[atomicrockerdude]

I'm trying to figure out what cam I should use for my 383 build. I'm aiming for at least 400hp & 400 ft pounds of torque (preferably with great throttle response and acceleration)

My current parts and specs are as follows:

Compression Ratio is 10.27 : 1

Edelbrock Performer RPM Vortec intake manifold.

64 cc Vortec heads w/ beehive springs

1.6 rocker arm ratio

Rotating assembly:
Eagle Nodular Cast Iron 383 Stroker Crankshaft
6 inch rods
-12cc speed pro pistons

Engine block is a 1991 small block 350 bored .030 over

[ap72]

Do you want maximum power or good durability? Solid or hydraulic? roller or flat?

[atomicrockerdude]

Both power and durability. However, I'm leaning more toward power. I'm willing to use whatever will get the job done.

[ap72]

okay, go for a solid roller with about 250/256 duration and around .600" lift, on a 108 LSA, installed on a 102 ICL. Should get you plenty of power, the rest of the combo (and the cost) well need to be built up as well. It shoudl run power brakes fairly well though if you use a big canister.

[atomicrockerdude]

what about for hydraulic flat tappet?

[sam_bo3]

what is the max lift on your vortec heads? .480, .550

[83montess]

ap72are you over the edge-vortecs hit a wall at apx 500 lift.

[83montess]

atomiccrc-look at lunati 60103 if you entertain comp xe274h the one that everyone laughed at was a little vega wagon with a x4270h until the end

[83montess]

Torque and good gas goes a long way!

[ap72]

Originally Posted by 83montess

ap72are you over the edge-vortecs hit a wall at apx 500 lift.

with a little SSR and bowl work you can get it over .550", and I do mean very little, like 30 minutes a port. Also, in MANY cases a cam goes a little past the stall point to get max power.

[454C10]

10.27:1 cr with vortec heads will need a cam with around 280 degrees (seat to seat) to run pump gas.

then vortecs flow poorly on the exhaust so use 10 more degrees on the exhaust duration as compared to the intake.

No real need to lift past 0.500" with vortec heads. Make sure the heads can handle 0.500" lift plus 0.050" for extra clearance.

so, look for a cam with 280 on the intake , 290 on the exhaust, 0.480 to 0.500" lift with 108 to 112 lobe separation angle (lsa). Use higher lsa for a smoother idle and more top end power. And lower lsa for more mid range torque and a rougher idle. This cam should have 230 to 240 degrees duration at 0.050".

make sure to use zddp oil additive with your new cam. use at break in and at each oil change if you want your cam to live a long life. www.zddpluss.com. get a case.

finally this compression and cam setup will need a 3.55 to 3.73 gear with a 2500 to 2800 stall converter.

[atomicrockerdude]

W/ the beehive springs the max lift is 500-550 or so I've been told.
(Lol thank god I have a spare 2500 stall torque converter in storage. Didn't know if I'd ever get to use it haha....)

Now would this give me good low to mid end torque plus throttle response throughout the power band? What RPM range are we talking here? Im preferring that this thing operate in the 1500-6500 range.

[V8 Super Beetle]

Originally Posted by 454C10

10.27:1 cr with vortec heads will need a cam with around 280 degrees (seat to seat) to run pump gas.

then vortecs flow poorly on the exhaust so use 10 more degrees on the exhaust duration as compared to the intake.

No real need to lift past 0.500" with vortec heads. Make sure the heads can handle 0.500" lift plus 0.050" for extra clearance.

so, look for a cam with 280 on the intake , 290 on the exhaust, 0.480 to 0.500" lift with 108 to 112 lobe separation angle (lsa). Use higher lsa for a smoother idle and more top end power. And lower lsa for more mid range torque and a rougher idle. This cam should have 230 to 240 degrees duration at 0.050".

make sure to use zddp oil additive with your new cam. use at break in and at each oil change if you want your cam to live a long life. www.zddpluss.com. get a case.

finally this compression and cam setup will need a 3.55 to 3.73 gear with a 2500 to 2800 stall converter.

I agree.

[atomicrockerdude]

Is there a mathematical formula you guys use when figuring all this out or do you just have a feel from working with engines?

Also are there any cams off the top of your head that would match 454C10's description? It would certainly help cut down the searching time on my end.

[ap72]

If you want a killer street 383 this cam will work GREAT for your application. Isky 201281-6.

280/280
232/232
.485/.485 lift with 1.5 rockers
106 LSA, install it on a 102 ICL.

This would be a killer street cam for combo. I'd run it with 1.6 rockers to get your lift up a little. more exhaust duration would give you a few more top end hp, a street car would run slower. So you can have a few more ponies, or have a little quicker car- your choice.