i got a new job and was entertaining the idea of having an engine shop build me a nice new engine. this would mostly be for a daily driver. what would a good cam be for a 383? was thinking a Comp Cams XE262H. for heads i was thinking of getting a Vortec/RPM Air-Gap kit from Scoggin Dickey. probably around 10.5:1 CR. whatcha think?

IMHO,
that's a prety weak cam for a 383.It would make good torque but be way down on HP.I used to have 383 with a CompCams 268HE in a daily driver.I felt it needed more cam.It just didn't seem to have any grunt above 5000.

I would look for a cam an intake duration with at least 221-224 at .050.You could stick a stock converter in it,3.08-3.23 gear,go with some mild heads and still run fairly quick.

how bout an XE268H or XE274H w/2400 stall?

I have a 262 comp cam in my 350 and it has gobs of torque but is all gone when it hits 3rd gear.

On my 383 I've got a comp 284. Thing really pulls hard to 6000. Afraid to go any more as for the rods may find their way out. Really wanted to get to the track but winter is setting in here so hopefully in the spring....

I would go with the 274.The 2400 converter would be a plus,but not needed for daily driving.

ok, 274..

what about the heads? Vortec's should be great right? i got some '461' 2.02/1.60 heads that could use a rebuild, which would be better for the money?

Vortec.

I just am not sure about the XE line of cams with the Vortec head.It has bean noted several times that Vortec heads have a really good intake flow,however it's their exhaust port that needs help.
Personaly I wouldn't run a XE cam with them.I think they need more that a 5 degree split between the intake and exhaust.I would look for something with about 10 degrees more exhaust duration.
I'm sure several guys have run the XE line with Vortecs and have had great results.

I am always looking to optomize smile.gif

Also with 10.5 compression you might need to go a bit larger to avoid detonation.

XE hydraulics use a 6* I/E split at .050, and 12* more seat timing on the exhaust. Seems to work just fine with the vortecs. Just watch the reatiner to guide clearance...its kinda tight in there on these heads.