Thread: how do i wake up my stroker

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66 Chevelle 383

First of all, your no idiot. You were able to build the engine yourself and thats more than many can say. As for the suggestions above, most are right on in most cases...so take all of this in stride.

Remember a 383 Stroker Chevrolet was created to deliver big block torque from the size of a small block. And if combined with complimenting internals, it will. But as with any combination for any engine size...if you have things fighting each other you won't be happy with the results.

I agree with Killer Formula above. The 383 is designed for torque in an RPM range which usually ends around 5000-5500. Most of the cams designed for torque will show this. That doesnt mean you can't build an engine to turn faster than that...it only means you have reached the point of diminishing return. When this happens, you simply have to shift into the next gear and start the process over again.

Stroker motors have been designed to reach peak performance depending upon what the goal was. "Stroked" engines were designed for torque while "Destroked" engines were designed for RPMs. Both have their benefits and their weaknesses.

From what you have described, you are losing momentum trying to turn RPMs. I would use your 383 to do what it was created for: Quickness. So simply set the chassis to work with the strategy of getting off the line quick, then accelerate through the "correct" RPM range (up to 5500 or very close to it...just look at your cam specs to determine where the point of diminishing return is), and then shift. Finally only add nitrous after you have perfected the tuning. Otherwise you are just amplifiying a bad set-up and eventually you will pay the price.

His point about the heads is right on as well. If you can't get the air into the cylinder, you wont get the maximum benefit from the 383 (or any engine size for that matter). You will be surprised what airflow will do for you. I would also take the exhaust into consideration(headers, tubing diameter, restriction or lack thereof...etc). Highflow exhausts are for RPM motors(Destroked)...Chevy 302, or the Chevy 327. Since Strokers are designed for lower RPMs the power range is weakened by huge exhaust and large headers. Even I learned this the hard way, but I ain't gonna admit to being an idiot just yet. Its just comes with the territory. If it were easy, and we all new the secrets...we wouldnt need this great website.

Don't give up...you'll get there faster than you think.