Suggestions for 383 on a $3000 budget??

[FBJJChallenger]

Hey Guys,

First off as I think I've stated before I don't have a lot of technical know how, especially when it comes to engines. That being said, I'm really enjoying learning and this is becoming an awesome new hobby! My 74 Challenger project car was originally a 318 and the previous owner dropped what looks to be a pretty nice 383 into it. It runs like a top, but keep in mind I haven't driven the car any distance yet because there's a lot to be done for the sake of safety before that happens (wiring up the brake lights, getting new brake pads, shocks, etc...) 

I'm curious what this engine could be capable of horsepower wise on a $2000-3000 budget. I'm thinking the first step would be to have the engine taken apart and tested for leaks, get the seals replaced, etc, just so I know what we're working with. It currently has a few modifications which I don't have all the details on but from what my dad says it has a high rise manifold and I believe a Holly 4 barrel double pumper carburetor. Here is a pic of what it looks like:




I look forward to hearing your responses and gaining some insight!

James

[The Cuda Guy]

Are you pulling the engine out?

Don

[FBJJChallenger]

Yes,

It will be out of the car while the bodywork, paint, etc are being done.

James

[Chryco Psycho]

engines are air pumps so the best gains are moving more air through , Cam heads headers intake & carb will gain the most power

[HP2]

...and then squeezing all that air, so compression is  a key part of both power and efficiency.

[74 340 4speed]

engines are air pumps so the best gains are moving more air through , Cam heads headers intake & carb will gain the most power

exactly.  heads/cam/intake

[71chally416]

Looks like you already have a decent Intake and carb so if the motor is in good shape (no excessive leak down) I would...
1) Make sure it has good rod bolts. The 40 YO stockers will come back to haunt you if they were never changed. Resize the rods and use ARP bolts and don't worry about them again.
2) If the bores are still round just re-ring it. Motors will always run better every time you re-ring them. Re-ring kits are cheap.
2) Do some head work or get some better heads. That's the biggest restriction if you have a decent Intake/Carb/Headers
3) Upgrade the cam/valve springs with an Engle or Lunati cam. Chryco can give you a good grind for your combo.
   

[FBJJChallenger]

Awesome,

Thanks for all the great info guys! I heard the same thing about the heads. I have a friend of my dad who is going to do a compression test in the next couple of weeks to give us a rough idea of where the engine is at wear wise.

James

[grimmey71]

I am thinking something like this

http://musclemotorsracing.com/m/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14&Itemid=9

[FBJJChallenger]

I am thinking something like this

http://musclemotorsracing.com/m/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14&Itemid=9

OOoooo... That sounds cool! I can't seem to find pricing anywhere though. Guess I have to call them! Thanks.

James

[acudanut]

 Nice looking 383. Unless you have a four speed, I would run a Holley 750 Vacuum Secondaries
(sorry no spell check here)

[FBJJChallenger]

Nice looking 383. Unless you have a four speed, I would run a Holley 750 Vacuum Secondaries
(sorry no spell check here)

It's currently an automatic. Thanks!

James

[71chally416]

383's like lots of timing. My 383 RR racecar ran best at 42*.

[The Cuda Guy]

Looks like you already have a decent Intake and carb so if the motor is in good shape (no excessive leak down) I would...
1) Make sure it has good rod bolts. The 40 YO stockers will come back to haunt you if they were never changed. Resize the rods and use ARP bolts and don't worry about them again.
2) If the bores are still round just re-ring it. Motors will always run better every time you re-ring them. Re-ring kits are cheap.
2) Do some head work or get some better heads. That's the biggest restriction if you have a decent Intake/Carb/Headers
3) Upgrade the cam/valve springs with an Engle or Lunati cam. Chryco can give you a good grind for your combo. 

 

If this were my situation here are the parts I would add:

Heads:
Ported Alum Heads

http://www.440source.com/cncheads.htm

$1995.00


Roller Rockers

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=CCA%2D1321%2D16&autoview=sku

$499.95


Rebuild Kit (.030) Pistons to fit the above heads:

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=FEM%2DCSMHP738%2D330&autoview=sku

$639.95


Cam & Lifters

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=LUN%2D60303LK&autoview=sku

$179.95


Doubble Roller Timing Chain

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=CLO%2D9%2D3525TX9&autoview=sku

$92.95


Total:
$3407.80


Now there are MY suggestions there are more educated people on this site who could make tweaks or tell me where Im WAY off on this but I came in just over you budget.  Also these are not exact parts you would need to order per you application.  But dont forget machine work if you engine is not already 30 over ect.  Dont forget you will most likley need a couple hundred for incidentles just for some pading.  Good luck with you project.   

Don

[FBJJChallenger]

Thanks to all for the info! Thanks for the links Don!

James