I am going to be building and 383 to run a TBI setup on top of (just have to burn a new chip as opposed to getting a whole new wiring setup and computer). I want to run 87+ heads because the car has to pass visual inspection and the car is an 88. What are some good heads to get, preferabley used? I have heard some good things about the 350 TPI heads if you get the port and polished.

Also, I am looking to make around 300hp and I want that to max out as close to 6 grand as possible. What kind of cam would I need to do this and still maintain everyday driveablity?

 

The GM Vortec heads would be a awesome choice. PN 25534421 Non ported they will make 300+ HP easy, 400hp on a 383 has been seen with enough cam. You can find them on a large assortment of GM 350 trucks prior to '99.

As for a cam GM has a few cams that would work well.
10185071 208/221 112LSA
12370845 214/224 112LSA
12370846 222/230 112LSA

Those will all work well with decent street manners. I would probably do a custom one in that area with less LSA.

All depends on what you want the motor for? A 300hp 383 is easy, 400hp is even easy with parts like these.


Bret

 

Can I use the Vortec heads and still keep my car emmisons legal?? I thought you had to get rid of the EGR with Vortec heads?

 

You can keep the egr if you use the edelbrock performer intake for the tbi. The biggest problem with this swap is the computer tuning needed. TBI wasn't designed to be a high-reving performance ecm, and has it's limitations.

 

The Vortec heads do NOT have EGR passages at all. The late '80's to 1991 Vette heads were decent, but they didn't have EGR passages either. Your best low-budget bet is the Iron L98's. I would go with some TFS 23 deg heads or step up to AFR 210's if I were you.

 

You do not need the EGR ports in the heads to use them. You can leave the EGR valve on the motor & connected even if it is not getting any flow from the exhaust. I ran a TPI intake on early stlye heads before with no problems. You can program out any codes to make it work, as well as tweaking a few things to pass emissions.

 

Are you sure you want to run a TPI in a 383? Man, talk about not revving. its going to be a diesel!