383 vs 400?

[oldndcctrucks]

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???

[712edf]

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

[oldndcctrucks]

Thanks!

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

[712edf]

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

[oldndcctrucks]

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.

[712edf]

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