393w vs 408w

mwood · Jul 1, 2008

I know this has been debated before, but let me ask it again. I just got my 351w block. I'm between a 393 and a 408. Looks like the 408 is capable of an extra 25-35 more hp NA, and the 393 stroker kit is about $400-$500 cheaper. Is that the some of it? Is the 408 capable of alot more hp or is there other savings to the 393? Please give me the rundown.

Thanks
Marcus

PS, a few details. I'm building a carbed stroker for an 88 notch. Kindof a hotrod, maybe a street/strip one day. Thinking 19.3 dish, 10/1 comp, pump gas, afr185 or trick flow 192 heads, victor jr intake, 750-850 cfm carb. 500fwhp.

393 notch · Jul 1, 2008

Ive had my 393 .40over for 2 years now, never dyno"d it. it has the afr 185s and im told those heads are too small. i disagree, i love the 185s although the 205s will probably make more power, thats not what i was looking for. i wanted at least 400 hp and a boat load of torque. and i got it. i wanted it to be streetable (very) and it is. i found that most people are looking for every ounce of power for the money and i respect that. i wanted an engine i could drive everyday with the ac on.so if you want all the power you can get, there is no replacement for displacement. (well maybe a turbo). hope i helped...

mwood · Jul 1, 2008

Do you mind if I ask what your build budget was? (ballpark)

93 LX · Jul 1, 2008

why not 427? remember no replacement for cubic displacement! LOL

mwood · Jul 1, 2008

There are plenty of threads debating the 427. I don't think I need to rehash too much of that, but the fact that this is to be a street rod possibly a street/strip car should preclude the 427. If I wanted to go over 700 hp or do a strip only car then the 460 BB would be much more appealing than a 427w. Got a buddy with a 800hp 429 PI and it's a little much for the street.

5spd GT · Jul 1, 2008

If I was to do a 427, I would go with an aftermarket block and I would prefer the 4.125" x 4.000" version of that.

If budget allows, get as many cubic inchs as possible.

mwood · Jul 1, 2008

Already have the block. Trying to decide between 408 and 393. Was considering 393 if cost savings was significant.

tiptop · Jul 1, 2008

hey, my buddy was in the same situation as you this winter, but he decided to go with the 393 stroker, he said he went that way because the 393 makes a little more torque, and he has a 5 speed tranny, but he said if you have an automatic, them go with the 408, he sais the 393 will be quicker in all rpms with a standard, than a 408 with an automatic.

5spd GT · Jul 1, 2008

A 408 makes more torque than a 393, at any RPM.

There are only two reasons to go with a 393:

- Cost
- Parts on hand

393 notch · Jul 1, 2008

I did not have a budget, i picked up the new parts as funds allowed, block total cost ready to build around 1200.00...393 stroker kit from coast high, 1150.00, forged pistons rods cast steel crank(never seen one brake). AFR 185 heads 1400.00, man do these heads rock. the engine sings to 6500 with ease, intake, spider efi from coast. expensive... I dont know the power this engine makes, havent dynod it yet. but it runs great, i wanted a 12 second notch and i got it easily. i have the stock 308 gears in it still and it really pulls. blows the tires off in 3 gears. traction is a problem with the torque, im running reg. tires no drag radials. im waiting to install the 373 5 lug cobra disc rear. its ready just dont have the cash for the new wheels and rubber yet.. To answer your question, if i had to do it again i would build another 393 for the cost savings over the 408 and i dont want to go that fast anyway.. i dont want to be the fastest car out there, thats too much work.. but im not the slowest either...whatever you biuld ask lots of questions.. have fun!

25thmustang · Jul 2, 2008

Our 393 stroker car with a set of AFR185s, upgraded springs, 690 lift solid roller, Ford racing intake, carb, LTs, Race Bullets, in a good suspension and a 4-speed went...

10.17 @ 131. Best ET with the wrong tire
10.22 @ 135. Best mph at 3000+ elevation

mwood · Jul 2, 2008

Fordstrokers has the Street Fighter GT 393 kit featuring the FPS pistons rather than the SRS pistons. Not sure if this is a compromise I want to make. Really cheap kit, but don't want to cut the wrong cost. Doesn't say how much hp it is good up to.

5spd GT · Jul 2, 2008

Cheaper costing shortblocks usually use an inferior block and rotating assembly.

mwood · Jul 2, 2008

It's just the rotating assembly. Already have a stock 351w. Won't be going much over 600hp using the stock block and I understand that. Just don't want to get stuck around 400 due to a cheap kit. Don't want to spend money I don't need to either.

302RollinHard · Jul 3, 2008

FordStrokers is a great place to buy parts. Jim is as honest as the day is long. I might go with the street fighter gt for the SRS pistons, though........
If you are going to buy a whole kit, don't sell yourself short on cubic inches.
As a side note, ever think about buying a storker shortblock from there and selling off what you already have???

mwood · Jul 3, 2008

Cost is steering me the way I'm going. I have a local machine shop (2 hrs away) people swear by. Got the block for $80. Already been through, so I know it's good. $500 for machine work. $1000-$1200 for the kit. I'll have almost $1000 in savings. Plus I can get things a little at a time rather than all at once. That detail really matters to the wife.

PS, buddy is a machanic who is helping me.

393 notch · Jul 3, 2008

Take your time, choose your parts wisely, see what other people are using as far as combonations and horse power level. then build. keep in mind drivability....

mwood · Jul 3, 2008

Talk about drivability for a sec. This is going to be a weekend warrior, not a DD. Not a track only car. You saw my ideas in the original post, what do you think?

superstroke17 · Jul 3, 2008

Check out enginekits.com. I've never used them or know anyone who has but they have great prices on stroker kits

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