Cam and head suggestions
 

Hey guys

i need to get some thoughts on cams and heads for the 383 i want to build for my Monte. it has a 700r4 performance built and the stock 12-bolt 2.73 which i might keep for now.

I'm looking to make power and torque in the 400's.
and ideas would be much appreciated.

im doing afr 195's and a comp cams 12-433-8

dunno how well it works yet, but i'm hoping for 500/500

Vortec's with the 170cc intake runner will put you right at 400, and they are really affordable. just be sure to get the ones with the bigger lift capability. the stock ones only go to like .4??. Scoggins dickey sells some that lift over .5?? the part number is SD8060A. If you use them you will have to switch alot of your top end, so unless you don't already have rockers, valve covers, and intake. then these heads would be perfect for the power range you are looking for. If not bowties are another good choice.

thanks for the ideas.

it's tough to build on a budget even when we do the work ourselves.

what do you think of lunati cams compared to comp and crane cams?
any thoughts on the new edelbrock 383 top end combo?

I think the 170cc intake runners are too small. I'd want something around 195cc, compression around 10.5:1, an Edelbrock Performer RPM dual plane, then spec the cam accordingly.

ok, well i have a dual plane performer on my current motor now. so spec-ing out the cam to match that makes sense.

195 does sound like a little more room to breath for the power i want. who makes a good cast iron head in that size? i want cast for strength and reliability. not to mention low cost.

Aluminum heads are every bit as reliable as iron heads. There are guys putting serious boost to 23* aluminum heads without problems. But, as you said, they are more expensive.

Dart makes some good iron heads. They have 180cc and 200cc intake runners and I believe have 2.05 intake valves. I'm sure they're available in different chamber sizes as well.

What are you doing for a cam? Flat tappet hydraulic or something more aggressive?

the budget builder in me says to go with a nice hydraulic flat tappet cam setup.

[I]but the performace lover in me says make that thing full roller with everything forged.

i think i'll have to go with scat 9000 bottom end with the money going to roller goodies and iron heads.

do you know what my machine shop could do for me with stock iron heads? can the open them up enough for me?

Darknight,

You could go with "Fast Burn" heads from GM, 210cc intake ports, Vortec Style.

With a .509/528 lift and 222/230 duration cam @.050 lift made 425HP on a 383 with 9.7:1 compression. Recommended carb was a Demon 750.

Said the heads would support well over 500hp.

Just my.02$.

thats a good idea. i'll have to look into the fast burn heads.

we might try for a higher compession like 10:1 or 10.5:1.

man, the options are endless. it's all about the money, right ?!?!?