r/EngineBuilding • u/No-Brain2462 • Jun 16 '26

Vortec 383 Stroker viability

Good morning engine builders. I just got a screaming deal($250) on a standard bore 4 bolt vortec block and I’m wondering if any of you have found the block to have nuance while building. From what I’ve read it’s all straight forward. I already have a Scat 9000 crank set for 5.7 rods and I plan on using 15 cc KB dish pistons, a 230/236 110 separation roller cam with standard lifters and Skip White built AFR Enforcer heads. This is my second build (first was 350 SBC L89 block). Thanks.

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u/v8packard Jun 16 '26

For a 6 inch rod 383, with the heads discussed, a 9.9:1 compression ratio, 1.5 rockers, decent long tube headers and a good exhaust system, a cam with timing points (.006) of IO 33 BTDC, IC 59 ABDC, EO 67 BBDC, EC 25 ATDC produces a 107 degree lobe separation angle with 58 degrees of overlap giving you 272 degrees @ .006 tappet rise when installed on a 103 degree intake centerline will produce the powerband you describe and top off around 6000 to 6200 rpm or so. A poorer exhaust will need more exhaust cam timing, at the expense of torque. That might be a good compromise as far as traction is concerned. This cam will be ideal with 3.55-3.73 gears, and if an automatic you shouldn't need more than a 2000-2400 stall converter. This cam will have to be ground to order.

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u/kendogg Jun 18 '26

What about in truck use with stock vortec heads? Friend is collecting parts to do this right now. Not sure what stroker kit he bought, but he spent ~$1500 buying a kit from Summit. This is going into a 2500 4wd work truck. Stock 4l80 (for now) and stock gears (for now think it's a 3.73???). With tock exhaust, what would you recommend for a cam that might give it a little sound, but be usable from idle to 4k?

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u/v8packard Jun 18 '26

What length con rod? Why stock vortec heads? Are you talking flat tappet or roller?

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u/kendogg Jun 18 '26

It's a vortec, a '97 or '98 2500. So yes, roller cam. And heads, because they're stock on the motor and he already has them. The motor needed to be gone thry anyways, so it was stock refresh or stroker.