This weekend I should finish up my 383 build. I am retaining the GM TPI system (well.....sort of.... I have an Edelbrock base and TPIS large tube runners). It is a 383, 10.25:1 compression, Comp xfi 268 cam, and AFR 195 heads. I just bought the EBL P4 flash and am going out to install it on my stock 305 in a few minutes (just to make sure everything works and make sure I have a basic tuning understanding so I am not learning from scratch on my new engine). Anyway.... this got me thinking....my car runs perfect now; no matter what the temp or weather. Starts great, idles great, runs great. GM had a team of engineers and spent millions to make this work as well as it does. Should I be able to get my new engine to start and run as seamlessly and well as the stock engine did? Is it reasonable for me to expect that or is that not really gonna happen?
I'm new to tuning, but know many of you have already been down this road; just looking for what to expect here (besides the fact I have a lot of learning to do). Thanks.

 

Yeah you should beable to get the 383 running near as good as stock. That driveability stuff does take alittle while but its possible to have a good running car in all conditions

 

good to know. I read through this forum and of course all I see are problems and wondered if I could ever get it as good as GM did

 

It wont be easy necessarily but should get very close with enough time and effort put into it

 

Good luck! I'm trying to do a similar 383 build while retaining GM's original ECM too. Although I'm starting with Moats' APU1. I realize I will have to switch to a 'super' AUJP bin? to get above 6000RPM though. Subscribed

 

If people didn't have problems and everything went smoothly for everyone, this site probably wouldn't exist! This site is dedicated to helping members acquire the knowledge to make changes and IMPROVE on the factory "make it run good and dependable" which doesn't necessarily make it the best. The "best" is subjective to each individuals driving habits and style. As ORR said, you can achieve "factory" drivability, but is that why you swapped for a 383 in the first place? GL! And, oh by the way, you have the EBL P4 which guarantees you getting the best help and knowledgeable feedback on any questions you may have!

 

agreed. RBob has already been a huge help and has a great reputation.


You are right; hopefully, I will improve the car in everyway from stock. I'm not familiar with tuning (yet...but I will be) and was a little concerned that I might not be able to get it to where I am happy with it. Time will tell....