The Dodge Challenger Message Board

Hi, i wonder if someone can give me their opinion on this. I'm restoring a 71 RT and hope to show some pictures soon if I can get my daughter to get them from the camera to the computer since I haven't figured that out yet. But anway it came with a date correct 383 not #'s matching, so rated at 300 hp. since I dont have the build sheet or fender tag would I be better off getting a late 60's 440 and go 6 pack or build this one? I would like to get at least 400 hp without spending huge $.

Yes. Without the correct engine or fender tag you may as well put anything you like in there. In fact you will probably raise its value with a 440 instead.

You might want to reconsider the 6-pack induction though. They are big $ so if you are on a budget you might want to stick with a 4bbl.

You might want to consider a 426 Hemi as the biggest bang ($ return) for the buck in the long run. Depends on the shape of the car and budget though. IMO.

Thanks, I think the 440 four barrel is more in my price range, from what I can tell the 426 Hemi would be in the $10,000 + range, the 440 in the 3 to 8000 depending on how built up it is. And my 383, What would it cost to get to 400 hp? If it is stock now.

It also depends on the driving style you'd like.

You can easily reach the 400 mark with a 383 (Even with a 318, that's feasable).

The 383 has a pretty short stroke, and can rev quite high.
Well rebuilt and balanced, it would be a worthy engine, especially if you have a manual trans. Revs like a SB, with BB torque.


You can find a 383 to 438 stroker kit, which has almost as much displacement as the 440, and the same stroke.

Or you could buy a 440, and have it rebuilt stock, or stroked (with a 'made for torque' camshaft). Perfect for cruising with an auto trans and highway gears.

I wouldn't go much over 500ci for a street engine, and even then, you're already far into 500HP territory.

400 H.P. is easily obtainable out of your stock 383 if it's a healthy motor and you can purchase a few items new. The first thing is a new camshaft and lifters. A Comp Hi-Energy Cam around 268/276@.480 or so lift will get you there using the stock rocker arms/shafts and new valve springs,(A Must). A good carb like the Eds 750 or Holley 770 Street Avenger on top of a Edelbrock RPM dual plane and dual exhaust at least 2 1/2" all the way out, a viscous clutch fan, will get you almost 400 H.P. Throw on a set of headers and you are there. Torque is what it sounds like you really want, and this is a good torque recipe and wont break the bank. Dont get Dave started on the torque/H.P. thing.(He's correct you know) Fabians idea is what I would do though, but it will cost you:

Thanks for the good ideas. I like the thought of keeping the 383 if I can get that kind of power out of it. The car is a four speed, I dont plan on racing it but I had all small blocks in my cars before i got married (340 Demon, 74 360 challenger, 69 z28 350, 351 Mach 1, and now after 20 years i can finally afford to get back into it. Sorry if I'm rambling on but anyway this time i want to go a step further and build something that can smoke the tires without brake torquing and getrubber in at least 3 gears and have that off beat rumble of a funnycar. I would love to put a hemi in it but after what i'm spending on the rest of the car my budget is probably in the 2-5000 range for now. Thanks for the advice.

Chris wrote:Thanks for the good ideas. I like the thought of keeping the 383 if I can get that kind of power out of it. The car is a four speed, I dont plan on racing it but I had all small blocks in my cars before i got married (340 Demon, 74 360 challenger, 69 z28 350, 351 Mach 1, and now after 20 years i can finally afford to get back into it. Sorry if I'm rambling on but anyway this time i want to go a step further and build something that can smoke the tires without brake torquing and getrubber in at least 3 gears and have that off beat rumble of a funnycar. I would love to put a hemi in it but after what i'm spending on the rest of the car my budget is probably in the 2-5000 range for now. Thanks for the advice.

Yeah the 4-speed and mildly built 383 will give it to you! Remember what fabian said, that engine loves to rev, with a 4-speed it will have a great flat torque curve as long as you dont over cam it. A nice set of KB pistons with near zero deck will get the compression up to 9.5. The 383 had pistons down in the hole a bit, it makes around 8.5 comp. the KB hyperuetectic pistons are a great bang for the buck upgrade and wont break the bank. The most expensive part if the heads are worn and used will be re-conditioning the heads. The 440source heads are only 899.00 for a pair and will give you an extra 50 H.P. out of the box,(all else being equal), but arent necessary unless you must do that much in re-building your old heads,(new springs, seats, valves, magging, ect) it will quickly add up, so plan accordingly. The 383 rocks!

airfuelEddie wrote: The 383 rocks!

airfuelEddie wrote:The 383 rocks!

But just not as much as a 440.

RedRaven wrote:

airfuelEddie wrote: The 383 rocks!

Liked that one did ya Wayne? My dad had a old Dodge Polara with the venerable 383, it was pretty fast for a big car, I blew the 727 out in it one day Street Racin my buddies Mustang and he junked it. Then kicked my butt. Repeatedly.

I guess i should tear the motor down and see what condition it is in first but if everything checks out ok you dont think i would need the stroker kit, just change the pistons, and cam inside and the rest of the bolt ons would do the trick?

Chris wrote:I guess i should tear the motor down and see what condition it is in first but if everything checks out ok you dont think i would need the stroker kit, just change the pistons, and cam inside and the rest of the bolt ons would do the trick?

Yeah Chris. Tear it down if you have a known problem. If it has a lot of miles on it, or it's an an original engine from 1971 on back,(1971 was the last year for the 383), then you can bet the timing chain and valve seals are shot. If the engine is still in the car and you can turn it over with a starter, now would be a good time to perform a leakdown test. This will indicate the integrity of the piston rings, valves, head gasket. If everything checks out ok in the leakdown test then you might get by if it has low miles on it with the mods. Remember mods only work on a healthy engine. If there is sealing problems. compression is low, ect the mods will only make the engine run worse not better. You wont need the stroker kit for 400 H.P. but also remember power is VERY addictive, and you are talking to an addict that has given up all hope of recovery,(Thank God)