I'm starting to price how much machine work will cost in my local area for building a 383 stroker. What questions should I ask? I'm thinking I need to know how much (besides cleaning/magnafluxing) things like: how much will boring cost, how much to turn mains down; and headwise, I'm not sure what to ask...how much to maybe port the heads? I'm not even quite sure what 'porting' heads means but I kind of get the idea its something that should be done. I guess I'd just like help on knowing what all I need to get prices on for block/head work on making the 383. Any suggestions on what I should ask? Thanks.

Why are you having a crank turned down? A new SCAT is about the same cost and about 10x stronger. Usually I shy away from porting heads unless there is a good reason. Are you planning on trying to get every last horse out of a set of stock heads with porting them? Why not just get a set of Darts/WPs/Trick Flows? You may also need to inquire about decking the block depending on the pistons you want to use. Some will be a ways in the hole if you don't deck the block. Are you planning on adding any type of power adder later?(NOS or blower) This will effect the ring gaps you want to have done.

Originally posted by Rad Racer:
Why are you having a crank turned down? A new SCAT is about the same cost and about 10x stronger. Usually I shy away from porting heads unless there is a good reason. Are you planning on trying to get every last horse out of a set of stock heads with porting them? Why not just get a set of Darts/WPs/Trick Flows? Well I'm going to be on a slight budget, due to the fact I'm a 17 year old kid who can only work a few hours after school. I'm reading the 'How to build Max Perf. Chevy smallblocks on a bugdet' book by David Vizard, and just wanted some 'real-life' questions to ask a machinist. I may end up getting new heads but the chances are I'll need to maybe find some good stock ones somewhere and machine them a bit. I don't plan to add NOS or do any kind of 'charing to the block either.

I was 19 when I built my 383, so I understand the cost/desire ratio. You always want way way more than you can afford. I bought WP Sportsman heads and my brother used a set of GM 291 Camel Humps with 2.02/1.60 valves. I have been very impressed with them so far. Not quite as strong running as my Sportsmans, but for $400 less money. I recommend getting a SCAT crank still though. They are not very much more money than a good grind and polish on a stock crank, but are of excellent quality.

BTW I built my 383 with the same book and wow, how nice it is. If you follow his advice the results should be quite pleasurable.