"[b]Is there any benefit to re
"Is there any benefit to rebuilding mine vs. buying a new one?
Building one definitely has it's advantages over the GM engine.
Some of this may depend on the size of the hull. You don't mention this!
It is much more than brass freeze plugs, head gaskets and camshaft.
The GM will likely use the dreaded fully Dished Pistons with the small chamber cylinder heads..... and you want to steer clear of this piston for a true marine 383, IMO.... especially on the 383.
Again, you do not mention which size hull.
Better if you can have one built using the correct Quench Effect piston.... of which may be a reverse dome, or a low compression Quench Style piston.
Yes, a little more expensive, but worth it in the scope of things.
The proper head gasket much be used.
The other aspect is using the correct rod length, which allows for a better and longer piston skirt.
You do not want to run this at high rpm as you can some of the other engines.
Yes... I'd not over-haul a previously raw water cooled engine.... you are only a few dollars away from an automotive core.
If you choose to discuss any of this with an engine builder, serve yourself by doing so with a person who not only builds these marine SBC's, but who owns and operates a cruiser type boat.
The automotive guys are often not fully up to speed on a true built marine SBC..... not unless they too own and operate a cruiser type hull with the SBC.
When they start talking High Horse Power, they also start talking reduced longevity for marine use.
Be aware of just where the HP rating is taken.... usually at an RPM that we don't operate at. A misnomer at best!
It's just too easy to talk automotive performance while not understanding marine usage. And let's face it... most of these High Performance machine shops are building automotive engines... not marine.
The differences are often subtle, but can be of great importance.
Just my take on that. I wish you the best!
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