Jay85IROC

Ok guys, I have a LT1 from a 96 F-body I'm in the process of putting into my 85 IROC. I got about halfway done and had to deploy to Iraq. I've saved up a ton of money out here, so now I want to build something more than a stock LT1.

I'm looking to get a 355 or 383 shortblock from VRE and getting the LE1 heads and cam for it. I know I'll have to do some upgrades.. such as a bigger throttle body and fuel injectors. My main question is the fuel pump.. am I going to have to upgrade that? I'm hoping the stock pump can move enough fuel to keep the engine happy, but I really don't know.

Anyone know what kind of power a 383 with the LE1 package would put out? It says a 350 would make 370-390rwhp, so I'm thinking a 383 might make up to 410rwhp?

Sorry if this has been posted before. I don't have enough time out here to search and sift thru posts to find the info I need.

97ramairta

if you're doing a 383 build why dont you spend a little more money (since you say you have it) and get at least an LE2 package so you get more out of having a 383....just my opinion...

2nd_chances

Yes, an upgraded fuel pump will be a very good idea. It's not a difficult or expensive mod.

wrd1972

LE2 heads are barely big enough for a 383, they are still on the short side in terms of CFM. You might be wise to stay with a 355 unless you are willing to splurge on after market heads.

See my sig, I am on the stock fuel pump with no known issues.

ABA383

I don't know the specs on the LE2 cam stuff, but my weenie 226/234 in my 383 runs fine on the stock pump with 30 lb injectors running 11.23 @ 121.18...You'll get lots of cam advice here, just be sure to research it yourself, too...Lots of folks will say to go big on a cam with a 383...I would urge you otherwise...look for bigger valve lifts and don't go too crazy on duration....and be wary of dyno numbers, too as they are just numbers...Pick someone who runs well and pick their brain before you do anything...And remember to have fun...

--Alan

wrd1972

Just talk to Lloyd about cams, he will steer you in the right direction that meets your needs.

Javier97Z28

Look for TRACK #'s, and ask those who's cars have performed well at the TRACK.

Alan's car is a good example (ABA383 up there)..... like he said, dyno numbers are crap pretty much.

Purplemaroz28

I have a 383 with the le1 cam and le2 heads (wasnt planned this way) very tourqey, but defintily lacks top end. If you are doing a 383 get a bigger cam and better flowing heads.

SS RRR

My boy!

Javier97Z28

The bull**** stops when the green light drops!

Jay85IROC

Thanks for the replies.

I'd love to just go for aftermarket heads and build something totally nasty.. I have the money to do it, but I have to be smart about this. When I get home I'm getting out of the Army, and I need to save a large chunk of money for things far more important than an engine. I'm trying to limit myself to $5,000 with this engine. So thats why I'm thinking of one of the less expensive VRE shortblocks and the LE packages. They both seem like a good product at a good price. I also have to buy a 4L60E that will not instantly croak behind this engine.

Its looking like a 355 LE1 setup will have me in the low 12's. I'm thinking that sounds like the way to go for me. This is mostly just a fun street car that I might take to the strip once or twice a year.

I'll have to talk to Lloyd Elliot and see what he has to say about a 383. I'm looking to stick with a proven combo. Honestly, the only reason I was thinking about a 383 was because VRE doesn't require a core exchange for some of them

Thanks again guys. I've done plenty of work on cars, but my only major engine upgrading experience has been limited swapping out the stock engine for a more powerful factory engine. So I've never planned out anything like this before, so I'm sure I have plenty to learn.

Javier97Z28

You can do low 12's with a simple cam only setup like a cc503 like I did.

People who are happy with low 12's with heads/cam setups confuse me. I'd be pissed.

SS RRR

Easy there, fella.
Depends on the cam. I was happy w/ my 12.0's with the LPE heads/211 cam setup. Wish I had an auto at that point to see if that ET would've been any better, but alas...

Javier97Z28

I really mean like the 12.4 @ 110 stuff, etc

Hell I'm not even "happy" with 11.3's

speed_demon24

Fixed.