383 build finally underway
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 658
Likes: 1
From: Centerville OH
383 build finally underway
My 89 has been sitting since December 2005 due to a blown head gasket. I've spent the time since then planning, saving money, and collecting parts for a 383 build. Finally, after all this time, I dropped my engine block and stroker kit off at the machine shop this morning for short block assembly. 
Short block build specs are as follows:
Callies Dragonslayer Crank
Manley H-lite H-beam rods (6" long)
Mahle flat top coated pistons (-5 cc reliefs)
Bret Bauer cam (CompCams lobes) 230/242; .603/.586 w/ 1.6 rockers; 111.5 LSA
Cloyes Street Roller timing set
4 bolt truck block; 0.005 piston to deck, .044 total quench
10.8 SCR with 65 cc heads
Top end parts include AFR195 Eliminators that I am porting and a ported FIRST intake. I will have the heads (and perhaps the intake) flowed when the porting is complete.
I haven't totally decided on the headers yet (4 into 1 vs tri-Y), but the exhaust will be full dual 2 1/2" minimum with an x-pipe and cats.
I've run the combo through Engine Analyzer v. 3.3. Using the most conservative assumptions the program offers for dyno type and test speed, I'm getting 495HP @ 6000 and 510TQ @ 4000.
If all goes according to the current plan, I should be ready to fire it up by labor day.
Short block build specs are as follows:
Callies Dragonslayer Crank
Manley H-lite H-beam rods (6" long)
Mahle flat top coated pistons (-5 cc reliefs)
Bret Bauer cam (CompCams lobes) 230/242; .603/.586 w/ 1.6 rockers; 111.5 LSA
Cloyes Street Roller timing set
4 bolt truck block; 0.005 piston to deck, .044 total quench
10.8 SCR with 65 cc heads
Top end parts include AFR195 Eliminators that I am porting and a ported FIRST intake. I will have the heads (and perhaps the intake) flowed when the porting is complete.
I haven't totally decided on the headers yet (4 into 1 vs tri-Y), but the exhaust will be full dual 2 1/2" minimum with an x-pipe and cats.
I've run the combo through Engine Analyzer v. 3.3. Using the most conservative assumptions the program offers for dyno type and test speed, I'm getting 495HP @ 6000 and 510TQ @ 4000.
If all goes according to the current plan, I should be ready to fire it up by labor day.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 478
Likes: 1
I agree on the heads. Check into this very carefully. For the extra money spent you may want to just buy the Competion version. You might also want to tighten the quench up and bring the compression ratio closer to 11:1 by selecting another head gasket.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: Sugar Land, TX (suburban Houston area) U.S.A.
St. Jude Donor '09, '13
price?
I know some people are "funny" about discussing money but if you don't mind can you give an idea of what $'s you are spending for the parts, machine shop work, etc.? Gives me an idea of what to start saving for!
Assume you pulled the engine & will install yourself?
Thanks.
Assume you pulled the engine & will install yourself?
Thanks.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 658
Likes: 1
From: Centerville OH
I am porting the heads and intake myself. I have done several sets in the past so I'm not going into this completely blind. I debated for a long time whether to touch them at all, but after a thorough inspection I decided to blend the chambers, the seat to bowl transition, and short turn radius. Currently, I have one head completed.
I considered running 11:1 compression and tighter quench but I decided to be a bit conservative and leave myself some safety margin. My engine predictions are showing volumetric efficiencies over 100% in the 4000-6000 range, so I held back slightly on CR to make sure I don't run into a detonation issue.
I considered running 11:1 compression and tighter quench but I decided to be a bit conservative and leave myself some safety margin. My engine predictions are showing volumetric efficiencies over 100% in the 4000-6000 range, so I held back slightly on CR to make sure I don't run into a detonation issue.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 658
Likes: 1
From: Centerville OH
I know some people are "funny" about discussing money but if you don't mind can you give an idea of what $'s you are spending for the parts, machine shop work, etc.? Gives me an idea of what to start saving for!
Assume you pulled the engine & will install yourself?
Thanks.
Assume you pulled the engine & will install yourself?
Thanks.
Money wise, I budgeted $12K total. Thus far, I have spent $5300 for the AFR heads, FIRST intake, the rotating assembly, cam, and clutch/pressure plate/flywheel.
The machine shop estimate is $2000 for balancing, machining and assembly, but I'm guessing $2500 for the short block after I buy everything to complete it.
I'm estimating another $2000 for headers and exhaust plus an additional $500-750 for final dress items (water pump, small cap distributor, fuel lines and regulator, coolant hoses, etc.)
That puts me at about $10500, and I still will need a tune and dyno time. This could be done quite a bit cheaper but I decided I was going to do this exactly the way I wanted without compromise or I wasn't going to do it at all.
I know the car won't be worth that when I'm done, but I don't care. I'm the original owner and I'm doing this because it's something I've always dreamed of doing.
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Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,749
Likes: 41
High Performance Engine's cost alot of money no matter how you put it. You can do it on the cheap side with cheaper parts. My motor is going to cost about the same as a 383 because of the great deals from Jim. If it wasnt for him, I couldnt afford to build a 421, and prob would of had to go with a 383.
Todd. The reason why I ask about porting is because I talked to Tony at AFR, and my engine builder Jim who is well respected on the forum, and both recommended not porting the heads. Tony mentioned if I was dead set on porting to only send them to him, because a so-so head porter could do more damage then good. I kinda wish you didnt, I was looking forward to seeing your results with untouched AFR's.
I guess my motor with the big stroke will put these 195's to a major test.
Good luck with the porting, and post some pics! Are you getting them flowed before after?
Todd. The reason why I ask about porting is because I talked to Tony at AFR, and my engine builder Jim who is well respected on the forum, and both recommended not porting the heads. Tony mentioned if I was dead set on porting to only send them to him, because a so-so head porter could do more damage then good. I kinda wish you didnt, I was looking forward to seeing your results with untouched AFR's.
I guess my motor with the big stroke will put these 195's to a major test.
Good luck with the porting, and post some pics!
Are you getting them flowed before after?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 170
From: oregon
this guy is using some really high end stuff. cool story since he bought the car new. probably will keep it for ages too. i think some of you other guys will be money ahead buying a built c4 rather than doing a motor. figure what you can get out of yours and look at what you can buy. normally buying a built c4 will be less than yours {if it's decent} and the cost of a new motor.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 343
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio Tx
hi
I plan to build one - have a nice budget --but are you getting blocks
with distributor in rear and water pump in front - have a nice 95 LT 1 but hate the disrib and water pump together - could use some advise on that
len
I plan to build one - have a nice budget --but are you getting blocks
with distributor in rear and water pump in front - have a nice 95 LT 1 but hate the disrib and water pump together - could use some advise on that
len
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 658
Likes: 1
From: Centerville OH
Todd. The reason why I ask about porting is because I talked to Tony at AFR, and my engine builder Jim who is well respected on the forum, and both recommended not porting the heads. Tony mentioned if I was dead set on porting to only send them to him, because a so-so head porter could do more damage then good. I kinda wish you didnt, I was looking forward to seeing your results with untouched AFR's.
I'm not expecting large gains, but I do think I will pick up a little more flow plus less potential for detonation.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 658
Likes: 1
From: Centerville OH
Yeah, I seriously debated that, but I was a bit worried about cam surge on the highway in 6th gear (1500 RPM @ 70 MPH). I drive 80 highway miles round trip to work every day, and I want to be able to drive the Vette on nice days if I choose. Also, I was afraid that more cam duration would move the powerband up enough to cause a mismatch with my FIRST intake.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 4,724
Likes: 16
From: Little Elm TX
I have just a few quick questions.
Can you tell me more about the Bret Bauer cam ? Is that a hyd roller cam ? Is there a website I can have a look at ?
I apologize, but I am a little bit out of touch these days with the First intake system..... I have heard of the First intake and from what I could tell its a big bore tpi set-up..... is the intake fairly well proven nowadays ? Are there some proven set-ups with it nowadays? 495 HP is a lot of HP for a street 383, particularily with that style of intake..... and I would like to learn more about it.
On another note, good choice with those new eliminators..... nice cylinder head. And I do agree with the others, be careful modifying them.....
Good Luck with your Build-up !
Can you tell me more about the Bret Bauer cam ? Is that a hyd roller cam ? Is there a website I can have a look at ?
I apologize, but I am a little bit out of touch these days with the First intake system..... I have heard of the First intake and from what I could tell its a big bore tpi set-up..... is the intake fairly well proven nowadays ? Are there some proven set-ups with it nowadays? 495 HP is a lot of HP for a street 383, particularily with that style of intake..... and I would like to learn more about it.
On another note, good choice with those new eliminators..... nice cylinder head. And I do agree with the others, be careful modifying them.....
Good Luck with your Build-up !
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 658
Likes: 1
From: Centerville OH
I have just a few quick questions.
Can you tell me more about the Bret Bauer cam ? Is that a hyd roller cam ? Is there a website I can have a look at ?
I apologize, but I am a little bit out of touch these days with the First intake system..... I have heard of the First intake and from what I could tell its a big bore tpi set-up..... is the intake fairly well proven nowadays ? Are there some proven set-ups with it nowadays? 495 HP is a lot of HP for a street 383, particularily with that style of intake..... and I would like to learn more about it.
On another note, good choice with those new eliminators..... nice cylinder head. And I do agree with the others, be careful modifying them.....
Good Luck with your Build-up !
Can you tell me more about the Bret Bauer cam ? Is that a hyd roller cam ? Is there a website I can have a look at ?
I apologize, but I am a little bit out of touch these days with the First intake system..... I have heard of the First intake and from what I could tell its a big bore tpi set-up..... is the intake fairly well proven nowadays ? Are there some proven set-ups with it nowadays? 495 HP is a lot of HP for a street 383, particularily with that style of intake..... and I would like to learn more about it.
On another note, good choice with those new eliminators..... nice cylinder head. And I do agree with the others, be careful modifying them.....
Good Luck with your Build-up !
The FIRST intake has been around for about 20 years, but it was only available as a full retrofit system (about $3 grand) until a couple of years ago. There are a couple of threads on the forum about it that have a bunch of information plus links to some threads on ThirdGen. The manufacturers website is www.firstfuelinjection.com. I will tell you this -- the pictures don't do the thing justice. The ports are HUGE. It looks more like a big block manifold.