Small Base Circle Cam?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,145
Likes: 1
From: Ft. Walton Beach, Fl USA
Small Base Circle Cam?
I'm seriously thinking of selling my 383 shortblock and replacing it with either a 396, 421 or 434. My question is does a SBC with standard deck height require a small base circle cam with a 3.875 or 4.00" stroke crank?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
This is a significant clearance issue. Go with the small base circle and, still, verify everything w/clay before final assembly. Oh, and some shops don't clearance at both rod bolts, so be sure to install them in proper orientation.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
NCM Grand Opening Veteran
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,979
Likes: 384
From: South of giving a damn
St. Jude Donor '11, '17
I built a 396 with a std base circle cam & the Eagle H-beam stroker rods. The engine is running with no problems. I'll do the final break-in tomorrow & then transfer it back to the engine stand to check all the torques. Anything larger than a 3.875 stroke & I'd just automatically choose the small base circle cam. If you don't go with stroker rods then go with the small base circle.
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Michael S. Palmer
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
I have had this 4340 forged 6 inch rod 3.875 stroker crank sitting around. With a set of 415 ci rod & pistons. I'm going to do an old four bolt block 4.040 bore which makes right at 400 some ci. We are using off his 355 ci 65 Nova motors Drag car his Edl Victor Jr heads, Motown single intake, and my old SR cam I had.
I will take picture of the block pan rail clearing.
Just like anything end of the year racing and they have to do it now
I will take picture of the block pan rail clearing.
Just like anything end of the year racing and they have to do it now
