383?

[rcs72]

I'm looking at buying a 383 for my 59 and would like opinions on max HP/Torque for streetability/reliability. Is 450 HP & Torque overkill for a cruiser? I've been looking at the Smeding Extreme 383 or having a local machine shop build one.

[Daniel U]

I say it's always a balace of Wieght & BHP for a ratio of 8 to 1 for a cruiser. For example, the goal for my IROC is to wiegh 3000 (or less)lbs. at 400 BHP for a ratio of 7.5 lbs. to 1 bhp.(I plan on doing a TPI 383). Most "supercars" are around 6 or 7 to 1. I think the new '09 "Caddy" CTS-V will wiegh around 4200 and make 550 and will still be around 7.6 to 1. Something to keep in mind. My '54 will make around 250-300 hp(not sure what that will translate to the rear wheels?) and be much better than the stock 6 that was rated at about 90hp at best(just a guess?). Just remember the difference between hp and BHP. As far as being a easy driver, look at what some of the newer trucks come from GM with, hp wise. Just my .02

[1-ton of fun]

my daily driver is a 2003 ford lightning. it has about 475 hp 589 ft. lbs. of torque to the wheels now, and a lot more once i can take it off the road to build my turbo system. there are guys in my club that daily drive 700 rwhp trucks.

500 hp is totally streetable, but it just depends how you get there. if your cam is so lumpy it has no low end power, than i would not consider that streetable. also remember, when you add power, increase braking power too, and also make sure the suspension is up to the task as well. don't forget tires are part of the braking system. you can have the best brakes in the world, but if they just lock up the tires because they don't get traction, than you won't be able to stop

[malibu795]

streetable/driveable is subjective to the person driving the vehicle..

~240*@ .050 cam would be the biggest cam i would run regularly on the street. for a 383...
according to daniel u
my panel truck weighs 4750 with out me in the truck.. and 8:1 lb to hp is darn near 600fwhp most gas vehicles the run 13.xx 1/4 miles have ~10:1 hp:lb ratio

more power
if you want more i would look at putting a dmax or 24v cummins in the truck both can put 550-600fwhp down with minor engine work and over 1,000tq
you can do this for comparable price than it would to build a mild 500hp BBC

believe me 500/1000 rwhp/tq in a 7000 pound truck is FAST! mine does 13.81 @100 @7100 pounds and hits 20-22mpg on the freeway
i have less than 700 bucks in to the engine...

there are a couple guys running a dmax in a 4500lb car and hit mid 30mpg in the city and 40+ mpg on the freeway

basicly if you want more than 500hp reliable you need large displacment engine, forced induction, N20 or a combination of all the above.
most will say anything above 1.3 N/A motor is starts to get questionable for the street.
a 383 @ 1.3 hp/ci is 490-500hp a 454 @1.3 is 590-600hp


JMHO

[rcs72]

I'm no engine builder by any meens. What would be a good cam to build the engine around? I do plan on upgrading brakes, tires, etc..

[malibu795]

Originally Posted by rcs72

I'm no engine builder by any meens. What would be a good cam to build the engine around? I do plan on upgrading brakes, tires, etc..

what is your goal hp wise? 350, 375, 400hp?

i wouls runs a 220-230* cam most can handle compression from 8.5-11:1 and will make .9-1.0 hp/ci with a good head with ~180cc intake runner for low end 200cc for mid 215cc for high power

[Kateaux]

I just bought one of these. Pretty good bang for your buck.
K8O

http://competitionproducts.com/prodi...number=LB383AD

[solidaxel]

That should be enough HP to blow the rear tires off of it!!!

[70rs/ss]

I just asked about a good 383 cam from cam help (comp cams) and the number he gave me was k-08-433-8 and it'll come with springs, locks retainers, etc, etc (OEM roller) but the dimentions should be the same for a flat tappet.

[1-ton of fun]

Originally Posted by 70rs/ss

I just asked about a good 383 cam from cam help (comp cams) and the number he gave me was k-08-433-8 and it'll come with springs, locks retainers, etc, etc (OEM roller) but the dimentions should be the same for a flat tappet.

specs:
Part Number 08-433-8
Engine -Present Chevrolet
305ci-350ci
8cyl.
Grind Number CS XR288HR-10
Description
Intake Exhaust
Valve Adjustment 0 0
Gross Valve Lift 0.52 0.54
Duration At 0.006 Tappet Lift 288 294
Valve Timing At 0.006
Open Close
Intake 38 70
Exhaust 81 33
These Specs Are For The Cam Installed At 106 Intake CL
Intake Exhaust
Duration At 0.05 236 242
Lobe Lift 0.347 0.36
Lobe Separation 110