Complete 383 TBI build

[chris989]

Hello all,

I know this subject comes up over and over and I apologize for asking again. I searched the net and this site, read page after page and most post never have a conclusion, wander off into LS motors, big blocks, carbs or just die. My concern is programming and drivability. I can burn chips myself and confess although I understand the concept I am a rookie at best. I would like to know who has built a complete 383 TBI motor, what cam/heads, and bin. Does it run to its potential? If so do you have the bin file, I would love to see what changes where made and what headaches you might still have.

If I can make decent torque with the OEM swirl ports, I have no ego,, I will run them. My 96 454 vortec truck made ~290 hp & ~400 lb ft at ~3000 and was more than enough. I considered swapping in the 454 but sold the truck complete and will use that money for this build.

If anyone can direct me to a complete build, or has knowledge of a complete set up, It would be great help. My concern is I build a nice motor and never get the full potential from it and my wife divorces me because of the shop time i waste trying to make it right.

No need to rehash the limitations of TBIs.

I have an 89 v2500 burb, 5.7. 4.88, 35 tires
I am on the fence about which way to go, my goal is for a towing/camping truck. Most post are about hp and rpm. my motor will never go above 4000 in it useful range.

GM crate and hope for the best.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/na...eviews=OneStar

above crate with a recommended cam.

or build a 383 from my core or buy new. for a sb chevy new is almost cheaper than my local machine shop.

stroker block
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-150100-30
heads
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-162108
crank/pistons
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/es...e030/overview/
cam
need help

Thanks in advance,
Chris

[68c10owner]

Might be because I'm on my phone but the only links that worked for me was the block and heads.

I'm actually considering the same heads. They are nice pieces but with the 62 cc chamber you need to be careful of piston choice. And if you plan to run a roller cam you will need to change the springs.

Not sure of your budget but I would look into the HT383. I think it would be a good fit for your build. You can reuse your tbi by using the gmpp vortec tbi intake or I've heard others have used a carbed intake with a TBI adaptor. Either way it would be a strong runner.

You could also copy the shortblock and use the summit heads, which are made by Trick Flow, and have a really strong engine. I've played with the idea of converting my 85 to tbi and doing a similar build so I'll be following along to see what others have to say.

[bigarmzz]

Originally Posted by 68c10owner

Not sure of your budget but I would look into the HT383. I think it would be a good fit for your build. You can reuse your tbi by using the gmpp vortec tbi intake or I've heard others have used a carbed intake with a TBI adaptor. Either way it would be a strong runner.

subscribed...I just wander if the HT383 would run ok with the stock tbi computer.....would you "have to have" a custom chip burned?

[68Timber]

There was a member here that put a 383 in his TBI truck maybe 2 years ago? He was from N AL but I can't remember his screen name. He posted it all here in this forum though.

[68Timber]

Here it is:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=586071

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590867

[MalibuSSwagon]

http://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tbi/

http://gearhead-efi.com/

Check these resources out, I will say, it's been done many times, and successfully.

[chris989]

Originally Posted by 68c10owner

Might be because I'm on my phone but the only links that worked for me was the block and heads.

I'm actually considering the same heads. They are nice pieces but with the 62 cc chamber you need to be careful of piston choice. And if you plan to run a roller cam you will need to change the springs.

Not sure of your budget but I would look into the HT383. I think it would be a good fit for your build. You can reuse your tbi by using the gmpp vortec tbi intake or I've heard others have used a carbed intake with a TBI adaptor. Either way it would be a strong runner.

You could also copy the shortblock and use the summit heads, which are made by Trick Flow, and have a really strong engine. I've played with the idea of converting my 85 to tbi and doing a similar build so I'll be following along to see what others have to say.

not sure what happened to the link,

Crank/piston
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/es...make/chevrolet

[chris989]

I spent half a day reading over at third gen before this post. I like the site,, there is a ton of info there as well as gear head.

The HT383 looks like a decent set up but it is a vortec motor and I have to smog. Not a huge issue, I have to take the truck to the Air quality board of something and they get to inspect it???

[MalibuSSwagon]

https://gbodyforum.com/threads/my-38...project.21234/

Here, yes he finishes the project.

[68c10owner]

Originally Posted by bigarmzz

subscribed...I just wander if the HT383 would run ok with the stock tbi computer.....would you "have to have" a custom chip burned?

I'm not up on tbi stuff but from what I have been able to gather it will work but will take some work. The cam that comes in the HT383 has a 109lsa which isn't a big deal on such a mild cam but the computer doesn't like it so it will need a chip or a custom tune. It's my understanding that it was designed as a direct swap for the 96-up trucks.

I was planning to build a carbed version of this engine. Still might

Originally Posted by chris989

not sure what happened to the link,

Crank/piston
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/es...make/chevrolet

With those 18cc dish pistons and the 62 cc chamber your compression will be very close to 10:1. May not be a issue for you and when I get on my computer I can get you a more accurate measurement but when I was searching for pistons for a planned 383 build I found ID'ed me 23cc reverse dome pistons that would be right about 9:1 with the vortec 64cc heads.

[jokerz71]

Yes, you need a retune.The Vortec heads alone are going to be flowing 30% more air than the swirl ports.The Ramjet cam has quite a bit more lift & duration than the broomstick in the tbi motor.It's 109 LSA will also cause you some issues with the tbi computer.Of course, you will need more fueling as well for the added breathing capabilities.
Also, the Ramjet cam has a very early IVC (intake closing point), so you need to keep compression at 9.5:1, or, less to avoid excessive cylinder psi.

[MTCK]

I had aftermarket TBI on my '77. Tuning was a challenge. If you have to pass smog I'd be very careful knowing the combo will work ahead of time. Assume no OD on your rig, you must be turning some pretty good rpm's at 65.

With the older TBI systems I'd be more concerned with the computer's limitations. TBI can work great but that is a pretty custom setup. Have you considered a newer big block like your vortec 454? That's what I'm building for my crew cab.

[chris989]

Originally Posted by MTCK

I had aftermarket TBI on my '77. Tuning was a challenge. If you have to pass smog I'd be very careful knowing the combo will work ahead of time. Assume no OD on your rig, you must be turning some pretty good rpm's at 65.

With the older TBI systems I'd be more concerned with the computer's limitations. TBI can work great but that is a pretty custom setup. Have you considered a newer big block like your vortec 454? That's what I'm building for my crew cab.

I sold the big block truck complete. That swap was more than i wanted to get into this winter. With babies garage time is getting difficult to come by.

I am installing a 4l80 along with the new motor. I think at this point i am leaning towards the
OEM crate
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/nal-12568758

and a flat tappet Lunati If the block has roller provision i might go that route but i have read the lifters can screw with the knock sensor

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/lun-10120700
or
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/lu...0701/overview/

and headers, exhaust, intake

I am going to keep it as simple as possible. I need to make a cross country trip in this rig in April. I can not be tuning for months.

[MTCK]

Nice looking burb. Stock crate is probably smart with a deadline looming! What are you using to control the trans? Stand alone aftermarket controller? Fire up a build thread.

[chris989]

Originally Posted by MTCK

Nice looking burb. Stock crate is probably smart with a deadline looming! What are you using to control the trans? Stand alone aftermarket controller? Fire up a build thread.

i am using the tci/fast
http://www.tciauto.com/tc/ez-tcutm-t...85e-to-09html/


If i can get to 350 lb ft i will be happy,, It is a DD 90% of the time. I might go for some free HP/tq with an underdrive alt pulley, electric fans, pump. It is surprising how much all of the little things can add up.

I will make a new thread when i start and post part #s and prices for the complete build. I have a local shop with a dyno that will let me tune on it.

I might move to the summit aluminum heads if i can not make enough power, but i can always go back if i can not make enough.

A BB is not out of the question but i really hope to make my SB work.