Thinking about an engine change
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 884
Likes: 128
From: Rhine Georgia
Thinking about an engine change
Currently running a 383 with Iron Vortec heads, 234/244@.050 112 Flat Tappet, 700r4 3000 Stall and a 4.11 Rear
Wanting something more street friendly with a smaller roller cam (getting older) aluminum heads, but would like to keep the stall and 4.11 rear.
Any suggestions? Currently looking at Blueprint, Skip White and Smeding Performance. Must be a small block and have good street manners but be fun to drive. Torque > HP.
Wanting something more street friendly with a smaller roller cam (getting older) aluminum heads, but would like to keep the stall and 4.11 rear.
Any suggestions? Currently looking at Blueprint, Skip White and Smeding Performance. Must be a small block and have good street manners but be fun to drive. Torque > HP.
Last edited by Bloodzone; Jul 2, 2024 at 04:09 AM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,365
Likes: 6,345
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
That cam on a 112 LSA should actually idle and drive very nicely. Are you sure you don't just have some timing and carb setup issues hindering drivability..?
Lars
Lars
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 884
Likes: 128
From: Rhine Georgia
I believe I have everything dialed in really well. I used your timing papers. Using recommended advance canister connected to manifold vacuum. Car pulls around 12 inches and idles at 700-800 in park. Read those papers over and over.
Changed the springs, jets and power valve in the Holley. Car fires up like its fuel injected. No bogs or hesitations and car runs great.
I'm thinking something with a lower power band would be more enjoyable. I realize I may need a lower stall with a smaller cam.
I was looking at another 383 with a roller cam with slightly better HP and around same TQ with a 231/236 @ .050 (I don't know the LSA)
Would it be that big a difference between these 2 engines to make it worth the change? Flat Tappet 383, Iron Vortec Heads 234/244 vs Roller 383, Aluminum heads 231/236
I'm not super unhappy with my setup. If it won't be that big a change in the street manners of the car then I'll stick with what I have. I've always wondered what a slightly smaller roller cam would be like.
Changed the springs, jets and power valve in the Holley. Car fires up like its fuel injected. No bogs or hesitations and car runs great.
I'm thinking something with a lower power band would be more enjoyable. I realize I may need a lower stall with a smaller cam.
I was looking at another 383 with a roller cam with slightly better HP and around same TQ with a 231/236 @ .050 (I don't know the LSA)
Would it be that big a difference between these 2 engines to make it worth the change? Flat Tappet 383, Iron Vortec Heads 234/244 vs Roller 383, Aluminum heads 231/236
I'm not super unhappy with my setup. If it won't be that big a change in the street manners of the car then I'll stick with what I have. I've always wondered what a slightly smaller roller cam would be like.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 187
Likes: 15
From: New York
Since you mentioned BluePrint, I recently had their BP350CT installed. Website states 341 HP and 371 ft-lbs of torque. The in-house dino sheet packed with the motor listed slightly higher numbers. It has a small roller cam, so conventional oil from a local auto parts store should do the trick.
I’m still in the break-in window, so I haven’t really pushed it, but I can say that the engine is smooth… very smooth. It has plenty of power for cruising and spirited drives on back roads.
I’m still in the break-in window, so I haven’t really pushed it, but I can say that the engine is smooth… very smooth. It has plenty of power for cruising and spirited drives on back roads.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,084
Likes: 786
From: Lebanon Township New Jersey
My 383 has a 225/232 duration roller cam on 112 degree LSA, with iron Vortec heads. I have a 3,000 stall speed converter and 3.73 rear.
The engine idles at 800 rpm, in gear, and is fairly smooth. Plenty of power.
The engine idles at 800 rpm, in gear, and is fairly smooth. Plenty of power.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 961
Likes: 275
From: Frederick MD
Currently running a 383 with Iron Vortec heads, 234/244@.050 112 Flat Tappet, 700r4 3000 Stall and a 4.11 Rear
Wanting something more street friendly with a smaller roller cam (getting older) aluminum heads, but would like to keep the stall and 4.11 rear.
Any suggestions? Currently looking at Blueprint, Skip White and Smeding Performance. Must be a small block and have good street manners but be fun to drive. Torque > HP.
Wanting something more street friendly with a smaller roller cam (getting older) aluminum heads, but would like to keep the stall and 4.11 rear.
Any suggestions? Currently looking at Blueprint, Skip White and Smeding Performance. Must be a small block and have good street manners but be fun to drive. Torque > HP.
Any aftermarket head or engine builder you need to check this is this is a worry to you.
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Instructor
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 187
Likes: 15
From: New York
Kossuth, thanks for pointing that out. Now it makes sense why the downpipe on the passenger side was touching the starter after my BluePrint install. I went from headers to 2.5" ramhorns and downpipes, so I thought the '64-'65 downpipe on my '72 was to blame. Looks like the raised exhaust ports may have contributed, too.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 961
Likes: 275
From: Frederick MD
Kossuth, thanks for pointing that out. Now it makes sense why the downpipe on the passenger side was touching the starter after my BluePrint install. I went from headers to 2.5" ramhorns and downpipes, so I thought the '64-'65 downpipe on my '72 was to blame. Looks like the raised exhaust ports may have contributed, too.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,114
Likes: 596
Currently running a 383 with Iron Vortec heads, 234/244@.050 112 Flat Tappet, 700r4 3000 Stall and a 4.11 Rear
Wanting something more street friendly with a smaller roller cam (getting older) aluminum heads, but would like to keep the stall and 4.11 rear.
Any suggestions? Currently looking at Blueprint, Skip White and Smeding Performance. Must be a small block and have good street manners but be fun to drive. Torque > HP.
Wanting something more street friendly with a smaller roller cam (getting older) aluminum heads, but would like to keep the stall and 4.11 rear.
Any suggestions? Currently looking at Blueprint, Skip White and Smeding Performance. Must be a small block and have good street manners but be fun to drive. Torque > HP.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 2,622
Likes: 2,077
From: Minnesota