BP Shortblock 383 swap
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 5
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BP Shortblock 383 swap
I have a 1978 with an L82. Motor is fine. But want to build something to put in it. I plan to also upgrade to the SST Tremec TKK 5 speed.
my thoughts on a build,
I want something in the 420 HP range, I was thinking the BP 383 Short block with all forged internal sand internally balanced crank. Top it off with a dual plane low profile GMPP intake and GMPP fast burn aluminum heads that have the beehive springs. The reason for the more expensive SB is I want a solid motor that will take abuse, over build if you will. Was thinking a comp cams extreme roller cam with about about the same lumpy idle as a stock 78 L82 or just a bit more. I want it to be a little unique.
BP site
thoughts?
my thoughts on a build,
I want something in the 420 HP range, I was thinking the BP 383 Short block with all forged internal sand internally balanced crank. Top it off with a dual plane low profile GMPP intake and GMPP fast burn aluminum heads that have the beehive springs. The reason for the more expensive SB is I want a solid motor that will take abuse, over build if you will. Was thinking a comp cams extreme roller cam with about about the same lumpy idle as a stock 78 L82 or just a bit more. I want it to be a little unique.
BP site
thoughts?
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Not a fan of those cams they beat the valvetrain up..if its on a cast core forget it.
Know the #s in a dyno cell are under ideal conditions...cool air no accessories bolted on etc
by the time you put it in your car you could make a LOT less power.
Know the #s in a dyno cell are under ideal conditions...cool air no accessories bolted on etc
by the time you put it in your car you could make a LOT less power.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
yes but it will be the same power loss any other engine, including his current one is losing. the 78 l82 is rated around 200. means it is around 270-280 tops. OTOH i have an issue with pulling an engine that has forged crank and pistons and tossing it aside for a 10% bump in displacement. cam-heads-intake and that L82 will be a happy camper and so would the guy who pushes on the loud pedal...
Last edited by derekderek; Jul 19, 2021 at 02:37 PM.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: May 2021
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 3,181
Likes: 732
From: Texas City, TX Texas
To be totally honest, I'd call Comp Cams, or any other reputable cam grinder, and tell them your combination. How heavy is the car, stick or auto, rear gears, cubic inch, heads, pistons, estimate of compression, and driving style. Tell them if you like a lopey idle, even though that is not what makes a car perform. They are the experts, they will recommend what's best. The Z28 cam was the cats azz 50 years ago, as were camel hump heads, but we have come so far since then...
