I currently have a 383 running ported TF 23* heads a Miniram intake 58mm TB and 10.5 to 1 compression. Im looking for a good cam to make 500 HP out of it mostly running on the street and strip and auto X racing. I currently have SLP 1 3/4 headers with all 3 in cat back exhaust. T-56 tranny with 4.10 gears. (getting new 12 bolt too) Im currently serving our countrys call to duty in Iraq and would like to know what cam to replace my TPIS ZZ409 cam with to make more power. I would also be willing to upgrade to Hooker 2210 LT if there needed. Just looking for some ideas. Thanks!

 

Look at solid rollers.

I'd suggest something near about a Comp XR280R; nice little street roller. Isky Red Zone lifters and an AFR rev kit.

 

Id say your decision with long tubes should be associated with what type of torque arm you run. From what I understand, you cant get a spohn or a BMR to fit using one of their crossmembers with long tubes. The Y pipe tends to come together right in that area (Im sorta struggling with a good adjustable TA myself bc of the long tubes). I do have the AFR hydrarev and my 400 will go 6000+ no problem. I did spend some time with valve spring setup - 140lbs seat and 360+ open. My cammotion is about .6" on intake and Exhaust at 239-247. If your not going to try to make HP over 6, Id say stick with the slp pipes. The main restriction on the short headers I think is the crossover tube that goes between the crossmember and the factory oil pan. Try to open that up a little and you might have most of the issues resolved.

 

The cam you have now is good for what you want to do, I wouldn't change it. TPIS used that same cam in a 350 build in a car craft issue years ago and made 520hp. Don't know if I believe it because it's in a magazine, but they had dyno numbers also.

A bigger cam would be more peaky and harder to tune, stick with what you have. I wouldn't change headers either. The longtubes are a pain in the butt.