383 build

[Craig Rocksvold]

I'm putting together a 383 for the challenger. It's stuff I have around, so it's not an exotic build. The basics are 162 Keith Blacks .030, 915's with 174 hardened exhausts, mopar single plane, headman elites. For carbs, it's either a #4428 AVS, edelbrock1407, or maybe a 750 double pumper, of which I'm skeptical how streetable it would be. I've got a set of Crane steel malleable adjustable rockers I thought about finally using, even if I use a hydraulic cam. It will have a 4 speed behind it. Cam shafts are another thing. It's a confusing world, but I want streetable power with some vacuum. Don't mean to open a can of worms, but any suggestions? I'm asked why a 383 over a 440, but back when, I remember many 383's get the crap beat out of them and still haul the mail. I have no doubts it should have plenty of go for my ride. Besides, I assembles a 440 for the cuda a few years ago. I'd like to hear what cams worked good for people. Thanx.

 

[Chryco Psycho]

I have used a lot of the Lunati VooDoo series cams , you need to match it to rpm use , intake etc but a 702 is a popular choice .
The VooDoo are specifically designed to work with wider Mopar lifters & longer rod ratios other brands do not have .
They work extremely well with good power & vacuum .
I far prefer the Holley style carbs over AFB or AVS , Proform or Quickfuel work best in my experience .

 

[fasjac]

Here’s the Comp cam I used for a 500 stroker build. I’m getting close to 14” vacuum. With a factory six pack set up.
Cannot say anything negative about Lunati. That and MP was all I would run previous to Comp.

 

[Craig Rocksvold]

I have used a lot of the Lunati VooDoo series cams , you need to match it to rpm use , intake etc but a 702 is a popular choice .
The VooDoo are specifically designed to work with wider Mopar lifters & longer rod ratios other brands do not have .
They work extremely well with good power & vacuum .
I far prefer the Holley style carbs over AFB or AVS , Proform or Quickfuel work best in my experience .

 

[Craig Rocksvold]

Thanks very much for the input. I'm an amateur builder, so I appreciate any higher level advice. It's going to be between the lunati you mentioned, or a comp extreme of equivalent specifications. I have used Crane cams and have been satisfied, but it's time to move on from them.

 

[Craig Rocksvold]

Here’s the Comp cam I used for a 500 stroker build. I’m getting close to 14” vacuum. With a factory six pack set up.
Cannot say anything negative about Lunati. That and MP was all I would run previous to Comp. View attachment 68107[/QUSou

 

[Craig Rocksvold]

Sounds like a monster engine, a bit more than mine. I believe the cam you used would be too much for me, however I now intend on using a lunati or comp extreme. Thanx for the info.

 

[fasjac]

Yes sir!

 

[Chryco Psycho]

Comp will cost you power their designs are not designed for the differences in Mopar engines, I have constantly proven this on the dyno

 

[DrEamer]

Comp will cost you power their designs are not designed for the differences in Mopar engines, I have constantly proven this on the dyno

Is this also true with their hydraulic roller cams as well? I'm considering using one one of their retrofits in my 408 Magnum based stroker.

 

[fasjac]

Really? I haven’t heard that before. I respect your dyno experience for sure. As you see the hydraulic lifter cam I used, how much torque and hp do think I gave up potentially? I’m no expert and want to gain all the knowledge I can. Could share any of the dyno pulls with me? My build was about 10 years ago. I haven’t been on the dyno yet but, would like to soon.
Thanks

 

[Chryco Psycho]

Most of the engine I built were built more than 10 years ago & hyd roller cams were just starting to be used .
I had most of the cams for my builds custom ground & could get close to roller cam profiles using solid flat tappet grinds but used either Engle or Lunati if I was buying a non custom cam .
I guess The short answer is there are far better choices for Mopar engines .
There are 4 cam types all have + & - , hyd cams can collapse the lifters with fast lift rates , all flat tappet cams need special oils , solid roller cams can starve the lifters in low rpm street use unless they have a bleed hole in the bottom to feed the roller , I tend to mostly use solid flat tappet cams & special oil as the most cost effective .

 

[fasjac]

I would agree on the solid lifter being a better choice for more race type, frequent rpm's over 5k for more horses. For me, hydraulic seemed to be the best choice for how the car was going to be used. You are correct on some of those oiling issues. Most of which would occur at high rpm's. I did find some pretty good info at this link for those interested. Good points you make Chryco Psycho. https://www.hotrod.com/articles/mopp-0312-solid-vs-hydraulic-lifters/

 

[Charlie71rt]

Doesn’t any one use Hughes? They are supposed to be Mopar BB specialist, also advertises on this forum.