Where to get a good deal on an engine core

[T-Rex]

Update (I guess I should really start a new thread, I'll do that in a bit... but...) I got a quote for welding the frame, just the bare frame with no brackets. I really wish I could do work in my garage because it would be cheaper for me to buy a welder, learn how to use it, and do it myself.

However, I'm going ahead and getting it done. Was going to be this week but I've delayed it until next week.

Also been looking at heads and cams for the Chevy 383. Too many options but I have narrowed the heads down to 2 (or 3 or 4). Cams are another thing. Way too many options for me to know what will work so a call to Summit or Jegs will be happening.

That's it for now.

Is it OK to have a "build thread" ? If so, where would be the best place for it?

[Indycars]

T-Rex,

Why not post the model number of the heads you are thinking about.

Also, what are your goals for your 383 SBC ?
What's your budget?
what HP level are you looking for ?

I have Dynomation 6 engine simulation software, if you like I could run a
simulation. But there will be work on your side to pulling together all the
numbers that I will need, so it's not completely painless on your end.

For the camshaft I would call/email 4-5 manufactures and get their opinion,
more than I would call Summit or Jegs. Most manufactures have a form you can
fill out and email to them.

Some good companies that have quality products are:

CROWER
http://www.crower.com/

ERSON
http://www.pbm-erson.com/Catalog/Erson

ISKY
http://www.iskycams.com/shop/

HERBERT
http://www.dougherbert.com/

LUNATI
http://www.lunatipower.com/

CRANE CAMS
http://www.cranecams.com/

HOWARD
https://www.howardscams.com/

The section called "T-Bucket Technical Q & A" looks like a good place for a
build thread.
.

[T-Rex]

T-Rex,

Why not post the model number of the heads you are thinking about.

Also, what are your goals for your 383 SBC ?
What's your budget?
what HP level are you looking for ?

I have Dynomation 6 engine simulation software, if you like I could run a
simulation. But there will be work on your side to pulling together all the
numbers that I will need, so it's not completely painless on your end.

For the camshaft I would call/email 4-5 manufactures and get their opinion,
more than I would call Summit or Jegs. Most manufactures have a form you can
fill out and email to them.

Some good companies that have quality products are:

CROWER
http://www.crower.com/

ERSON
http://www.pbm-erson.com/Catalog/Erson

ISKY
http://www.iskycams.com/shop/

HERBERT
http://www.dougherbert.com/

LUNATI
http://www.lunatipower.com/

CRANE CAMS
http://www.cranecams.com/

HOWARD
https://www.howardscams.com/

The section called "T-Bucket Technical Q & A" looks like a good place for a
build thread.
.

Hi. Thanks for the input. I wasn't actually asking for advise, just saying that I have a choice to make. I do appreciate the advise though.

I filled out the Crane Cams form last night so just waiting for a reply.
As for heads,
options are the JEGS house head. 195cc intake runner, 64cc chambers, flows 274/213, 1.44 springs, 0.6 lift, roller cam...Part Number: 555-514032
or ProMaxx (NOT ProComp) Maxx 190cc, 64cc,, 261 / 199 flow, 0.6 lift,... Part Number: 2181HR
Also for consideration are Blueprint and Flotec. MIGHT stretch to AFR but rather not.

As for goals, HP,.. Well, it's a T bucket. Cruising mostly, both in town and long distance. NO drags or silliness. I'm old and did all that years ago.
Looking for around 400 -450 horse. The rods are good for 500. Any more than that and the transmission, diff are in trouble.
Budget, as cheap as possible but I don't want 'cheap'.

You think the Q & A section for build thread? Hmmm, OK.

[Bill Cleveland]

You think the Q & A section for build thread? Hmmm, OK.

I put my build thread in the Picture of the Day area 4 years ago under the title, Getting ready for Indy. My goal was to have it finished in time for the 2016 NTBA Nationals in Indianapolis in July. I had it on the road in May, but didn't feel it was up to a road trip from St Louis to Indy, and I had no way to tow it or trailer it. As you can see, I just added pics and dialogue as I went along.

https://nationaltbucketalliance.com/bb/ ... php?t=2484

[Indycars]

You think the Q & A section for build thread? Hmmm, OK.

For me, building an engine is a technical endeavor.

[T-Rex]

You think the Q & A section for build thread? Hmmm, OK.

I put my build thread in the Picture of the Day area 4 years ago under the title, Getting ready for Indy. My goal was to have it finished in time for the 2016 NTBA Nationals in Indianapolis in July. I had it on the rod in May, but didn't feel it was up to a road trip from St Louis to Indy, and I had no way to tow it or trailer it. As you can see, I just added pics and dialogue as I went along.

https://nationaltbucketalliance.com/bb/ ... php?t=2484

Bill, I looked at your build last night. Good job. I bet all the effort is forgotten once you get in it and drive. Hope mine come out half as good.

I've started a build thread in Pic of the day. Mods may move it if needed.

[Bill Cleveland]

One more thing: in these light cars, 300 HP goes a long way to getting you all the thrills you need. I know we all like to brag about how much HP we have, but believe me, my little 'mild' 350 will spin the tires 'til the cows come home, and jump away from a stop light like a rocket sled. The mild cam I have (Comp XE 262H) gives it a nice lope, the the iron Vortec heads do a good job breathing for a street engine that will never see over 5,500 RPM. I'm just sayin . . .

[T-Rex]

Thanks for the tip Spanky. I look at it this way, it doesn't cost any more to build for 450hp than it does for 300 and I'd rather have it and not use it than need it and not have it. besides...... is there ever enough?

[Bill Cleveland]

I look at it this way, it doesn't cost any more to build for 450hp than it does for 300

That's cool, and the right way to think I guess. I built what I could afford. I lusted for a 383, but when it came down to it, the cost was just too much, and in retrospect, I'd have probably gotten in trouble with that much more power under my right foot!

[T-Rex]

I started with nothing, and I mean ZERO, not even a junkyard engine. I've had to buy everything new so it was a case of "stock" or "stroked"... same cost for a crank either way. Guess which I went for . When selecting parts I've looked at dozens of everything and what goes with this or that. In the end I think I've got a list that will get me what I want (around 400-450hp). Biggest problem is selecting a cam which I'm still not sure about except it will be a hyd roller. As for cost, it is what it is. Could perhaps have done it cheaper, but not by much.