Im re-building a 388 right now. Im using new just about everything, so I have to check to make sure the rods wont hit the cam. Im using a normal comp 280H magnum. How many of you who have built a 383 had problems with the rods/bolts hitting the cam?

I had to grind down the corners off of my rods ( scat I beams ) wasnt a big deal! if you are getting it all balanced i guess try to clearance the rods first!

I just ordered a small base cam...I think it was like $10 extra at the time.

Didn't have any problems with cam interference, but I did have to carve out some areas on the oil pan rails and the extreme bottom of a few cylinders on the block for the 1/8" clearance I wanted.

I had no problems with cam clearance, but I run OEM 5.565" rods. I did have to notch the cylinders though.

Jinks and I run the same comp 294 cam. He has the hyd version and I have the hyd roller version. I run a 6" H-beam rod and had no clearance problems. I guess the hyd rollers have the small base circle where as the hyd don't. Your 280h cam will probably need the rods clearanced.

Is this still an issue if you use H-beam rods?

I have heard that they have a little extra room in this area, since they don't have the bolt head.

Is this true, or do you still have to use a small base circle cam with these?