Okay, I'm getting close to my self imposed deadline for deciding on what my final plans are for my car. I was doing fine until i ran across a post in the Group Purchase and Sales section for a 383 LT1 block found here: http://web.camaross.com/forums/showthread.php?t=336313. Just FYI, as of right now, the car has to be a semi-daily driver (only driven a couple days a week). So anyways, my original plan consisted of an LE2.5 package (le3 heads w/ an le2 cam), appropriate valvetrain accessories, street twin and moser 12 bolt. The reason I went with the le3 heads is for the extra amount of torque that they would help produce. I was planning on getting the stock block dipped (w/ new cam bearings and freeze plugs) and was thinking about adding a new set of piston heads, rings, bearings and summit stage 2 rods. No boring it out, just was looking for a slightly taller compression rated piston. Then i came across the post and saw the 383 $2300 (plus shipping) and started thinking of how much nicer it would be to have a 383. Now technically, I can squeeze (tightly) it into the budget and upgrade to an LE3 cam and still get my drivetrain parts. By purchasing the 383 I will still be able to get all the things I wanted before, but my budget will be about maxed to my set limit. My plans for the motor would be relatively the same either way, I would like to see the 11s in the quarter. I want the engine to be set up right and be reliable (as reliable as a 400hp+ motor can be). I want a good torque number output as well. I am not really going to exceed 420-450hp. So the question is that would the 383 be worth the extra cost? thanks for any info.
dave

PS- here is the 383 I was referring to:
383 LT1 SHORTBLOCK

$2,300.00
EAGLE ESP CRANKSHAFT
DIAMOND FORGED PISTONS / FLAT TOPS OR DISH
DIAMOND 4130 CHROMEMOLY WRIST PINS
DIAMOND PRO SELECT RINGS
EAGLE H BEAM CONNECTING RODS
MICHIGAN 77 MAIN BEARINGS
CLEVITE CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS
CLEVITE CAM BEARINGS
ARP MAIN STUDS
MACHINE BLOCK
BALANCE AND BLUEPRINT
ASSEMBLED

NO CORE CHARGES

 

The heads being the limiting factor here, the 383 and 350 will probably make about the same "peak" HP. The 383 will kae that HP at 6000 RPM or so and the 355 will need to make it at 6300-6500 RPM.

Even theough they are both gonna make a "theoretical" 410 RWHP, the 383 will be moire fun to drive and will make more HP and TQ at 2500, 3000, 3500, 4000, 4500, 5000 and 5500 RPM as compared to the 355. This makes the car alot more fun to drive.

Most people like the idea about the 383 not requiring the extra RPM to make the power. This is easier on all bottom end and valve trane parts. If the car is designed to be BEAT ON and you are running ALOT of gear and wanna shift at 6800 RPM or so, the 355 might end up being the faster set up since the RPM capability is higher. The fix for this would be some AFR, TFS or LT4 heads on teh 383 to allow the same RPM capability.

MOST people are NOT building a car like this and will be perfectly happy using a 383 and stock LT1 castings taht will "REV" to 6400 RPM or so and make TONS of TQ to propel the car well. It is alwys fun to blow the tires away in 3rd gear. It mainly depends on the RPM you feel safe taking the egine, how much bottom end power you are willing to lose to rev that high and the over all budget you are sticking with. I have had more than a few customers happy with the my ported LT1 heads and cam in a 383.

Lloyd Elliott
972-617-5671
Eportworks.com