88-I.R.O.C.

iTrader: (3)

Ok, i know what i want out of my engine:
383 with 450 to 500 rwhp
I want to build this thing, but the problem is i'm the only one in my whole extended family and all with an interest in this stuff. All of my local building shops won't let me even watch, let alone help, the build because of "liability" reasons. I've gotten into the top part of V-8's before, but i've never rebuilt something before, let alone a high hp motor. I've alotted about 5k for building this thing and i want to get started on it already. So this brings me to two questions:

Mainly, how the heck am i going to build this thing with no experience? One guy will help me, but he's good with carbs and older stuff and i want to stick with injection.

I still need a block and i am planning on going with a t-56 in the future, should i look for a later lt/ls block? I know a t-56 can be run on an older block, but i dunno if it would make things easier in the long run. Imput?

I'm not really worried about all the technical stuff that needs to go into my motor right now (forget tpi, forged bottom end, etc),all i'm worried about is determining if it's something i want to try and tackle on my own. Unless someone in SD wants to help me with a build

80smetalfan

Probably better plan on spending a lot of $$$ if you're going with a Gen. II/III (LT/LS) setup, especially Gen. III. Might be out of your budget.

Apeiron

$5000 probably isn't going to get you very close to 450 or 500 RWHP.

cool84

i'm gonna have to say that if your worried about you abilities i woudl start out with a 383 shortblock and your friend can help you to pick the heads adn intake setup you want,

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Agreed. Maybe 450 GFWHP if you want it to hold together, maybe 500 GFWHP if you aren't concerned about it holding together.

Do you have an idea what driving a 500 RWHP 3rd gen would be like?

80smetalfan

I think you can hit reasonably close to your goals with a smart budget build and a good used roots blower....but at that point you'll have a lot of other issues to address with your drivetrain/chassis/suspension with that much power. And the quality of parts you'd have to use to hit that budget would make it somewhat of a time bomb.

So probably need to do some more research and planning.

88-I.R.O.C.

iTrader: (3)

I know it will take more money. I can get a shortblock assembled for 3k at a local performance shop. It's a reputable guy too. I'd like at least 400 rwhp. i figured i'd shoot for 500 but i know i'll end up with less than i anticipated. Right now i'm less worried about expenses and more interested in how i'm gunna built it.

Also i i am going to forget the lx block.