383 Build- Comp Cam to match Edelbrock Performer RPM

[shawnmd]

OK I am doing a build of a 1968 383. The 69 Charger has a 727 w/shift kit and 3.91 gears.  The motor will have no performance upgrades in the bottom end, simply a rebuild, bearings, rings, oil pump etc.  The heads will have no work done yet so they will be stock---no machine shops in my area. 

The car will be simply a weekend cruiser but I would like it to have some punch as well. The engine already has headers.  I was thinking of going with the Edelbrock Performer RPM intake as I can get a good deal on it and I was told a single plane such as the M-1 may be more than I want.  The place where I am purchasing the intake also has good deals on Comp Cams.  Which comp cam would be suitable to use with this intake?  High Energy, Magnum, Xtreme energy?

Also,  which RPM range should I choose for a new torque converter?

I know you probably seen many posts such as this, and I have posted in the past but on the old www.dodge-charger.com site.

[firefighter3931]

OK I am doing a build of a 1968 383. The 69 Charger has a 727 w/shift kit and 3.91 gears.  The motor will have no performance upgrades in the bottom end, simply a rebuild, bearings, rings, oil pump etc.  The heads will have no work done yet so they will be stock---no machine shops in my area. 

The car will be simply a weekend cruiser but I would like it to have some punch as well. The engine already has headers.  I was thinking of going with the Edelbrock Performer RPM intake as I can get a good deal on it and I was told a single plane such as the M-1 may be more than I want.  The place where I am purchasing the intake also has good deals on Comp Cams.  Which comp cam would be suitable to use with this intake?  High Energy, Magnum, Xtreme energy?

Also,  which RPM range should I choose for a new torque converter?

I know you probably seen many posts such as this, and I have posted in the past but on the old www.dodge-charger.com site.

Welcome back Shawn.

The Comp xe268 would be a good cam for that build with the performer rpm. You should also swap out the valvesprings and seals while you're at it....the stock springs will be tired after 30+ years. The xe268 is also small enough that you won't have to trim down the guides for retainer clearance....anything over .510 lift requires this modification with stock heads, fyi. 

For a descent converter the mp 175k unit is hard to beat for $200 and will give you ~2400 stall which is a good match for that cam and 3.91 gears. Mancini carries the MP converters.

Ron

[Runner]

arent the comp xe hydrolic cams noisy?.  ive never really heard one but thats what ive read. if im going to have a little noise its going to be with a solid lifter cam!!   

[shawnmd]

If I was to splurge and buy an Engle cam, whish one would be better with the Performer RPM?  The K-56 or K58?

[Runner]

i dont mean to scare you out of a a comp xe cam, i run a comp xe solid stick in my roadrunner, ive just read that the hydrolic cams are noisy, but have no personal experiance.

[firefighter3931]

If I was to splurge and buy an Engle cam, whish one would be better with the Performer RPM?  The K-56 or K58?

The k56 is basicly the same cam as the xe 268 but it's a single pattern. The Comp is a dual pattern grind with more duration on the exhaust side. That helps with stock heads which have notoriously weak ex. ports. The K58 has .520 valvelift and that would require some guide machining or you'll have retainer clearance problems.

Mike (Runner) is right...the XE grinds are a little noisy but nothing too obnoxious. If you have flowmaster mufflers you won't even hear it...lol ! Personally i like mechanical noise in a musclecar....gives it the "old school" flavor.  

Ron

[shawnmd]

So the Comp XE cam would be a better choice???