383 cam- what is too big?
 

I am trying to get the most out of this new 383 w/out going above 6200-6400rpms. With that being said, here are the cams I have picked out so far, and was wondering what you guys think about them. I will get them on small base circle grinds (.95") so they will not hit my h-beams (if so im kinda screwed).

1. cmotorsports.com - Comp Cams TS233XR Camshaft 233/242 duration @ .050", .569"/.576" lift with 1.6 rockers, 114lsa.

2. thunderracing.com - Comp Cams XFI LT1 Camshaft, 242 / 248, .584 / .579 113 LSA (not sure if those lift #s are w/ or w/out 1.6s)

3. Joe O?

4. LE2?

5. ENG-290HR-12-Comp (230/244 .510/.540) 112 LSA "1800-5800 rpm. 230/244 .510/.540 @.050" 112 LSA." from speed-eng.com

anyone feel free to chime in, the heads are stock FOR NOW, later this summer to early this fall I should be getting LE2 heads. w/ stock heads CR = 11.49:1 (5.5cc 2618 wiseco pistons) and I SHOULD find out DCR but I havent yet. (I think its around 11.2:1 w/ LE2s)

Also, are EX-612 springs worthy of .600" like I was told when I bought them? I did have one break, and it very likely did cause the downfall of the stock shortblock so I do NOT want to risk this again.

thanks,

Re: 383 cam- what is too big?
 

My 388, im using the

2. thunderracing.com - Comp Cams XFI LT1 Camshaft, 242 / 248, .584 / .579 113 LSA (not sure if those lift #s are w/ or w/out 1.6s)

Those lifts are with stock ratio rockers. I'm using 1.6rr.

You can get it from Summit $285.00 shipped. And it's great, would go wit it. The cc306 will make good power too but that other one will make more with heads.

Re: 383 cam- what is too big?
 

I'm building a 396 LT stroker and using the exact same Comp XFI cam, but ground on a small base circle to clear the rod bolts. The specs you listed are correct, but at the valve w/ 1.6 RRs (not 1.5s). I have the cam spec sheet. I'm expecting a power band from 2100 to 6300.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2189634

Re: 383 cam- what is too big?
 

wow, so those #s are with 1.6s? I kinda need to know which it is because I have the EX-component 612 springs, and I am told they are good to .600", but dont want to get too close to that number obviously... I am told to leave .020" clearance at least... which puts this cam at exactly .021" away from coilbind if everything is set up perfect.

Re: 383 cam- what is too big?
 

If you're going to get a set of Lloyd's heads then you may as well get the cam too. Just tell him you don't want to rev past 6200 or whatever. Just my $.02. :)

Re: 383 cam- what is too big?
 

First off ditch the EX-612 springs, I think you learned that lesson already.

FWIW 3rd choice of yours is the smallest of all the cams there. For the RPM range you want to run more cam is not what you want.

I guess you could guess which choice I would pick, in the end it might be best to wait until you do the heads as well since whatever you put on that setup will be a pig without ported heads.

Bret

Re: 383 cam- what is too big?
 

That looks like the cc306, won't that rev past 6200 with the LE2 heads no it?

Re: 383 cam- what is too big?
 

I used Joe and his head porter E.B. Porting....cam is 220ish/230ish lift just under .570 with 1.6s, heads have 2.00/1.56 valves...Shift points are 6300...Great street/strip set up that went times in my sig last year with shorties and stock wp on 16x8 wheels all around...Should be 11.20s at 120 with Kooks stepped LTs, EWP, and Bogarts....Still gets 20 mpg on the highway, too...I habe always been a huge fan of smaller cams...

--Alan

Re: 383 cam- what is too big?
 

Ya, in an ideal world we have all the money in the world I know, I am about to graduate college next summer so money is very tight, it has taken me MANY months just to get this far, so I would much rather run it some as a "pig" just to beat my old bests :)
and then when I get tired of the performance I will just pull the heads in a weekend. I have heard smaller will give me more tq and that was my initial thoughts with the cam selection. My 350 had a xe 230/236 112 and I liked the pull at the top a LOT, but I wanted more down low.
So more tq only comes from smaller cams? Or is there some middle ground like the 224/230s? I am still learning about cams as you can see, so any input is appreciated.

p.s. my boss just got a 06 STi... thinks its fast :) must get the beast running

Re: 383 cam- what is too big?
 

Remember this is a 383.... with stock heads it's not going to do much over about 5600rpm, but with the LE2 heads you could see HP peak in the 6200rpm range and it will hold on from there.

Bret

Re: 383 cam- what is too big?
 

.06" is more like the minimum coil bind clearance.

Re: 383 cam- what is too big?
 

ya, it will be hard to shift at 5600rpm at the track. What type of porting is most needed? I wish someone in this town would port heads... Would make things a lot easier.

.06" hmm well what are some good valvesprings to .650"? Might as well get bigger valves too while getting heads machined for bigger springs...

Re: 383 cam- what is too big?
 

Beehives are what I would run.

Bret