I know this question comes up a lot, and yes I've searched around, but I'm still trying to piece this build together. I was planning on building a 383 LE2 build when the funds were available, but it looks like the rebuild may be here sooner than I thought and I just don't have the funds for an expensive build. A couple of days ago I was sitting at a red light and check gauges light comes on. My oil psi was in the red. Gave it a little throttle and the psi goes up and the light turns off. This has happened twice now, only when the car has been running about an hour. Quick trips this doesn't happen. The car has had a slight tapping noise that comes and goes and it's been that way for a few years. Granted I only dive the car around 10-20 times a yr. Mostly sits in the garage. I replaced the lifters thinking that was the problem, but it still does the same thing. I did order a*mechanical oil*pressure*gauge*that should be here tomorrow so I can check the actual psi and go from there, but I think its a bearing issue.
Currently I have my brothers low mileage short block sitting in my garage. When he bought the car it supposedly was a crate motor that replaced the blown original. It only has around 20,000 miles on it. 1000 or which had a le2 setup on it until he pulled it out for his 383 build. It looks to be in good shape so I'm going to take it to my local machine shop to have them disassemble it, clean it, replace parts if needed, and then use it in my car. I was told by the shop that they will do that for $250. Which I think is a pretty good deal. Of course if anything need to be replaced it will cost more.
Since I don't have the $ for heads now I figured I might as well throw a cam in while its out. Since it will be stock headed I was looking at going with a Comp 503. I figured that I already have the supporting mods in my car to run this cam. 3.42 rear, lts, 2500 stall, hardened push rods, nsa comp*pro*mag*rrs with 7/16 studs and gm guide plates, (lt4 springs that I know are junk)
So the recommendations I'm looking for are... Is this a good cam for a stock bottom end? Any other cams? Do I really need to have the rods resized and add*arp*bolts? What springs to go with? Any kits that come with locators, retainers, locks? I was looking at the bullet vs 2700 springs but I've heard a lot of mixed reviews. Can I just get a replacement stock timing chain or do I really need a extreme duty for $300? Will 30 lb injectors be fine for this app? Should I use a stockreplacement*oil*pump? Anything I'm missing? Please remember that is a budget build just to get my car back on the road.

 

What is your budget ? The complete rebuild will cost around 2k minimum to do properly. Make a list.

 

I was thinking all I was going to need was all the bearings in the block replaced if needed, cam, springs, retainers, locks, maybe pushrods, lifters, oil pump and gaskets. Didn't that that would add up to $2000

 

Ask your local shop what it will cost to rebuild your stock lt1 short block.
clean and prep block, hone, install cam bearings, freeze plugs etc.
new arp rod bolts and resize rods
clean and polish crank
main and rod bearings, piston rings, oil pump, op drive gear, cam, lifters, new stock timing set, full gasket set
check clearances and assemble short block

Then ask what it cost for a good 3 angle valve job and resurface the heads.
Don't forget to add your new spring kit in the mix along with a tune for the new cam. You might want to up grade your torque converter with that cam.

 

I'm thinking you have to up grade the factory fuel injectors ? someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

Comps website says the 503 needs at least a 2000+ stall. Searching the forums people say that a 2500 will be fine for that. Plus I dont want to buy another stall. I didn't even buy this one. Another hand me down part from my brother. I also have a set of 30 lb injectors in case I need them. Im also not set on the 503. I just read that its better than 305 and the hot cam. Pretty much as big as I can go with stock heads.

 

The 503 is a great cam and I would recommend using with the build. The 2500 stall will work, just not as good as a higher quality stall. I run a Yank SS 3600 myself on a stock motor.

 

I agree the cc 503 cam is a good choice, some say 10-15 hp more than the LT4 hotcam. I am leaning towards the cc 503 myself. With your 30 lb injectors you will be fine.

 

OK.....you've been corrected .

KW

 

Looks like I'm going to go with a custom grind from LE. It's a 227/235. Lloyd said it will have a choppier idle than the CC 503 and make the same HP/TQ at 2000 RPM with more HP/TQ from 2500 RPM on up.