stroking a 383

[GoMangoBoys]

I tore down the 383 today from our new Challenger.   It looks like a decent core to rebuild.  As best I can tell, it is 4.25 bore, though I will need to get it opened up 0.030" since there is some light surface rust on the cylinder walls and a small lip at the top.  I did not measure the crank journals but it looks like it will need turned 10 under.
My block is a 66 cast date, 67 build date.  B type.  Not the original engine from the car.
I am considering the possibility of doing a stroker.  I see some kits for about $2300 to stroke it to 438CI by going 30 over and 3.75" stroke length.  I have several questions:
1.  will this be a reliable build?
2.  Will I need to do a bunch of celarancing of the block?
3.  Can I just acquire a shopping list of the correct parts to do this a lot cheaper than the price of the kit?
4.  Would I be better off to just go buy a 440 short block that needs rebuilt?
Thanks

[70 Challenger Lover]

 

[RUNCHARGER]

10 different guys will give you 10 different opinions. Mine is that if it was the original 383 block for the car you could stroke it to a 438 and it would work fairly well. However it isn't the original block so your options are pretty open.
Another option would be to buy a 440 core and build pretty much the same engine but save some money. An added benefit of the 440 is that the intake manifolds generally flow a little bit more evenly than a 383-400 low deck manifold and will not need tricks to make work. Not a big deal but the 440 is the cheapest and easiest build and the 440 inches will make all the power you really need in a street car.
Most people will tell you to start with a 400 block (outside dimensions same as the 383). The 400 block has bigger bores which helps unshroud the valves and this will help the heads breathe a little better, the 400 block is also a little stronger in the main web area than a 440 so it's really the best stock block to use.
Myself, I like the 400 based 470 package the best. It gives pretty good cubic inch, does not require too short of a piston and will make a ton of power and last a long time in a street car.
I don't think there is a bad way to go to be honest, all the choices are pretty good.

[Chryco Psycho]

I have built a number of 436 383s & 451 400 they are an awesome engine ,
The kit is the best way to go basically it is a 440 in a low deck block , great rod ratio etc .... do it !!
Clearancing is minimal internally .The lighter pistons & rods reduce the need for crank mass so in total it removes 7 lbs from the rotating assy !
If you are doing a 440 block go to 512 same basic principle applies .