I have just decided to build a 383 tpi and so i bought a brand new 350 sbc block from jegs and a kit off of ebay which consists of PBM 43/40 fordged steel stroker crank -silv-o-lite hypereutectic pistons (.030 over) -Melling high volume oil pump -complete gasket set, including Felpro head gasket set, with frost plugs. -Hastings ring set -rod, main and cam bearings -PBM fordged steel rods, with high strength rod bolts, pressed fit . now I need help on a cam choice and advice on any other thing I should do to make a nice running engine. It will be an every day driver

 

Unless the block came .030 over from jeggs I wouldn't bore it just to make it a 383. Use standard bore pistons and go 377. The whole 383 thing is just because a used 350 block needs to be bored anyway, not because the couple of inches matter.

To choose a cam your static compression ratio plays a key role. The key is to get your dynamic compression into the correct range, the higher the static compression the larger cam is required. Basically, if your running 8 to 1 compression and put in a big cam it's not going to be worth a darn because your dynamic compression is going to go so low the thing will be a dog. If your running 12 to 1 and put in a mild cam it's going to detonate and tear it's self up.

What heads are you using? (aluminum heads can tolerate a little higher compression due do their better cooling characteristics)? The larger the intake port the larger cam it takes to make use of it. Is it a roller block? Is the kit you order clearanced for standard base circle cams? What transmission? (stall speed?) Rear end gears? You want a cam that works within the power range the rest of the components dictate. or plan on changing the other components.

And lastly, how much cam can a TPI handle? That I can't help with, I have no clue.

I know, lots of questions, no aswers. So, here ya go.
http://www.compcams.com/Technical/DynoSheets/
Assuming all your parts match nicely for a performance street build with a clutch or about a 2800 stall, and that the TPI can get enough fuel to it, I like the 274, or if it's a roller the 276. The tests were done on 350s, so you will have even better vacuum and idle etc in the stroker than these tests show, but it gives you a starting point at least.

 

just wondering if your building a engine with a 4340 steel crank and rods why would you use cast pistons?i would buy a set of forged pistons if i where you .

 

Try and get a PN# on the piston to find out what size head/cam youll need to amke everything work right
Hyperutectic pistons will probably be fine unless youre running a ton of RPM , nitrous or forced induction.

 

I was planning on using the stock aluminum heads but of course Im going to rebuild and port them. as for the pistons part # I will have to get back to you guys on that because they are no in my in my hands yet.

 

so 58cc combustion and 163cc intake?

Think of this thing like an outfit, if some guy is wearing a $1000 jacket with speedos he's going to look like a joke no matter how nice the jacket is. The peices have to fit together. A $100 outfit would look better and save alot of money.

The 163cc intake is small for the stroker, 190ish is what your looking for. General rule of thumb is CU/2 for a street aplication. So, having them ported is a must. That TPI 350 fell on it's face at 4800 rpm as it was, and there are more inches to feed now.

When you ordered the pistons did they know the combustion chamber size? If they are sending flat tops looking to make 10.6 with 64cc heads and you have 58cc that's going to put you at 11.3 instead and be a problem.

I'm not sure what to make of some of this, at times it appears budget is not a concern, then it appears it is. Forged crank and rods but cast pistons? Brand new block going to be bored .030 but old heads? Is something wrong with the block you have? Personally if $ are an issue I want to get the most bang for my buck, I'd use the old block if possible, cast everything in the lower end, assuming the plan isn't to run the thing over 6K rpm or use nitrous or forced induction. Spend $ on the heads either buying new or getting yours redone by someone who knows what they are doing. You can throw alot of money at old heads and still come out behind. And I would figure out how I was going to feed this thing some fuel.

 

everyone together now...one...two...three...

"Everyone knooooows I'm in overrr my head...over my head..."

 

I am really just learning everything about building an engine as I go. These pistons came with a kit I bought off of ebay, and when I bought the kit I had no real idea what I was getting except, it seemed like a good deal. As for the reason Im not using my old block, that is because I just threw a rod and im not positive of the extent of the damage, but I know it scared a water jacket. Im really not 100% concerned about money but I don't want to waste it, so what part do I invest in or pass on? I figured I could have my heads machined to perform good on the car. Is this not true? I am buying a new cam just now sure what will work best. I really need help soooooo HELP