HT383E into a K3500

[Schurkey]

With few excpetions, if the "valve" adjustment (actually hydraulic lifter preload) was done properly to begin with, it's set for the life of the engine. Anything that causes it to go out-of-adjustment means something or multiple somethings have worn to the point of failure.

 

[Tachyon]

I know this is an old thread but anybody still here with the ht383e?

Still got mine. Still happy with it.

 

[LVJJJ]

you betcha!! For the OP, the 383 has great torque, maybe more than a stock 454, I've had both. Torque is what the 383 is all about. We tow a 28' travel trailer with our k1500 suburban and even going up slight hills it prefers to be in overdrive. I have a temp gage for the tranny to watch the temp, but it never goes above 180 except for steep mountain passes and then I'm in 2nd, still stays below 210.

 

[SUBURBAN5]

Cant argue that. I really love the motor compared to the previous motor I had.

 

[Tachyon]

Frankly the HT383E is the engine that the truck should have come with. Or at least been available as an option. I'd certainly take it over a stock 454 which is a more difficult swap and not worth the effort IMO for an unmodified 454. I'd at least want cam, springs, headers, and a tune. Also, I'm not sure what the computer requirements are for the 454 swap. I'm thinking an 0411 upgrade might also be indicated for a 454 swap. Plus there's the weight penalty of the 454 and for a 1500 truck, the need, cost and effort to upgrade the 4L60E to a 4L80E.

 

[Christian Steffen]

Frankly the HT383E is the engine that the truck should have come with. Or at least been available as an option. I'd certainly take it over a stock 454 which is a more difficult swap and not worth the effort IMO for an unmodified 454. I'd at least want cam, springs, headers, and a tune. Also, I'm not sure what the computer requirements are for the 454 swap. I'm thinking an 0411 upgrade might also be indicated for a 454 swap. Plus there's the weight penalty of the 454 and for a 1500 truck, the need, cost and effort to upgrade the 4L60E to a 4L80E.

I'd agree the 383 is a better option for a 1500, but it isn't really fair to compare an aftermarket 383 to a factory 454 as far as performance goes.

 

[Supercharged111]

I'd agree the 383 is a better option for a 1500, but it isn't really fair to compare an aftermarket 383 to a factory 454 as far as performance goes.

Yes and no, I think the 383 does more per cubic inch than the 454 does.

 

[b454rat]

Stock for stock maybe, but if gonna build a motor for torque and had to choose between one or the other, big block all day. Big block will drop in just as easy as a small block if you have the accessories. This is the situation Im in now. I have a 406 block ready to go, but want to go big block for torque.

 

[Christian Steffen]

Yes and no, I think the 383 does more per cubic inch than the 454 does.

It really just comes down to heads. The small block heads might be slightly more efficient; but if you put high quality heads on a BB and a SB I don't think you'll notice any difference. All else equal, cubic inches win.

 

[LVJJJ]

As I said earlier, I've had the 454 and 383. My 454 in an '88 3/4 ton Suburban was stock inside but I did put on Doug Thorley full length headers, gear splitter, MSD Adjustable Timing Control and dual exhausts. 383 is better with dual exhaust. I've always subscribed to the "there's no substitute for cubic inches", but not now.