Cam selection for a 383

[FM3V6M]

Trying do decide which cam to run in my 383, it's in the shop now, '71 383 all stock bottom with hypereutectic pistons .030 over with stock compression, only headwork done will be port-matching, I will use the stock intakes/exhausts/carb.  I'm looking for a bigger cam than stock but not a street/strip type either.  Heard good things about the Comp XE285 HL Cam  285/297* gross duration  or  241/247* @ 0.050
The lift is 0.581 intake and exhaust with 1.6:1 rockers, but as I have power steering/brakes, that cam is probably way too much with no vacuum.  Perhaps the HE275 HL would be more practical with better vacuum, but would like other opinions.  Also I read here on the board that there is another brand that some of you swear by but I can't remember which one (I think Chryco suggested one once).  Any suggestions would be appreciated.  BTW it's a 4spd with 3:55's. Thanks!  Greg.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Chryco is an Engle fan, but I'm sorry I can't help you with your selection. 

From what you described though, I don't think it would make much sense to go too much bigger than stock. You would need a bigger carb, and headers, and a different intake to really enjoy the performance gains. Just my opinion. 

  Mike

[Chryco Psycho]

I have seen better results with the Engle grinds , they are designed for Mopars & run very strong , Engle has great customer service & support too

[FM3V6M]

Thanks Chryco, Engle was the brand I couldn't remember.  I went to their website and think either the K56 or K58, considering my mild biuld-up, would the K58 be too much cam or should I play it safe with the K56?  Thanks!

[Chryco Psycho]

being a 4 spd either cam will work well as you don`t have to worry about the converter , when you say stock compression I asuume you mean 9.8 :1, probably a K58 ground with the CL at 112* will work best seeing as you are using stock exhaust manifolds  , this will make a big difference over a stock cam & works great with stock intake & heads although to get the best gains of the higher lift the heads should  be ported  & I would use 1.81 exhaust valves , I alos agree with Mike & would recommend a 750 carb

[FM3V6M]

Thanks, I guess the stock Holley is too small? Only about 650 CFM?  I think the K58 is 110* but it should still be OK, I'm only port matching and keeping the stock exhaust valve dia. so you think the K58 is not too hot? Thanks again! Greg.

[Chryco Psycho]

the 1.81 exhaust valve will help & Engle will be happy to grind a K 58 on a 112 CL

[FM3V6M]

Just curious, all things being equal, what's the difference between the 110* CL and 112* CL?

Thanks!

[moparnut]

Sorry to hijack but i need some advise too CHryco.I'm building another 383,its for my Bee.The previous one for my GC I went with a k58 engle at 110,its still on the engine stand.My Bee is a 4 speed car and I want a REALLY NASTY Idle for this one.WOuld you still recommend the K58?Maybe at 112?WHat does this Lunati  Voodoo look like?Its a 383 with around 9.5-10-Ish to one,once i pick the pistons,67 915hp heads,Headers,dual plane with 750 carb

Advertised Duration  Duration @ .050 IN/EX  Gross Valve lift IN/EX  LSA and ICL  RPM Range 
268/276 226/234 .494/.513 110/106 1800-6200
Or this one?
 Advertised Duration  Duration @ .050 IN/EX  Gross Valve lift IN/EX  LSA and ICL  RPM Range 
276/284 234/242 .513"/.533" 110/106 2200-6400
They are cheaper than the Engle
thanks

[Chryco Psycho]

Just curious, all things being equal, what's the difference between the 110* CL and 112* CL?

Thanks!

with the 112 CL you have less overlap where both valves are open at the same time ,  having more overlap  helps with headers as the long header tube creates a vacuum at the head & helps to draw in clean air fuel mix , with manifolds you do not get as much scavenging at the head so by reducing the overlap the exhaust breaths better with manifolds 

[Swedefish]

Made a search for Engle cams on internet but came up with nothing.
Do they have a site for their products?
Thinking of an cam swap in the future.

[Chryco Psycho]

www.englecams.com

[Chryco Psycho]

Sorry to hijack but i need some advise too CHryco.I'm building another 383,its for my Bee.The previous one for my GC I went with a k58 engle at 110,its still on the engine stand.My Bee is a 4 speed car and I want a REALLY NASTY Idle for this one.WOuld you still recommend the K58?Maybe at 112?WHat does this Lunati  Voodoo look like?Its a 383 with around 9.5-10-Ish to one,once i pick the pistons,67 915hp heads,Headers,dual plane with 750 carb

Advertised Duration  Duration @ .050 IN/EX  Gross Valve lift IN/EX  LSA and ICL  RPM Range 
268/276 226/234 .494/.513 110/106 1800-6200
Or this one?
 Advertised Duration  Duration @ .050 IN/EX  Gross Valve lift IN/EX  LSA and ICL  RPM Range 
276/284 234/242 .513"/.533" 110/106 2200-6400
They are cheaper than the Engle
thanks

as the duration is increased & the CL is moved lower towards 108* the idle will get worse & the powerband will move up in RPM for example the Mopar .509 cam really has a choppy idle but it has 292/248* & 108 CL & the powerband moves up to 2800-6000 rpm , most hyd cams are limited to 6000 rpm range due to the lifter & valavetrain stability , with the same duration you could move the power band up to 6500 or more with a solid cam 
 as far as buying cheaper cams , the cam is basically the Most important part of the engine & that is the one thing I would not cut corners on , I have seen some engines run extremely poorly just havign a poor cam choice with no other problems

[moparnut]

I have been rethinking that also,I think i will go with Engle again with the k58 but have it ground with a little more choppy idle but not too bad to decrease performance
thanks again

[FM3V6M]

Just got off the phone with Chris at Engle Cams, I ordered the 'K58' to be custom ground at 112* on Chryco's suggestion.  Chris agreed that the 112* CL will be a good choice; adding more vacuum for my power accessories while smoothing the idle slightly, improving drivability.  Perfect for my set-up, thanks Chryco!