supposed to use rubber seals on the intake according to Edelbrock.

[@h2oskiaddict]

They still use Mallory Unilights in 2020? :D

[@BAMBOOM2021]

Why dont you all put your build list links in the description below?

[@ironhorse127]

Edelbrock cams are garbage. Do your research. Much better manufacturers for cams. Howards would be a great choice. Also did they degree that cam?

[@imperatortiberius3857]

I swear that hood he sprayed has striping

[@ViewThis.]

So don't tell anything about the specs on the cam, and claim 450 horsepower. Pffft.

[@KingJT80]

Its a performer rpm cam super generic but works ok 234/244 @.050 .488/.510 112LSA /107 ICL EVERYONE and their mom makes this cam

[@N-Lee]

@@KingJT80 Ahhhh. Okay. Thank You Very Much.

[@user-ge2qn6gp4o]

@@KingJT80 Should be in the mid 500's lift with the 1.6 rockers. This is pretty much everybody's standard 450 horse combo. Nothing special here.

[@CamaroMan79]

@@user-ge2qn6gp4o except that combo doesnt make 450 on a real world dyno. More like 400

[@tnarggrant9711]

1999 was a special time.

[@Bige4u]

$1300 383 short block, this episode has to be at least 20yrs old.... that short block would be almost double, if not more by now.

[@joejones9944]

Lol, I was just thinking. I'd take 2 for that price.

[@overbuiltautomotive1299]

1800 ish look on ebay

[@teetsmcgeets1942]

I picked up my ATK 383 about 4 months ago for 2200 with free shipping.

[@joejones9944]

@@teetsmcgeets1942 From where/Who? Please share this information with me. Thanks in advance

[@KingJT80]

@@joejones9944 ATK engines. they do go for 2200 so does smedling or more like 2800 at smedling cnc motorsports etc

[@bigr1725]

6:26 "we already put a cam and headers in" there's only cam and heads. Honest mistake but still 😄

[@renc3920]

Ok...maaaaybe the carb gasket was stuck to the bottom of it? Maybe it was installed off-camera? I mean....I can't imagine Stacey NOT installing such a no-brainer part....Mel...maybe.

[@joejones9944]

I was wondering if there was a gasket. Lol

[@democratpro]

stop buying in to the lies from gmc and ford, gaskets serve no purpose, they just make union jobs for jews and mexicans. completely unnecessary

[@LionWithTheLamb]

@@democratpro RTV sealant is the way of the future!!!

[@renc3920]

PLEASE!!! Someone get Mel OFF the tools, and ON the broom!!

[@USMC-lr8th]

How do they keep their clothes clean?

[@amazin1827]

The cup holder is cool BUT ya don't have the Chrome Glovebox DOOR😛

[@ryanwilliams3369]

Did a 400hp 500tq 383 for a 83 firebird 5 speed with 3.73gears And that thing would brake loose at 70mph. So much so I put the 305 back in. I was running 235 60 r15.

[@owenbench5361]

What parts did you use and specs

[@ryanwilliams3369]

@@owenbench5361 its been al long time but I had the nbk 200? Heads I know cam was like 4.65 Lift I can't say duration or lsa. But it ran high 90S efficiency It use a used crank and rod but new hyper pistons and it was a 10.2:1 And it was a projected number on a configuration laptop dyno

[@Billhatestheinternet]

Am I the only one that noticed they put the head on without a gasket?

[@waynejohnting2954]

Gasket was on, just blended in

[@Billhatestheinternet]

@@waynejohnting2954 Me being blind as a bat, doesn't surprise me.

[@waynejohnting2954]

@@Billhatestheinternet It’s all good man, I can’t hear anymore. Lol. Too many night tuning with open headers..

[@scottshields8334]

Thats what I thought

[@scottshields8334]

And no specs for anything

[@Texasmule]

What about for torque? I understand everything is trying to go as fast as possible to the next red light but are there any torque builds?

[@towgod7985]

I have been saying that same thing for awhile. They claim to build a TORQUE motor, rev it out to 6000rpm, then say "look at the horsepower! " I give up on this channel.

[@barryscarlett1647]

Where was the head gasket install

[@OdinForce4]

You can tell they’re sponsored by Edelbrock. You don’t have to use Aluminum heads to achieve 450hp with a 383 stroker

[@sportsmansparadice42]

Mallory unilite distributors suck... When the module goes out which has a 100 % failure rate the cost of a new module is almost the same cost as a new distributor. Go with MSD or DUI.

[@ekitching]

I think your correct. I put one of those unilite distributors on my first engine build in the 80's, Buick V6, nothing but problems with that junk. I think MSD is the way to go.

[@poortouringhotwiregarage5617]

Where's the dyno test??

[@albertgaspar627]

in their dreams

[@giovannimattis6901]

Thats what i was saying lol

[@jamesclarke9010]

Actually you built a 385 f it is .040 over bore like you stated

[@brodymeyer3616]

Right? 😂

[@user-ge2qn6gp4o]

Actually most 383 strokers are closer to 377ci.

[@CamaroMan79]

@@user-ge2qn6gp4o lmfao what? Dude just stop. A 377 is a destroked 400 using a 350 crank.

[@shawnthomas7404]

@@CamaroMan79 So is a stock 4" bore and 3.75 stroke.

[@es0x]

@@CamaroMan79 377 is usually a 400 crank with stock bore

[@justinjacobson7555]

Man look at those hair farmers!

[@mikeceli]

Better than those foolish "Billy Goat Beard", tatted and pierced a-holes!

[@scottsquires6186]

We’re do I buy a 383 short block for 1300 dollars? Lmao 😅

[@dw8840]

6:26 Mel says "can and *headers* but he really meant to say *heads*

[@CamaroMan79]

That combo wont make 450hp. Those heads dont flow that great. I had the same combo with 10:1 pistons, optimal quench and a slightly bigger cam and the best we could do was 403hp/397tq

[@davidjaime2061]

Was AFR cylinder heads out at that time?

[@dropzonemedia7811]

Maybe u should have went with a slightly smaller cam, that would have gave you more horsepower

[@Packer1290]

I thought the same thing. I was waiting for the dyno. Not surprised they didn't.

[@Packer1290]

@@davidjaime2061 Probably not. Plus even the first heads they came out with didn't flow nowhere near as well as they do now. Not until they came out with their Elminator series heads did you see really great flow numbers from them.

[@rudraigh]

Man, this episode was a joke. To you guys calling out the lack of gaskets, they're making a show, not building a motor. Didja notice Mel's gaff? "If you're just tuning in, we've already put a cam and *headers* in our short block". LOL!

[@democratpro]

you calling a man with a mullet a liar? hope you have good locks on your trailer

[@dw8840]

I noticed that

[@FRANKBURNSONE]

It's just an Info-mercial for people with deep pockets, what did you expect?.

[@smellmyfingure]

stacey why would you use such a long extension on a torque wrench lol

[@kurtislouth231]

Red lock tight 😲

[@michaeltruscott9443]

Seasoned just really means used

[@Packer1290]

Whats sad is that Edelbrock is still selling these same heads and cam. Much better stuff out there now.

[@N-Lee]

If I had 990 dollars, (The price now) I would buy the Performer RPM heads for SBC with 70cc chambers. I've compared to all the others and they fit my need best and the price is the lowest.

[@dennispatrick865]

Headgaskets?

[@user-ge2qn6gp4o]

Just spread out a bunch of red loctite, you'll be fine.

[@destruxandexploze2552]

500/500 383 build better. Also way too much forged stuff for an NA engine making only 450hp lol.

[@destruxandexploze2552]

@xXx420Cold_@ss_Rider69xXx Considering a C5 Corvette with a 350 LS1 can make into the 600hp without forced induction. I think it’s not quite a lot for forged internals yet.

[@deshaunspencer6985]

Yea this has to be old grooms engines has a horrible reputation now

[@bigredracer7848]

And you forgot the cam button to keep it from walking around in the motor

[@jordanwiley4582]

Flat tappet cams dont need a bumper.

[@giovannimattis6901]

@@jordanwiley4582 good to have one just incase on bigger ft cams

[@KingJT80]

@@giovannimattis6901 That cam aint that big...

[@user-ge2qn6gp4o]

Doesn't use one.

[@nickdouglass4833]

The taper on a flat tappet cam will center it up automatically

[@maldo72]

(stacy no offense ) Shows like this are dead when you have so many that can produce content with more details... when I look back at these shows (and this is all we had before youtube /facebook etc ) they seem like a joke/manufacture advertisement disguised as a show ... you can clearly see they are just slapping on parts on and not building an engine (yes they may have guys come in after to complete the job but have to laugh at these old shows

[@tonkatoytruck]

Rather make 650fhp with an LM7 383 stroker.

[@lonelypinebeefarm4297]

What kinda of motor is this.... 220 or 110. Why do people continue to say motor. Engine not motor. A motor is electrical.

[@sergiod5362]

cuz GENERAL MOTORS, FORD MOTOR COMPANY, MOTOR TREND MAGAZINE, it's just what we do....lol

[@lonelypinebeefarm4297]

@@sergiod5362 I know I just like saying it. We all say motor but we are really saying the wrong thing lol

[@sergiod5362]

We should just call it "our petrol machine"🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤣🤣....MORE POWER.....ANNNND SPEEEED

[@Mr.KILLER510]

This show always got on my nerves when they say "lets install it but first im going to waist your time talking about the history of this part". Like your not working on it

[@thomasaltruda]

It’s painful to watch these guys assemble an engine.. so many rookie mistakes..and that’s only the ones that they show!

[@richardscarlett7942]

meh, its out dated, who cares.

[@El_Rubbertoe]

You're probably outdated too

[@richardscarlett7942]

@@El_Rubbertoe that sounds like a 8 year olds comment, so here...im rubber your glue everything you say bounces off of me and sticks to you...nyahnyahnyahyahbyahnyah lol

[@halldorra]

Omitting all gaskets ,doesn´t seem a good idea ;-)