What Is a Chevy 363 Stroker?
by Moss StrohemThe parts interchangeability of the small-block Chevy provides for numerous combinations; this results in varying displacements. The Chevy 350 engine provides a solid platform. Increasing the crankshaft stroke is a common way to achieve extra displacement.
Production 350 CI Bore/Stroke
The 350 engine gets its displacement from a 4-inch cylinder diameter (bore) and a 3.48-inch stroke. This factory combination has been used by GM for both standard and high-performance engines since the late 1960s. Many millions have been produced.
Stroker Combinations
Using the 350 engine as a starting point, extra displacement -- up to and beyond 400 CI -- can be designed with the use of crankshafts of up to 4 inches or more stroke. The 350 block rarely supports strokes beyond 3.75 inches, because it lacks the necessary internal clearance.
363 SBC Stroker Combination
The 363 CI displacement is attained by increasing the factory bore to 4.030 inches, and replacing the crankshaft with one that has a stroke of 3.562 inches. Pistons and rods with different dimensions are needed to correctly complete the combination, placing the piston at the exact top of the cylinder at the top of the stroke.
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Writer Bio
Moss Strohem has a background in business and finance, and an avid interest in youth sports, health, nutrition and physiology. He writes both technical information and market commentary as a private consultant and has researched and authored business plans.
