Cam, Converter, Gear?

74swangur said

Lookin for sugesstions for Cam, Converter & Gear. I am building a 383 and I have already aquired a TCI Breakaway Torque Converter/advertised flash 2400, new in box for $150.00, from a friend. What cam and gear can I get away with using this converter. I would like to run a 509 cam with 355 to 390 gear. What you fella's think? :toothy7:

Click to expand...

I gotta go with BJRacing on this one. Demon seed has a nice street bruiser combo going. But your going to need to be certain on where your going. Since you allready have a lower converter, the 292 in there will act doggie. The 3.90 gear set is what I would use at a min. with that cam.

What intake do you have?
Are your heads stock?
What valve sizes are in the head?
Comp ratio of the engine should be 9.0-1 or better at a min.

If your heads are stock, and will remain that way, I would look at a Crane split duration cam. There centerlines are on a 112. This will help keep cylinder pressure up and low end performance good.
If your heads are ported, but not a full on or out job, the XE perscribed by BJR is a good idea for sure. The more balanced the heads air flow is, the less of a split or extra duration on the exhaust side you'll need in a cam.
Look for the RPM cruise range you'll be in when choosing the cam. Be honest about it. Also, check out the cams suggested stall converter range often listed with the cam specs. Comp Cams and Crane does this.