I'm in the process of getting my ducks in a row before pulling the trigger on this head/cam upgrade. I already had email correspondence with Phil at AI. I basically told him my goal priorities were:

1. No bucking/surging at all since this is my dd
2. More power than I'm making currently
3. Better mpg highway than I'm getting currently (averages 19-20)

I also have no budget. He recommended their 21* Trick Flow heads and I gotta say, after reading about them on this site and his site, then having him answer some questions, I'm sold. So the heads are decided on.

He said 383's typically get a 23x degree cam but since I'm trying to smooth things out he recommended their 228/234-108 .615” and could widen the lsa to 112 -116 if I wanted. This car will see the drag strip 2-3 times a year, I really just want a DD that's fun to drive. No need to make peak power at 6700 rpm or anything. I'm also going to do a 24x conversion at the same time.

I know Phil is very knowledgeable and experienced and I'm not doubting him or anything, I just want to hear what others have to say.

 

I would need alot more info to help with a cam selection; weight, 1/4 mile goals, gearing, quench, compression, fuel grade, tuning capabilities, supporting mods, etc, etc. But building a performance 383 and asking for better mileage is pulling the build in two seperate directions. I guess it depends on your definition of performance.

Furthermore it seems like alot of extra money is being spent on things that are not necessary. You say you have no budget, but you want better fuel mileage... something doesn't jive. I don't see much reason to go 24x unless you looking for more RPM. I don't see much reason to go with ported trick flow castings for your goals. Ported stock castings with factory ignition will get you where you want, especially if your considering a high 22x low 23x cam in a 383. Sounds like your getting upsold on several items.

 

I run that cam with the GM 200cc heads on a stock 350 bottom. There is some bucking and surging under light load at low rpm, but nothing major. I'm running 3.42 gears, it'd probably act a little better with the addition of a set of 4.10s. On a 383 I'd expect it to smooth out quite a bit.

 

^^^^^^^^Most important info needed^^^^^^^^

KW

 

Exactly what I was thinking when I read the original post.

 

I agree except for the part about the 24x conversion. It's a great kit and worth the money just to get rid of the opti. HP tuners is also light years ahead of Datamaster/Tunercat combo or whatever people tune LT1s with these days.

 

What's the total price of a 24x kit? Everything. I don't think high level tuning is necessary for a mild 383 build, at least not to warrant the price. Boosted applications I could understand.

I've had the same opti on my car since 2005, the one before that lasted from 1994 to 2005.

I just have a hard time justifying it for a mild 383 the same way I have a hard time justifying ported trickflow castings.

 

You could probably do the 24x for less than a grand if you get a good deal on a set of coils and can fab the mounts and repin the harness yourself. I have a little over $1100 in mine but I ended up buying the billet cover to clear a double roller chain and I had coils from running the LTCC. If you tune it yourself add $600 for HP Tuners.

 

I have the xfi 280 in a 383 lt1, trick flow 21 degree 185cc heads, 58mm tb, pacesetter long tube headers, stock opti and intake. Stock rear end, 3000 stall converter, it runs smooth for a DD, plenty of power, it'll smoke the tires at 30 mph or so and leave a posi patch at 45 mph with Nitto nt555 275/40 R17's.
I run premium gas and a mail order tune, Good Luck