West Coast Engines 383 Stroker

[LonghornJPS]

Guys,
I am considering getting West Coast Engines SBC 383 Stroker turnkey engine for my 67 Camaro. I've searched the forum with limited success for reviews (pro or con) of both the engine and the company. Anyone here have any dealings with WCE? Please share any thoughts.
I'm a bit hesitant to order from them, simply from a distance-standpoint (I live in NC). Their testimonials on their website are positive, which is to be expected. Also, they offer a warranty, which is attractive. Any thoughts you can provide are much appreciated.

[TheJDMan]

Never heard of West Coast Engines. If you have doubts, follow your gut instinct. I have heard good things about BluePrint Engines and Summit sells them with free shipping which could be a big deal.

BluePrint 383 long block:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mll-bp38313ct1/overview/

BluePrint 383 fully dressed:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mll-bp38313ctc1/overview/

[Vegas69]

After all I went through building mine, I have three thoughts.

Don't buy based on price only.

Don't buy an engine across the country from a small builder.

The warranty isn't worth the paper it's written on. They will find a way to blame it on you.

I'd go local or GM.

[WSSix]

What are your power goals and intended use for the engine/car? If nothing special, just get it built locally or buy a GM crate engine. I'd trust a GM crate engine before I trusted just anyone's crate engine for a simple build. The GMPP 383 is a great starting point for a mild stroker.

EDIT: Just looked them up. Not sure what engine build you're planning but I wouldn't trust an Eagle cast crank. Way too may people have had issues. They seem to be using that on a lot of their strokers. Forged Eagle or Scat cranks are fine so long as they are balanced by the shop doing the build. Do not trust the manufacturer's balance job

[LonghornJPS]

Thanks, Trey. This is the stuff I needed to hear.

[LonghornJPS]

I plan on this being primarily a cruiser, but will definitely be driving fairly aggressively. I live in western North Carolina, so there is no shortage of fun roads to carve. The car is going to AMD for sheet metal repair and DSE tubs. When it returns, it will get a T56, DSE speed kit 3 up front, and probably DSE 3 inch drop leaf springs, with Hotchkis subframe connectors and DSE body mount kit. I'm actually starting to lean towards the GMPP L376/480 with the hot cam, producing 495 HP. Even with the controller kit, the cost is around $8400. I was planning to use the stock console and gauges (I really like the old-school deluxe interior). Supposedly, Hurst Driveline Conversions sells a T56 Magnum kit that will fit the original transmission tunnel hole so that I can use the stock console.
Anyway, that's the (not so) brief rundown on what I'm planning to do with the car. I'm still kicking around the idea of a built Stroker, but there doesn't seem to be much cost savings versus the LS3 after all is said and done. If I'm wrong, please let me know.

[LonghornJPS]

BTW, the West Coast Engines 383 I was referencing wast the Stage 5. Attached (hopefully) is the page link. The specifications are at the bottom of the page. Let me know what you think.

http://www.westcoastengines.com/383-stroker-500hp

[WSSix]

That's not a bad engine honestly. I figured they offered a stronger combination at some point. It's similar to what I'm building although I'm an LT1. The bottom end in my engine is the same as a traditional SBC.

With that said, I'd go LS3. If I didn't already have the LT1/T56 combo, I would not be building it. You're starting with a blank slate. You will do better long term to go LS3/T56. I love a traditional small block. They are great engines and sound fantastic. The LS3 is a better choice. You won't save any money going SBC. The fuel injection on the LS3 is wonderful.

[LonghornJPS]

Appreciate the advice, Six. Does GMPP have the best price on the LS3, or do Jehs and Summit usually have lower prices because the are major distributors?

[WSSix]

I have no idea, honestly. I'd shop around. I'd also check Scoggin Dickey. They are a big GMPP dealership.

[LonghornJPS]

I checked all of the above, they all have the exact same price.