Building a 383 help
You're making assumptions, and the OP isn't providing all relevant info...a recipe for disappointment.
The OP is asking to build a 383 to put in a Barracuda with:
High enough power to walk away from a 454 with a supposed 550hp (unverified) in a chassis about 400lbs heavier, with unknown chassis and suspension config, and unknown driver capability.
Low end torque for good acceleration--which is a flawed statement when coupled with a rather ambitious horsepower goal. Low end torque is good for low speed acceleration when saddled with poor gearing or drivetrain choices, otherwise, you build the rest of the powertrain to compliment and properly utilize the power plant.
We all kinda failed on the "good heads" aspect, but suggesting a 550 lift cam is a rather nebulous suggestion, as is a 3800 stall converter...
Well I guess, just go the easy route and build a 550 cube stroker with 3.23 gear and AC.
Is the chassis up to snuff, chassis 1st drivetrain 2nd. for what it's worth, the fastback and the 440/6 63 sport fury have never been beat by a 4spd.
Now you're just adding confusion and next to nothing constructive to the mix. Build a 550 stroker...and increase the cost even more. New block, new guts, still gotta have decent flowing heads.
I do, however agree, as in my first reply, that chassis and suspension MUST be configured correctly to put any power to the ground. Let's assume for the moment he did all the requisite work to achieve 500+ hp out of a 383 (which in an of itself won't be cheap); I've said it before on this forum, and I'll replay it: Having power ain't worth a damn if you can't put it to the ground.
And advertising (without quantification or specificity) that your cars have never been beat by a 4 speed completely neglects the fact that there's a big world out there beyond your own experiences.
OP: If you legitimately want to beat your Dad's 454/4 speed GM A body, throw us a bone...
what does his car run in the 1/4, or are you even racing on a track?
What kind of suspension does it have?
What MPH are you racing to if not on a track?
What RPM is he shifting at?
Your car:
What kind of horsepower do you really think will be your goal?
More concise and better question, what time in the 1/4 do you need to achieve?
What top speed do you need to achieve?
How much can you spend?
You really should go through the big block and racing forums on this site for a couple of weeks and read...a lot; you can glean a ton of good info on what works and what you can achieve based on your level of capability, what modifications need to be done to accomplish a solid goal, and what your bank account allows. Asking questions is very welcome, but, if you state a goal and what you're working with, the answers given will be much more helpful and useful.
