High-performance vehicle at relatively low cost. That’s the dream of every car owner and some people are ready to go the extra mile to make this happen. As a result, it’s common to see car owners give their vehicles extra power by using the 383 Stroker engine. For those using this type of engine, they have to figure out the best transmission to use and this is what this article is all about. Continue reading to learn about the best type of transmission to use for the 383 stroker engine.
The best transmission for Chevy 838 could be 700R4, 200R4, 350c, or 4I60 depending on your budget and needs.
If you are familiar with Chevy 383, you may have some ideas of the type of transmission to use with it. However, we created this article with people that aren’t familiar with Chevy 383 in mind, so we’ll start from the beginning. Here we go.
The Stroker Engine
A stroker engine is basically an engine that has been modified to exceed its original performance. The modification done is that the stroke of the crankshaft is increased beyond stock specifications.
Now, you might be wondering why anyone would want to increase the piston stroke on an engine. The answer is simple – torque, lots of torque. Torque is the idea behind a stroker engine as the engine is able to generate more torque when the piston has more distance to travel.
To put this into perspective for you, think back to that time you were trying to lose a stubborn lug nut. Remember how easier it was to remove the lug nut with an extended wrench than to use a standard wrench? If you’ve never been in this situation before, try removing a lug nut with a standard wrench and then an extended wrench. You’ll find out that it’s far easier to remove a lug nut with an extended wrench than with a standard wrench.
This is because the force acting on the lug nut is torque, a turning force. Torque increases with perpendicular distance. So, the farther the distance between the fulcrum (turning point) and the point of application, the more torque is generated. And this is why increasing the piston stroke, which is the distance the piston travels from top to bottom, generates more torque.
The 383 Stroker Engine
Now that you understand what a stroker engine is, understanding the 383 stroker engine will be far easier. Obviously, you should already deduce that the 383 stroker engine is a type of stroker engine.
Also referred to as the Chevy 383 stroker engine, the 383 stroker engine is a Chevrolet 350 cid engine that has been modified to use a 400 cid crankshaft. In short, the piston length of the Chevy 383 engine block has been modified to generate more torque. The stroke length is increased from 3.5 inches to 3.75 inches while the engine capacity goes up from 350 ci to 383ci.
Best Transmission For Chevy 383 Stroker Engine
The best transmission for Chevy 383 stroker engine depends on your needs. Options available include 7004r, 200r4, 4I60, 4180, th350, th400, th200, and th350c. 700r4, 200r4, and 350c are the most popular type of transmission used for the Chevy 383 stroker engine and they are all great for everyday use.
700R4 Transmission
700R4 transmission comes with four gears and can handle high torque, with the exact torque level depending on the production year. If you are using an older model of 700r4, you may need to rebuild the transmission as older models are known to be defective and weak. One of the major selling points of the 700r4 is enhanced fuel economy and the promise of improved fuel economy. This transmission can also be electronically controlled.
200R4 Transmission
Another good transmission for the Chevy 383 stroker engine is the 200R4 transmission. Unlike the 700r4, the 200r4 transmission is not electronically controlled making it ideal for people that prefer a manual transmission.
The 200r4 also comes with a mechanical speedometer, bell housing, and a drive shaft, all of which make them ideal and tailored for vintage cars. It’s worth mentioning that the transmission has a very sturdy build and can handle a wide range of torque.
Like the 700r4, the 200r4 also has four gears. You can easily find 200r4 in junk shops and scrap yards at great bargains, a massive advantage over the 200R4.
350c transmission
Renowned for its sturdy build and high performance, the 350c transmission is generally considered a great fit for entry-level sports cars, light trucks, and rally races. This transmission has only three gears with no overdrive gear available.
The main benefit of this transmission is the extra power it provides. Not many people are privileged enough to start or buy a vehicle with very high power. However, a 350c transmission can take moderately powered transmission vehicles to the next level.
Benefits Of Stroker Engine
Below are the benefits a stroker engine offers:
Increased Power
This is the main reason why anyone would want to stroke an engine. As we already established at the beginning of this article, a stroker engine can generate more torque, and consequently more power because of the modifications made to them.
Faster Acceleration
As stroker engines can generate more power, they are able to accelerate faster and achieve top speeds within a shorter timeframe. Drag racers lovers love this particular feature of the stroker engine and use them in their racing cars.
It’s worth mentioning that stroker engines can move from a stop to top speed almost instantly. That’s some insane acceleration and we are sure you can now see why drag racers love them. For those not familiar with drag racing, it’s a type of racing where vehicles, and sometimes motorcycles, compete, usually in pairs, to be the first to cross a finish line.
High Torque at Low Speeds
A stroker engine can generate high torque across a wide range of speeds. So, even when engine speeds are low, a stroker engine can still generate significant torque due to the length of the crankshaft’s throw.
Cons Of Stroker Engine
Before going for a stroker engine, it’s important to be aware of some of its cons which include lower fuel efficiency, cost to build, and more maintenance. Stroker engines may also not be compatible with high-performance automobiles.
