383 performance help

[68MoparCharger]

I have a stock 383 2bbl, stock heads, and stock exaust manifolds. What products should I use, I would like to put on a 4 bbl carb, performance cam, headers, and perf. intake, and hopefully make over 450 hp and tq, while still being able to drive on the street. I have a 727-column shift, with stock torque converter (if it has one) and 3.23 rearend. It will be a daily driver, but gas isn't a problem because I don't live far from school.  Thanks alot

[grouseman]

450, eh?  Do you have a dollar amount budgeted, and what are your mechanical abilities?  How streetable do you expect to be? 

[67_Dodge_Charger]

That is a lot of hp out of some bolt ons.  You will need to get the bottom end checked.  The cam and heads will give you the best hp improvements (the biggest gain).  Once you get the hp you will need to upgrade parts in the transmission and the rear end.  Start with the headers, intake and carb.  That will give you some extra hp and you will be able to do this yourself.  Once you do the headers you will need a new dual exhaust system.  Can you see how much you will be spending?  Sounds like a lot of fun.

good luck

-Robert

[68MoparCharger]

Ideally I would like 450.  But if that's asking too much, could 400-450 be achieved with these bolt ons while still being streetable?  Budget...under 10k for these parts.  I some experience, but my dad has a good deal of experience and will help me with the project.  I currently have dual exhaust, and will upgrade the transmission and rear end later.  I'd like the car to be very streetable,  like able to drive around town with out dying at stop lights, or while going through the drive-thru at BK or mcdonalds. 

[dodge freak]

Engine dying is no problem a 3000 stall converter would not solve. Overheating in the drive-thru lane might be.$10,000 should do it, easy. You may want to get a 440 , it cost less and would be easier to make 400 horses. 383 yes but you need a bigger cam. Get a few books, and shop around for a good engine shop. For $10,000 lots of places can help you-don't tell them you want to spend that much, it may be cheaper.

[Rolling_Thunder]

i have ported and polished heads, carb, intake, headers and 9:1 compression in my 383 and it is only making about 350hp at the crank - what is killing me is the cam i think...    the cam is pretty tame for street duty...     when i build my 440 i'll build it a little more wild

[mikepmcs]

 

[68MoparCharger]

Is the edelbrock power chart correct for the 383, or how did they get those numbers. They posted 390 hp @ 6000   and             406 ft/lbs @ 4000  with Performer RPM intake (#7188)  Performer RPM Cam (#7184)  Performer Series carb (#1407) and 1-7/8" headers.   And do all stock '68 383's have the same crank, connecting rods, and pistons?

[TylerCharger69]

You'll be doing more than Bolt ons  if you want to achieve 450 HP.  Out of a 383  that is.  I think mine is putting out..mathematically wise....about 390. 

[68MoparCharger]

The people at Mopar Muscle Magazine got 455 hp out of their 383, tell me what you guys think of that.  What compression ratio does my 2 bbl have.  And is the compression ratio different from the hi-po 383, if so how?
www.moparmusclemagazine.com/techarticles/155_0209_resto/index.html  383 Resto to Rad site = 455 hp @ 6000, 383 with carb, intake, headers, and cam, with new lifters and springs.

[grouseman]

I really like those MM dyno tests, they prove the combos with numbers.  In this case, I wish they also showed down to 2,000 rpm to show the low-end, not just starting at mid-range 3,000.  You would see significant losses in off-idle tq with that final package.  That's why it would need a loose converter to skip the weak band and go right to higher rpms. 

Your heads will have smaller valves, and I think lower compression overall as well.  You have to decide right now if you're going to make a high-rpm screamer and change heads, TC and gears, or make a responsive, torquey street motor.  I'll work on the latter. 

Remember they're starting out with a fresh engine, factory performance heads and cam.  You're not even there yet with your 2bbl motor.  Let's say you want to leave the heads alone.  You could put in the factory Magnum cam or something close with a modern grind - DON'T OVERCAM!!!  Get a good dual plane intake, around 700 cfm of carb and headers, duals, good ignition and you'll be quite happy.  Like their second-to-last combo (before the big cam). 

Your next step would be to upgrade the heads. 

[OttawaCharger]

The 383 2 barrel was lower on the compression ratio:
383 c.i. V-8 2V Carburetor
C.R.
9.2:1

Horsepower 290@4000
Torque 390@2800

383 c.i. V8 4-V Carburetor
C.R.
10.0:1
Horsepower 330@5000
Torque  425@3200

[deputycrawford]

I agree with many of the posts here. I started out with a 2-v 383. I started with the headers and duals. Then the carb and intake. Then the gearing. Then cam and torque converter at the same time. For $10k, you can build one heck of a stroked 440. That would put you in the 600 HP range. You can do the 383 bolt ons for around $3000 including the converter and gear. I could go on for hours on my combo but will spare you my learning experiences. Just remember that drive line is a total package and should be planned accordingly. Just have fun and take your time.

[Mfr426]

 

[Chryco Psycho]

there are far better cams avaialbe then the Eddy series cams
Try Engle or lunati VooDoo series