Drive train swap ?

[tri94sbc]

I am planning on retiring my 5.7 after 10 years of faithful service and 240k miles. My desire is to replace it with a 383 stroker motor with around 400 HP.
With a power upgrade such as this, should I swap the transmission as well ? If so, what should I replace it with ? Any help or advice is welcomed and appreciated.

 

[kcb37]

If you want to do a 4l80E swap that is a good option.
However you can also get a built trans. (with upgraded parts, beast sunshell, Kevlar clutches, etc...)
I would also add a shift kit and servos if not part of the trans build.

 

[retorq]

Don't get your hopes up on a TBI inducted 400HP 383ci. You will more then likely want to look at an LS based swap in which case get the matching tranny.

 

[tri94sbc]

I've seen a 383 stroker 405 HP with a tranny set up TH400, but I think it's carberated. I'm not sure if that's the way to go. If I go that route will it cause me problems ?

 

[Gzes]

No but you gotta replace fuel pump and dizzy. IMO better way to go

 

[retorq]

Here we go again with this guy lol, you don't need to replace the fuel pump, you setup a regulator witha built in bypass and use the truck's stock return system.

You will need to change the distributor though so not all of his post was a big waste.

I'm not saying you can't get 400+HP out of a 383, you can, your limit with a tuned TBI system is a tad under that unless you do lots of custom work to get it right. There are only a few folks who still mass tune TBI setups, none of whom I would suspect would be willing to put in the work needed to get your setup the way you want. You don't way why you want 400HP, maybe it sounds like a nice number to you, who knows, a properly tuned Vortec top end, correct cam, proper fuel and exhaust system is going to be a hell of alot more then you have now and will surprise you. You would need to upgrade the tranny for that setup as well.

 

[tri94sbc]

Here we go again with this guy lol, you don't need to replace the fuel pump, you setup a regulator witha built in bypass and use the truck's stock return system.

You will need to change the distributor though so not all of his post was a big waste.

I'm not saying you can't get 400+HP out of a 383, you can, your limit with a tuned TBI system is a tad under that unless you do lots of custom work to get it right. There are only a few folks who still mass tune TBI setups, none of whom I would suspect would be willing to put in the work needed to get your setup the way you want. You don't way why you want 400HP, maybe it sounds like a nice number to you, who knows, a properly tuned Vortec top end, correct cam, proper fuel and exhaust system is going to be a hell of alot more then you have now and will surprise you. You would need to upgrade the tranny for that setup as well.

Is the TH400 the answer to the tranny upgrade ? I want something in that range as to HP 375 - 425 with a tranny setup that can handle it. I am not opposed to a Vortec either. The motor will be decided by price, quality, and dependability. By price I don't mean cheap either. Just don't want to spend $10k. Somewhere between 5K and 6K. Maybe 2K for the tranny.

 

[ezdaar]

T400 do just fine, be smart and replace the standard issue parts, sunshell, clutch, etc.. Just so you wont need to inside a year from abuse.

If your willing to spend 5-6k, build your 383 and go with a aftermarket fuel injection system. edelbrock or holley.. toss the Craptastic TBI.

But hey.. 5-6k will get you a 6.0 and a turbo kit in there.

 

[zomeizter]

5-6K to spend? Big Block all the way!

 

[tri94sbc]

Don't get me wrong I love big blocks, had a few, I want to double the HP I have presently and be able to work on it when necessary and a small block fits perfectly into that plan. There is enough room under the hood with a small block in there too.
The TBI is going to be retired too.