Ok, I plan on doing a 383 this winter & wanted your suggestions & comments please. Here's what I plan on re-using:

-Sportsman II heads
-Edelbrock Base, Runners, ported stock plenum, 24# LT1 injectors
-58mm Accel TB
-1-3/4" SLP headers

Here's what I'll be working w/:
-L98 Roller block
-about 10-1 KB pistons

Questions:
What cam should I run? The car isn't a daily driver and I'd like to pull low 12's maybe high 11's on just the motor.
Cam choices are the TPIS ZZ-9 (kinda mild for my taste even though I know it's a great cam), L98-Super profile, ZZ-409 or the Lingenfelter 219/229 (kinda mild too).
What cam would work best w/ my current induction set-up & what size rockers (1.5 or 1.6) would compliment what cam best? Should I go with a split duration/lift cam or maybe step-up to a solid roller? Please note everything is heavily ported already. I know I'll need a good custom PROM & would like the engine to have a nice lopey idle-best sound in the world! Would it be worth going to an LT1 or similar intake? I was also toying with the idea of going the LT1 intake w/ the GM HotCam set-up. I'm on a pretty tight budget though so I'd like to keep as much existing stuff as possible. Your responses are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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'91 Z28 1LE; 355, Sportsman II heads, Edelbrock TPI w/ 58mm TB, Tremec TKO 5-speed, 3.73's & much, much more

 

OK, I'm definately new to this TPI thing, so whatever I say is with a grain of salt. From what I understand though, TPI will totally cork up a 383. No matter how much porting you do, TPI just can't feed that displacement. I was told (because I was considering the same thing) that the 383 would be a waste of time and effort with TPI altogether. Of course, I'm planning on keeping my TPI. IF you're planning to upgrade to SR/MR sometime soon, then you'd probably be fine, or a blower.

Once again, I"m new, so toss this one back if you want.

-Reno

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89 Formula 350
"This is how you remind me of what I really am..." - Nickelback

 

Come on people, how about some GOOD feedback!?!?

[This message has been edited by Ed1LE (edited October 19, 2001).]

 

I would stay away from tpi if you want that kind of performance. I would recommend Miniram, but if you dont want to pay the cash for it you could modify a LT1 intake. Ive read some recent posts that describe how this can be done and it doesnt seem too hard. If you dont have to worry about emmisions then you may want to think about a carb setup, it will be WAY cheaper. Just a few thoughts.

 

I can't believe w/ all the info & comments people on this board have that I can't get ONE good response!
Uh, I think I will keep my car fuel injected too...I've been talking a lot w/ John about the LT1 intake, think that's going to be the route I take.

[This message has been edited by Ed1LE (edited October 19, 2001).]

 

I'll throw my 2 cents worth in. For a 383, the LT4 HOT cam would work pretty well, although the extra displacement over a 350/355 could take even more cam, like a 224/230 or 230/236 if you're gonna be burning your own PROM's and revving it above 6k rpm. You'll also need 30# injectors to keep from maxing out the duty cycle and running lean in the upper revs.

Going with an LT1 intake is a pretty good idea, and you might be able to recupe the costs by selling your TPI parts. You'd definitely want a healthy cam (can use a 114 LSA to tame the idle and low-rpm manners some) and the bigger injectors with this intake since it's designed for revs. A split-duration cam is probably a good idea unless your exhaust ports have been extensively ported and you're gonna install long-tube headers.

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Greg Westphal
'87 IROC 355TPI/A4

 

My suggestion is this:
1. Go with the LPE 74219 cam. It is a very versatile cam with all available intakes for TPI's. In fact a friend of mine went 11.66@119 with that cam and a MiniRam - No NOS!
2. If at all possible use 30# injectors.
3. Keep your gearing in the 3.4-3.5 range with that combo.
4. Use the 1.6 Rockers if possible.

If your budget can afford it, use a Vigilante Converter. If not LPE and Rossler Trans sell a modified Corvette Converter that I've used on my 383 that generated mid 1.6 60ft times.
Good Luck!
www.geocities.com/dzperf

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D&Z Performance
"Putting Power to the Pavement"

[This message has been edited by HiTech5 (edited October 19, 2001).]

 

So many cams...scroll down to my post, my opinion is there.

https://www.thirdgen.org/messgboard/...ML/004939.html

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355 c.i.
Dart 180 Heads
Lunati 224/224 cam
Harland Sharp 1.5 rockers
Performer RPM Manifold
Holley 600 cfm double pumper
Hooker Super Competition Headers
Flowmaster Exhaust
Competition Engineering Sub-frame connectors
Super T-10
GM posi 3.42 rear
Hurst Roll Control
13.9@102

 

I'd say if you are buying all new valvetrain components and it is not going to be a daily driver, step up to a solid roller. You have no worries about valve float and can run an aggressive cam but still have a good idle, plus it will pull past 7000rpm. You already have 3.73 gears so it will rev easily. As for the intake, either get a Miniram or get a Victor Jr. intake and convert it to fuel injection. Also, between 10.5 - 11:1 compression ratio. What kind of flow numbers do those heads have and what is the intake runner size?

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87 IROC-Z
Minirammed Solid Roller 377