punzak9

Talked to my machinist/engine guy today and Im going to pull the trigger on building a 383. I bought a L98 engine with the intent to do a quick refresh/rebuild and swap it with the 305, but one thing led to another and here I am. I have done tons of research over the last year on all different types of build and I think I have a very solid base for what I want. As of right now the block is cleaned, checked and good to be bored. Just waiting on the machinist to come up with a few bottom end prices and options. The build will be done in a few stages as resources allow. Bottom end, heads, then intake. We talked about the goals for the car and roughly what the top end build will be like. He is going to try to keep the car around stock compression.

Here is the plan as of now (minus some specifics and details that will come later):
-1988 L98 engine turned to a 383 Stroker
-Non forged bottom end (should be well under the limit of needing forged parts) Not sure on brand yet. Waiting on builder for options.
-Pistons will be flat
-XFI 268/280 cam
-Brodix IK200 aluminum heads
-Fully ported TPI set up with every intention of getting the FIRST TPI intake as soon as possible

I tried to follow some already proven builds. I know the ideal choice of heads would be AFR195’s but Im trying to find the balance of quality and budget. I’ve read some good things about the Brodix and they save quite a bit in the wallet. I also read all about mimi rams, HSR, and the pros and cons of the FIRST. The FIRST is my favorite for many reasons. Supporting mods will follow this build later (headers, torque converter, rear, suspension, ect.)

My goal is a drivable, light to light, weekend cruiser. As of now I have no interest in tracks or drag. I also have no idea on what to expect HP wise for this build. Guessing 350-400 fwhp?

punzak9

One question I have after talking to my builder. He said since Im staying TPI, I’d have to look at specific heads with the correct bolt angle. I know there was a difference before and after 87’ i think but are there certain heads that will and wont work with what I have?

Orr89RocZ

iTrader: (20)

Sounds good to me. I would go 280 xfi with those heads and a FiRST. Should make steam. Just get a good spring in those heads for that cam. Ik’s are good heads

if you need help tuning it, let me know

dmccain

iTrader: (2)

Should be a torque monster. I always liked Abubacas 383 build. Good luck and looking forward to following.

ResIpsa

iTrader: (1)

I am running a 280 XFI in mine. If you want, p.m. me with a phone number or Facebook and I’ll send you some video clips of my car at idle.

Abubaca

iTrader: (3)

Thanks!

...when I was looking into heads, I was looking at RHS, Brodix and Profiler. I felt for MY build, AFR was overkill, but that isn't to say that they're not ultimately the best. You can debate that in another thread. LOTS of people liking the Brodix IK heads, but some people had issues with the valvetrain on their assembled heads. Been a few years, and I don't remember specifics. If I were gonna do it again I'd probably build bare heads, but at the time I wanted assembled. I couldn't get anyone from Profiler to call me back, although I've heard good things about their customer service. For me, not so much. I've been very happy with the RHS heads and Holley's customer service in general. If you're not racing every weekend and making regular trips to the dyno in search of every last bit of power, they'll ALL serve you well.

I would have a heart to heart with your goals and budget, and finalize your intake choice. On a 383, even my extremely ported max effort TPI runs outta breath. If I had ANY thoughts of a FIRST, I wouldn't bother with the ported TPI. LOTS of money and labor in porting a TPI, just to be "ok" until you step up to the FIRST. My goal was always to keep the ported TPI. ....and if you do NOT ultimately go with a better, more modern intake, your heads and cam will not be ideal. No way my TPI would like a 200cc/280 h/c set up. I'm running a 180cc with a voodoo cam just a tick larger than the hotcam and I feel it's close to perfect. -but I agree most people would want more heads/cam/intake. I just wanted to maximize street torque on a stock style ported TPI.

punzak9

Orr-
It seems like every build thread I read, you were in there somewhere helping out. So I'm happy this build seems good and I definitely appreciate any help I can get later on.

dmccain-
I remember seeing his engine when he won COTM and it looked clean as heck and like a monster. Never really clicked it was a 383 TPI and never went back to read his build. Thats on my to do list now!

ResIpsa-
I’ll have to take you up on that. How do you like the 3.27 gears in your car? Im nowhere near that step yet, but I was thinking 3.43 or something around there for mine.

punzak9

Abubaca-
Thanks for the info. I am set on getting a FIRST intake. I love the low-mid range power plus it can pull some decent top end too. (Also love the beefed up stock TPI look) The ported TPI would have only been temporary if I wanted to get the engine in sooner, but if the cost/effort is too high then I would probably be better off just going straight for the FIRST when its time for the intake. I wouldnt mind going with smaller heads. I did think about going XFI268 and 180cc heads but was afraid of running out of power by going too small. I still am going to ho back and read your build!

And to anyone, I am open to all comments, suggestion and input! No way I would be able to figure this stuff out without other members chiming in. What I have above is only what I believe to be a solid plan based on my own research.

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

Could play the "one up" game ;-) lol


https://www.cnc-motorsports.com/eagl...p-pistons.html

punzak9

Haha no thank you. I’ll take the loss in that game.

Abubaca

iTrader: (3)

If your goal is to ultimately go FIRST, I wouldn't go smaller. I feel that for a street engine with a limiting intake like the TPI, smaller was the best choice. But that FIRST will be able to take advantage of the bigger heads and cam. Let's be clear though, the 268 cam with 180cc heads would still be an absolute blast. It's not like it'd be a dog by any means. Still...if the intake is up to it, might as well go a little bigger if ya can, right!?

I'm a firm believer in old "all star team" scenario. All the best parts in the world aren't nearly as good as just decent parts that have been properly matched.

punzak9

It looks like the Brodix IK200 heads come in both 64cc and 70cc. I’ll ask my builder but which do you think would be better suited for this build? Not buying them yet but the guy said knowing the heads will help him pick out a piston for compression.

Orr89RocZ

iTrader: (20)

Well a flat top 383 and 64 cc is closer to 11:1 which will need atleast the 280 xfi cam to bleed off some compression for pump gas but should be doable with good tuning. 70 should get you more comfortable lower 10.3 to 1.

I’d probably go 70 cc and shave it down to 68. Flat top with valve relief pistons. Should be closer to 10.5:1

what shop you using?

punzak9

Cool, thanks for the info. I dont mind running higher gas as long as its still pump. Its a local machine shop down the street from my house. Its called ICS Automotive Machines. A few guys who I work with went there (one has been going to the owner for over 15 years, since the owner worked somewhere else) and he is very happy with the work he’s done for him. Guy seems very knowledgable, answers any questions and explains everything even if I dont understand it all.

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

Just incase...
http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/010...block-install/

IROCZ1989

iTrader: (1)

Lol. You have to push the guy huh? I would be thinking that as well. 383 mph 396 is tight there. Should be a good runner.