383 Pistons - The Piston Cup

Today's hot ticket for big power from a small-block Chevy is the 383. Simply taking any 350 small-block and installing a longer-stroke, 3.75-inch crank and a set of new pistons can get you lots of neck-snapping torque. 383 buildups are commonplace because they are straightforward, offering big improvements in performance and low- to mid-rpm torque, and, depending on the particular performance level, many 383 engines can be assembled on a budget.

With the huge popularity of the 383, the performance market is loaded with a wide range of excellent pistons designed for countless applications. Choosing the right pistons for your particular combo can be challenging, but, armed with the right info, your selection can be easier. So you can check out what's currently available on the market for 383 pistons, we've compiled a detailed guide of the more common choices from various manufacturers, but keep in mind that each company offers several 383 piston variations, far too many to cover in the pages of this story. Depending on each engine's configuration, bore, compression height, rod length, performance level, and the use of power adders, you may face additional requirements. With a 383 installed under your hood, your performance car's acceleration will drastically improve. All you'll need now is better traction.

We Have ClearanceBefore tackling a 383 build, there are some simple cautions to consider. Since a 383 is, by design, a hybrid of specially selected pistons mated to a long-stroke crankshaft, it's important to check the piston-to-cylinder head clearance, including the deck and valve clearances. Connecting rod bolt-to-camshaft interference may also be encountered and corrected during engine assembly. In a few cases, the counterweights on some 3.750-inch-stroke cranks have been found to contact the bottom of some piston skirts. In these situations, simply check with the crank, cam, and piston manufacturers before ordering your parts. Make a final check during engine assembly for rotational interference.

Arias 1020040
Arias' high-tensile forged 383 pistons are CNC-manufactured from billet material to withstand the added pressures experienced with turbos, nitrous, and blowers. Each piston features smoothly shaped crowns designed to promote good flame travel and combustion inside a variety of chamber shapes and sizes. Arias pistons feature standard or optional forced pin oiling, a pressure seal groove between the ring lands to increase ring sealing, and radiused valve reliefs. The wrist pins are made from high-carbon, case-hardened material. The wrist-pin locks are manufactured from carbon-steel spiral wound or tru arcs.