Ok Ok so spring is in the air and everybody is starting to plan new motors for the summer season. I thought I would jump on the band wagon. Luckily for me summer is still 2 and half mnoths away so I still have lots of time.

Here's the plan:
-383 short block
-Heads will be 462 ported and polished with large valves.
-Compression I am aiming for around 10:1
-Cam pretty sure I am going with the 401A3LUN (272/282@.020 238/248@.050 .485/.503 valve lift, 112 LSA)
-Intake will be an Ebrock Rpm
-Carb is a Holley 4160 650
-Headers are 1 5/8" flowtech.

The car is a 86 Cutlass, TH350, 3.73 gears, car weighs about 3700lbs with me in it.

What do you guys think? I thinking the motor should be right around the 420hp mark, and shouldn't have much problem putting the car in the mid 12's.

Thanks
Steve

Looks good, but can you afford a set of aftermarket heads? I mention this because there are some pretty affordable iron heads out there that outflow the old 462's (even ported 462s) . . . not to mention extra power from modern combustion chambers.

I'd consider looking at the Sportsman II's, Iron Eagles, ProToplines, or even Vortecs if the budget is tight. There are lots of good aluminum heads to pick from if you want a lighter head.

Something else I forgot, the car is running with a 3500 stall converter.

Eric68 - Your definetley right. I have been seriously looking into some Vortec. But they are tough to find around here, without the major price tag. It's usually cheaper for me to just get new ones from US. Then by the time I add up all the small stuff, they cost the same as other heads. I have been giving consideration to the Sportsman II's. Unfortunatley that starts a vicious cycle of... well for only $300 more I can get some Trickflow heads which are aluminum and flow way better. It's a vicious cycle :)

The 462's are free, sitting in my garage, almost brand new. Only have 15000miles on them since 1971. I think they should have no problem supporting a 400+ HP 383, maybe just barely, but they should.

Also the chassis is stock F41 stuff. I would probably see a bigger gain from a properly setup chassis then an over powered one... but overpowered is funner :D

Keep any comments coming,
Thanks
Steve

There is no such thing as "overpowered" :D

Before you make a decision on the cylinder heads, check into whats its gonna actually cost to rebuild yours with new components, and of course port work if you have to farm the heads out for that. Right there, you may not have equalled, but you will be close to the cost of an entry level aftermarket cylinder head. And if enough time is put into the portwork to make them flow like some aftermarket heads, than unless you know a guy that gives you deals, you will probably for sure be very close to the cost of aftermarket heads with quality port work and fresh components. The trick flows arent bad. An iron eagle head or pro topline or something like that isnt a bad deal either. There are many out there to choose from so look around hard and check all your pricing before you make a decision.

Cost for heads = 0. They are ready to go. Port work I can do on my own. I already have 3 sets under my belt. I guess I should clarify, by port I don't mean hog out and optimize, best that they can be, more of a clean up. Get rid of all casting flash, narrow and contor guides, open up bowls to about 85% of valve. The last set I did were the stock 416's on my 305, I gained a solid 3 tenths by doing them.

Steve