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  • 383 vs 400?

    Good Day!

    I am considering an engine upgrade for my ‘73 W200.

    So, I would truly appreciate any discussion about the advantages and disadvantages of the 383 and the 400.

    I might consider the 413 but it seems much rarer and there may be fewer parts available.

    I intend to rebuild whichever to stock; no major modifications.

    It will mate up to the stock manual trans 4x4 drivetrain.

    Any takers???

  • #2
    Well in stock form the 383 would eat the 400, simply because 383s were from the higher compression era & the 400 was a smog motor. Plus 383 were generally internally balanced forged crank while the 400 were externally balanced cast crank. Finding the proper flywheel for either might be a challenge.

    But the 400 has the biggest bore of any big block Mopar, which leads itself well to a stroker crank & more cubic inches. Your pocketbook determines how far either goes.

    Bucky

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    • #3
      Thanks!

      So, would you consider a forged crank to be stronger/more reliable than a cast one?

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      • #4
        Originally posted by oldndcctrucks View Post
        Thanks!

        So, would you consider a forged crank to be stronger/more reliable than a cast one?
        That is generally accepted as a truth in the industry. However in stock form I don't think it matters, both were sufficient enough to handle the loads they were expected to encounter.

        It's when you get into modifications of the engine (compression, induction, whatever) where power & RPM increase then crankshaft strength comes into play.

        Bucky

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        • #5
          Understood!

          Thank you very much

          So when I’m looking for a complete engine for rebuild or a replacement crank, forged vs cast is generally irrelevant.

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          • #6
            Yes as far as running the engine as it is or rebuilt to stock specifications.

            It does become relevant when searching for a flywheel

            Bucky

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