I was talking to a machine shop who is huge into mopars and he told me to put a 400 or 440 crank to stroke my 69 383. Does that sound right? I'm kinda on a budget for my build and need help with my options. Wanting to do whole package, my heads are already p/p.

 

great combo, go for it!

 

you would need a kit , 440 source is a good option , a 400 crank is the same as the 383 so that will get you nowhere , the 440 cranks has larger main jounals & will need to be cut to size , 440 source will have a drop in crank , the other issue IS I would use a long 440 rod with this combo for better rod ratio so those need to be replaced also , this will require a shorter piston as well , the whole kit balanced will be about $2000 which is not a lot more than re-machining & balancing the old parts anyway .
a 440 crank in a 383 block depending on bore will get you approx 430 CI

 

426 c.i. has the same bore with a 440 crank/stroke
i would keep the 383 but use a cam that will go to 7 k
the 383 can take the rpm s and what a screamer

 

Whould it be better to do solid or hydraulic cam? Mainly going to be street machine.

 

Go with a hyd roller. You'll have a 100k engine then,IF you fuel inject it.

 

Thanks for all the input. What would be a good cam to use? I like the idea of being able to take high rpms. I had a ls1 Camaro and I loved shifting at over 7k. But I'm kinda in the dark about what would be good choices for a strong build. Part numbers and personal choices would help.

 

Keep in mind what you are doing to the bore / stroke ratio.. Strokers by design don't like high rpms and need much more cam to fill the cylinders.

If you want to rev it to the moon spend the money on high flow heads, roller valve train and forged internals and leave the cubic inches as is. If you like the quick rev of the LS stuff look at why it works: high flow heads in the area of 290+ cfm ( the small heads flow that) , roller lifters, good exhaust, 8mm valves, bee hive springs..

If you want a torque monster, stroke it.

 

What would be a good balance because HP is nothing without tq? With a heavy car. I am looking for a car that is fun as hell to drive I don't think it will ever make it to the track but maybe some (stoplight to stoplight) and I live 20 from my work hwy. I don't know my gear ratio but I'm gonna rebuild my rear end because of a vibration at 60to70.