opinion! 383 buy or build

[DeWynter]

I have the opertunity to buy a brand new never been started 383 long block for C$1000. I really dont want the heads as they are not center bolts so they dont work in my car. So I was thinking I would just like to buy it as a short block. what do you think is a fair price to offer for the short block. There are several things about the motor you must know.
Heads are ported and polished cast
Pistons are forged aluminum DOMED
Rods are forged steel
Cast 400 crank (new)
cam is set up for 1500-5500 RPM Power band (no specs as of yet as he is finding the box)

Now I will have to buy heads to compensate for the domed pistons as he was going to use it for his stock car, but sold it this winter. It is 11:1 with the heads on it now, so that means bigger cc head, no biggie.
What I also need to know is do you guys think its a headache going to happen or is it going to be not to bad?
I will also be putting in a retro roller cam kit too, so off with the cam also.
also is it easy to find a proper sized flywheel for it to mate to my T5 or what?

[GarrettT/A]

Do you plan on using the tune port intake ?

[DeWynter]

Yes I plan on using the 92 TPI Intake converted to MAF for the 89 computer (not like its much of a convertion ). I will probably get bigger runners and see about porting the intake base. I realize the TPI intake is not the greatest for the 383 but I dont really want to reve over 4500-5000 anyways. Im just looking to build a big torque monster. I will be repalcing the T-5 with a T-56.

[N20LT4Bird]

I would build my own. Unless the motor has been built with all forged internals, you could buy the stroker kit for your car for that and build your own. THen, you know what you've got and you know it was built to your standards.

[fastTa]

I too would like to build my own so I know exactly what was in it, but for $775 USD I would jump on it. That is a steal for a decently setup longblock.

[DeWynter]

the only non forged part in the engine is the crank. This is definatly the down point. and Is it easy to find a flywheel for the 400 crank to go with my t-5 or t-56?

[N20LT4Bird]

the only non forged part in the engine is the crank. This is definatly the down point. and Is it easy to find a flywheel for the 400 crank to go with my t-5 or t-56?

I wouldnt worry too much about the crank....the rods and pistons are the MOST critical, however the crank would be nice too....

The flywheel may be a difficulty.....I know the LT1/T56 flywheels are a 0 balance, but im not sure about the 400 crank/rotating assembly. The other question is whether the whole mixing of 1 piece rear main and two piece rear main parts is O.K. I guess im not much help here, but maybe some other guys can jump in......

[DeWynter]

what is the size of the LT1/t56 flywheel, is it still 153 tooth? 12 3/4"?