408 stroker from a 350?

[luxeryvic]

i was reading (the lastest i think ) issue of Popular Hot Rodding Magazine and i was reading the article about the laguna project into a nascar replication. anyway i am preety sure the article saig they might make a 408 stroker from the original 350, how would u do this? is it a machined down 454 crank? i though the only stroker you could do with a 350 is a 383?
thanks for the help

[MrPbody]

There are several combinations avaialbe for the small block, to make various CID engines. We've seen a 3.5" stroke, 3.625", 3.75, 3.8, 3.875, 4, 4.1 and 4.125" for small blocks, all of which would be considered "strokers" (anything that increases stroke over "standard", which for 350 is 3.480").

One of the more popular "race" small blocks is a 434 CID version. This is a 4.155" bore (400 block, .030" over) and a 4" stroke. This is the crank being used to make a "408" with the 350 block (.030" over). There's precious little "room" in there for so much stroke, but there are people that will do anything to anything...(:-

Unless an aftermarket block is used, some of these combinations are doomed from the start, as the stock blocks can only be "stretched" so far...

Jim

[luxeryvic]

ok, so i have a 350 4 bolt main block, what is the biggest i can stroke it to using what crank? also where could i get a crank, i have looked at summit but i dont see anything maybe im not looking for the right thing?

also how big can i bore it without having to worry? would u just recommend enough boring to clean it up? like .030

[luxeryvic]

the onlyb 350 strokers i have heard of is a 383 with a 3.75 crank, would anyother cranks fit ans where would i get one?

[bobss396]

From my experience with strokers, they are less reliable than standard dimensioned motors. The rods are special, the pistons are usually too. The cranks are in some cases have welded up journals that are ground off center to get the increased throw.

You could go out and buy a whole stroker kit from a reputable parts manufacturer, but expect to drop big buck$ on it. For everyday driving and street usage, I'd suggest going with a standard .030 overbore (which gives you a 355) and calling it quits.

Bob

[MrPbody]

Eagle Specialty Products offers among the most complete line of stroker "kits" for SBC. For the most part, their stuff is very good, within the guidelines of "intended purpose".

Bob,

The majority of the kits use a 5.7" rod (c-c). This is "stock" for a 350, and would require the piston be made with the pin "higher" in it. Some use the 400 rod, which is 5.565". This allows the use of production-dimensioned 350 pistons (in the appropriate oversize). The "good stuff" comes with a 6" rod AND a "special" piston. Due to attrition, the use of factory parts in such engines has become less and less popular.

If a "small base circel" cam is used, no modifications are necesarry to a stock-type rod, as long as lift stays under .380" (lobe lift, not "net"). If a stock base circle is used, a portion of the inner rod bolt head must be ground off. If properly done, this has no ill effects. Aftermarket H-beam" rods are "relieved" in the area so no interference occurs.

Jim