why is the 383 sbc combo so popular

[grumpyvette]

I was asked why the 383 combo was so popular,why doesn,t everyone build a 400 sbc instead?

short answer!
its the most cost effective combo , thats easily built on the most comon basic chevy performance engine block, the 350 sbc. its an easy 35-50 hp over a similar 350,and its easy to build.
well first most guys tend to work with the basic components the car came with ind in most cases thats a 350 sbc if its a factory performance application over the last decade or more even so, they want better performance and limited to use of the basic 350 block and while trying to keep cost reasonable the most cost effective build is the 383 stroker simply because of parts cost,availability and minimal machine work.
Almost anything you can do to a 350 that will increase hp/tq will also work on a 383 and produce about 10% more tq and hp due to the increased displacement with similar components used.
yes the 400 blocks with thier larger bore have a distinct advantage but they are much harder to find.
aftermarket blocks have much thicker cylinder walls and webs, if your going to build a serious engine youll be far better off useing an aftermarket performance block.
One other factor is that the comon hydralic lifter valve trains most guys use on the street tend to max out at about 6400rpm, about where the comon 383 sbc usually maxs out,in piston speed,and valve control issues with that hydraulic valve train, while the smaller 350 with its shorter stroke can,t effectively use its potential higher rpm band, only with more extensive valve train mods or a solid lifter cam