Need a cam guru for my heads and 383 build

matttahoe53

Active Member
Joined
Nov 13, 2011
Location
Pittsboro
Well the ever growing engine rebuild which has turned into a full swap is headed into its final phase. Originally I was just going to do swap on the ram jet intake which turned into heads, cam, and intake and now has become build a 383 for the heads and intake. I was opposed to doing a 383 build because the heads I have were odd ball pro topline cast iron that had been ported and polished. I was under the impression the combustion chambers were only 60cc, too small to build an 87 octane 383 imo, but workable for a 350. Well I took them to a shop to have them flow tested and the combustion chambers and intake runners measured and it turns out the combustion chambers are 66cc and the intake runners are 185cc. This seemed like a perfect opportunity to use these and build an 87 octane 383 torque monster.

So I would like some opinions on rotating assemblies i.e. brands and components. The only thing I am set on is a 15-18cc 4032 dish piston. After that I am not sure as to rod length or type and whether or not to use a forged or cast crank.

I also am open to some cam recommendations. The goal for this build is a street-able torque engine that does light off roading and occasional towing. I already have thorley tri-y headers, full 2.5" exhaust, and pcm 411 swap. The truck has 3.73 gears and 33" tires. My truck is a 99 so I think the torque converter is a little looser than previous years and I would prefer to not buy another one unless absolutely necessary.

I am sure I am leaving something out. If you have any other questions just ask.

Here is the printout from the head testing:
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1402143530.283240.jpg
 
I know a guy that does custom grinds. I told him what I wanted and he definitely delivered. Shoot me a PM and I'll get you in touch with a guy that deals with him. He's sort of a recluse, but he does damn good work.

He'd probably spec out a cam for you similar to what I'm running. Somewhat on the smaller side for duration, but still has a nice lope, nothing radical, good amount of lift, but a very tight Lobe Separation Angle. The LSA is where the torque comes from. With 35s and 4.10s through a 5 speed, I made 351 lb/ft from 3600-4200 rpm. I have since gone with larger primary, long tube headers, swapped the intake and throttle body, and gone to 37s with 4.56s. I'm anxious to get it on the rollers again. Granted, I'm running an LS based motor, but the cam will still react the same way. You should make plenty of torque with a longer stroke too, so I wouldn't be surprised to see low 400s to the tires, depending on the cam and loss through the transmission.

There were one or two "off the shelf" Comp cams that were kinda similar to what I wound up getting as far as duration and lift, but they screwed it all up with a 114-116 LSA and it won't make the torque down low like mine will. My point, a cam ground for your specific setup and use is well worth the few extra bucks and the wait time once its all said and done. If it comes down to it, don't let your torque converter limit your cam choice. You will be WAY happier if you have a cam spec'd that needs a looser converter and you just get one instead of running one that's too tight. It's a HUGE pain having a vehicle that wants to push through the brakes at idle.

I'd be interested to see the port job on the heads too. A lot of people just hog the runners out as big as they can get them, but most of the time they go too much and kill the air speed velocity through the intake and runner for anything less than WOT :rolleyes: Not saying that's the case with your heads, just that I've seen it quite often.

PM me and I'll get you a phone number of a guy to call. :driver: :burnout:
 
The guy I referred him to is who Martin (at Tick) calls when he has problems :huggy: Either way, you can't go wrong. Martin Smallwood is a good cam guy too.
 
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