Hey Ruler,
I have to default to the old hot rodder's adage...speed costs money, how fast do you want to go? On the budget end u can swap the manifold, install a bigger cam, add headers and a carb and youll have enough improvement to easily feel in...
You are right, the easiest way is a 'kit' type stroker for 3.750" stroke. It is available for 5.7" or 6.0" rods. The thing about using a 400" crank is that after turning the journals is that you can use the 400" type rods which are 5.635" or which...
You could bore it .030" then use a reground Chevy 400 crank, rods, and order pistons from whatever maker you choose. OR, buy a 383" kit from a dozen manufacturers whichever you choose. Don't forget that you will need an "unbalanced" flexplate & ba...
A 383 is a stroker, so a 400 crank and rods are needed. As for the quality of the rotating assembly, that depends on the amount of HP you plan on making.
I agree with both of the posts so far.
Kevin is right...those heads are just about worthless from a performance stand point. Patriot offers some pretty good aluminum heads with 2.02 / 1.60 valves, screw in studs and guide plates for under a grand ...
Just as Corey and Chris pointed out, there are plenty of bolt on modifications you can do. Are you rebuilding the engine, or just want to do some modifications? I ask because if you follow Corey's suggestion of cam and lifters, be careful on your ...
dont foreget about headers......it has to let out all that air it is takin in too.......and a bigger exhaust like a 2.5 or possibly 3 inch system..........electric fan works too.....aluminum heads and intake.......good ignition system like msd