C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

New 383 troubles

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-23-2014, 07:30 PM
  #1  
Bloodzone
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
 
Bloodzone's Avatar
 
Member Since: May 2014
Location: Rhine Georgia
Posts: 864
Received 108 Likes on 77 Posts
Default New 383 troubles

New crate 383 wont idle in drive and seems weak out the hole. Idle is 9ish in park and sounds fine, drives fine at higher speeds but drops to 5K rpms and stalls when I come to a stop. I'm running stock torque converter with a th350. Could my torque converter be bad or do I just need to upgrade to a 2400 stall thats been recommended?
Old 07-23-2014, 08:14 PM
  #2  
diehrd
Safety Car
 
diehrd's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jan 2009
Location: New York
Posts: 4,000
Received 293 Likes on 189 Posts

Default

Not enough info , but I would say timing and carb are not set up properly
Old 07-23-2014, 08:25 PM
  #3  
CaseyJones
Melting Slicks
 
CaseyJones's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jul 2010
Location: McGrady NC
Posts: 2,503
Received 33 Likes on 32 Posts
St. Jude Donor '15-'16
Default

The stock converter will drag your engine down. Get your timing and carb set up right and check for vacuum leaks.
Old 07-23-2014, 08:51 PM
  #4  
Bloodzone
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
 
Bloodzone's Avatar
 
Member Since: May 2014
Location: Rhine Georgia
Posts: 864
Received 108 Likes on 77 Posts
Default

2000-2400 stall converter is recommend for this 383. Anyone know what factor stall is for a 79 TH350? And does those numbers sound about right?

This is my engine http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mll-bp3830ctc1
Old 07-23-2014, 09:15 PM
  #5  
bluedawg
Safety Car
 
bluedawg's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jan 2009
Location: anchorage ak
Posts: 3,736
Received 55 Likes on 53 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Bloodzone
2000-2400 stall converter is recommend for this 383. Anyone know what factor stall is for a 79 TH350? And does those numbers sound about right?

This is my engine http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mll-bp3830ctc1
A stock stall doesn't stall enough to work properly. if You give us the camshaft specs we can get you in the zone on your timing, but I'm guessing like diehard said is you need more inital timing, I'd bet 18 to 20 degrees initial maybe even more depending on the camshaft. The more fuel/air that you have at idle the more before top dead center you need to ignite that mixture in order to get it to burn to a degree, add rpm in gear plus too small of a torque converter and there you are two footing it to keep it running. try 20 degrees intial, once you get it to run in gear, slowly back the idle speed down and when it starts to die, go back up 1/4 to 1/2 turn. then if your vette hunkers down or squatts hard when you put it into gear then your too small of a torque converter.
Old 07-23-2014, 09:33 PM
  #6  
Bloodzone
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
 
Bloodzone's Avatar
 
Member Since: May 2014
Location: Rhine Georgia
Posts: 864
Received 108 Likes on 77 Posts
Default

Here are some specs

Camshaft: Steel Flat Tappet
Cam Lift: .487” Intake / .508” exhaust
Cam Duration @ .050”: 234 deg. Intake / 244 deg. Exhaust
Lobe Separation: 112 Degree
Cylinder Heads: Cast Iron Vortec.
Combustion Chamber: 64cc
Valves: 2.02” Intake/ 1.60” Exhaust
Rocker Arms: Stamped Steel, 1.5:1 Ratio
Valve Springs: 1.25” Diameter
Balance: External
Ignition Timing: Base 10 degrees BTDC, 32 degrees total

I got this info from http://paceperformance.com/i-8396354...rear-seal.html
Old 07-23-2014, 09:34 PM
  #7  
MrJlr
Race Director
 
MrJlr's Avatar
 
Member Since: Feb 2006
Location: Chino CA
Posts: 12,239
Received 13 Likes on 10 Posts

Default

Which crate engine did you get?
Old 07-23-2014, 09:37 PM
  #8  
Bloodzone
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
 
Bloodzone's Avatar
 
Member Since: May 2014
Location: Rhine Georgia
Posts: 864
Received 108 Likes on 77 Posts
Default

I got the fully dressed BluePrint 383 405HP.
Old 07-23-2014, 09:37 PM
  #9  
bluedawg
Safety Car
 
bluedawg's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jan 2009
Location: anchorage ak
Posts: 3,736
Received 55 Likes on 53 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Bloodzone
Here are some specs

Camshaft: Steel Flat Tappet
Cam Lift: .487” Intake / .508” exhaust
Cam Duration @ .050”: 234 deg. Intake / 244 deg. Exhaust
Lobe Separation: 112 Degree
Cylinder Heads: Cast Iron Vortec.
Combustion Chamber: 64cc
Valves: 2.02” Intake/ 1.60” Exhaust
Rocker Arms: Stamped Steel, 1.5:1 Ratio
Valve Springs: 1.25” Diameter
Balance: External
Ignition Timing: Base 10 degrees BTDC, 32 degrees total

I got this info from http://paceperformance.com/i-8396354...rear-seal.html
You need 20* or better.
Old 07-23-2014, 10:11 PM
  #10  
MrJlr
Race Director
 
MrJlr's Avatar
 
Member Since: Feb 2006
Location: Chino CA
Posts: 12,239
Received 13 Likes on 10 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by Bloodzone
I got the fully dressed BluePrint 383 405HP.
For sure you should up the stall to around 2200 as recommended.
Old 07-23-2014, 11:33 PM
  #11  
63mako
Race Director
 
63mako's Avatar
 
Member Since: May 2005
Location: Millington Illinois
Posts: 10,626
Received 92 Likes on 84 Posts
St. Jude Donor '08-'09

Default

Originally Posted by Bloodzone
Here are some specs

Camshaft: Steel Flat Tappet
Cam Lift: .487” Intake / .508” exhaust
Cam Duration @ .050”: 234 deg. Intake / 244 deg. Exhaust
Lobe Separation: 112 Degree
Cylinder Heads: Cast Iron Vortec.
Combustion Chamber: 64cc
Valves: 2.02” Intake/ 1.60” Exhaust
Rocker Arms: Stamped Steel, 1.5:1 Ratio
Valve Springs: 1.25” Diameter
Balance: External
Ignition Timing: Base 10 degrees BTDC, 32 degrees total

I got this info from http://paceperformance.com/i-8396354...rear-seal.html
This is typical. Guy buys a new stroker crate engine. Drops it in his automatic car with a 3.08 rear gear and wonders why it is a dog. You just moved your powerband up 1500-2000 RPM. If you look at a cam with similar specs it will specify needs headers, 3.70-4.11 rear differential ratio, gears. Bet they didn't tell you that when they sold it to you. A "patch" is a 2400-3000 stall convertor. A solution is a 3.70-4.11 rear gear ratio and overdrive trans. My 383 build has a 236/242 duration roller cam. I have 4.11 gears and a T56 with .80 5th and .63 sixth gear. The combination has to be matched. If it isn't the results are disappointing.

Here is a cam that has the same lift and duration as yours.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/su...make/chevrolet

Notice the operating range of 3000-6500?

Notice it says this:
Lopey idle, mid-upper rpm power. Works best with 10:1-11:1 compression, 3,000+ stall, and gearing.


When you stomp on it from a dead stop how long will it take to get into the powerband? It sure won't roast the tires and get there quick. You asked before you bought this engine and these issues were brought up (see below)but you bought it anyway. Now getting the performance you expect will take a ton of work and a bunch more money. When you post a question you need to listen to the answers.

Originally Posted by augiedoggy
The Cam is the heart of the engine it controls the timing of everything. It can make a huge difference...Some can increase dynamic compression and some can bleed it off.
You can easily get larger HP numbers by swapping it out but at the same time you can easily hurt the actual power output in the actual rpm range you would use most on the street. There are a lot of guys that just don't get it and stick the biggest cam they can in the engine only to find out that 450hp at 6500rpm cost them a lot of torque and HP down in the actual range where they would feel and use it most in all situations except when flying at 6,000+ rpm. This is also why if the average person drove two identical vettes except one being an L48 and the other being an L82 that person would mistake the L48 for the stronger L82 because the L48 starts making power sooner and has more torque which throws you back in the seat. Basically everything is a trade off as you can tune it to make more power but at a cost somewhere else like torque at lower rpms and vs versa... things like increasing displacement and better flow are solutions around it this limitation to a point.

You have to make sure the cam you select is a good match for your gearing and stall/ torque converter. If not you will have a 400 HP slug that can't get out of its own way until it finally gets to 50-60 MPH.

Last edited by 63mako; 07-24-2014 at 12:03 AM.
Old 07-24-2014, 12:16 AM
  #12  
63mako
Race Director
 
63mako's Avatar
 
Member Since: May 2005
Location: Millington Illinois
Posts: 10,626
Received 92 Likes on 84 Posts
St. Jude Donor '08-'09

Default

Easiest, cheapest fix is to do this. It will cost you peak horsepower. It will be much quicker with your combination. This drops your cam duration 15 degrees getting you to the powerband your car can operate in at an RPM you will use and will run on pump fuel with your 9.5 to 1 compression.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/lu...make/chevrolet

Last edited by 63mako; 07-24-2014 at 12:19 AM.
Old 07-24-2014, 07:38 AM
  #13  
MrJlr
Race Director
 
MrJlr's Avatar
 
Member Since: Feb 2006
Location: Chino CA
Posts: 12,239
Received 13 Likes on 10 Posts

Default

My stroker runs VERY well - WITH the stock 3:08 rear gear.
It lights the rear wheels very easy and pulls very strong

But I did install the stall speed torque converter as recommended.....

I think the stall speed helps a LOT....allows the engine to ramp up before launching.
But, kinda a PITA now that your engine is in. Either gotta pull the engine or the transmission to install it now.

Torque converter I used:
$211.97 Summit
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-g2702-1/overview/


I'm sure your engine is putting out the full 405HP..... you just have some more tinkering to do.


Old 07-24-2014, 08:21 AM
  #14  
Bloodzone
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
 
Bloodzone's Avatar
 
Member Since: May 2014
Location: Rhine Georgia
Posts: 864
Received 108 Likes on 77 Posts
Default

I'm not sure mine has the 3.08. Its a 79 and all the info I've found says 79s have a 3.55 rear. But who knows, after 35 years whats in there. But if it does have a 3.55 would 63Mako's recommendation still be accurate? I also have long tube headers, no cats and true dual exhaust.

Anyway I'm gonna get the timing and carb checked today and see if it helps any.

I really appreciate all the help and comments I receive from this forum. Thanks

Last edited by Bloodzone; 07-24-2014 at 11:02 AM.
Old 07-24-2014, 07:18 PM
  #15  
63mako
Race Director
 
63mako's Avatar
 
Member Since: May 2005
Location: Millington Illinois
Posts: 10,626
Received 92 Likes on 84 Posts
St. Jude Donor '08-'09

Default

Originally Posted by Bloodzone
I'm not sure mine has the 3.08. Its a 79 and all the info I've found says 79s have a 3.55 rear. But who knows, after 35 years whats in there. But if it does have a 3.55 would 63Mako's recommendation still be accurate? I also have long tube headers, no cats and true dual exhaust.

Anyway I'm gonna get the timing and carb checked today and see if it helps any.

I really appreciate all the help and comments I receive from this forum. Thanks
If you have a 3.55 a convertor will help. The cam I linked would be a much better match for your combination. Maybe the next one bigger with a 383: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/lu...03lk/overview/
I got a PM that felt I went off on a rant and essentially called you an idiot. If it was taken this way I apologize as that is not what I meant to do. Your combo is not well matched. Tuning does need to be first on your list. If it does not get you what is expected further modifications will.

Last edited by 63mako; 07-24-2014 at 07:25 PM.
Old 07-24-2014, 07:22 PM
  #16  
augiedoggy
Safety Car
 
augiedoggy's Avatar
 
Member Since: May 2007
Location: North tonawanda NY
Posts: 4,223
Received 829 Likes on 661 Posts

Default

If it makes you feel any better I changed my mind and bought and sold a new cam 3 times as I was learning about how they work and building my engine... As mako said its a common mistake and one that's too often encouraged in forums like these.... BIGGER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER guys!
Even when setup right, Some guys find that the car becomes too difficult to drive and end up selling it or afraid to to drive it after bumping the HP up in the 400+ range.
On a plus note a bigger stall will mask the problem and work as a partial work around.
Old 07-24-2014, 07:52 PM
  #17  
63mako
Race Director
 
63mako's Avatar
 
Member Since: May 2005
Location: Millington Illinois
Posts: 10,626
Received 92 Likes on 84 Posts
St. Jude Donor '08-'09

Default

Originally Posted by augiedoggy
If it makes you feel any better I changed my mind and bought and sold a new cam 3 times as I was learning about how they work and building my engine... As mako said its a common mistake and one that's too often encouraged in forums like these.... BIGGER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER guys!
Even when setup right, Some guys find that the car becomes too difficult to drive and end up selling it or afraid to to drive it after bumping the HP up in the 400+ range.
On a plus note a bigger stall will mask the problem and work as a partial work around.
I think I heard that before. 7 years ago.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...ys-better.html

Get notified of new replies

To New 383 troubles

Old 07-24-2014, 07:59 PM
  #18  
Bloodzone
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
 
Bloodzone's Avatar
 
Member Since: May 2014
Location: Rhine Georgia
Posts: 864
Received 108 Likes on 77 Posts
Default

No hard feelings Mako I need all the help I can get.

Car is in shop getting timing and carb dialed in. They are also checking what rear I have 3.55 or 3.08 (hoping for 3.55) I talked to blueprint and verified stall of 2000-2400 for my engine. I need to decide between adding stall to my th350 or upgrading to a 200r4 or 700r4 with correct stall or switching cams.

This is what I'm thinking, you guys tell me if I'm offbase.
3.08 rear do cam first
3.55 do stall first

I'll know more tomorrow night. Thanks again for all the help.
Old 07-24-2014, 08:24 PM
  #19  
bluedawg
Safety Car
 
bluedawg's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jan 2009
Location: anchorage ak
Posts: 3,736
Received 55 Likes on 53 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by augiedoggy
If it makes you feel any better I changed my mind and bought and sold a new cam 3 times as I was learning about how they work and building my engine... As mako said its a common mistake and one that's too often encouraged in forums like these.... BIGGER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER guys!
Even when setup right, Some guys find that the car becomes too difficult to drive and end up selling it or afraid to to drive it after bumping the HP up in the 400+ range.
On a plus note a bigger stall will mask the problem and work as a partial work around.
I'm in that boat with ya built my engine runs great but know with the right cam it will run better. Got a new cam and going to change it this winter. Like I said it runs good now, met my goals, I think I'll even get it to exceed my goals before summer is up. And think I'll do better with the right camshaft.
Old 07-24-2014, 10:22 PM
  #20  
Bloodzone
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
 
Bloodzone's Avatar
 
Member Since: May 2014
Location: Rhine Georgia
Posts: 864
Received 108 Likes on 77 Posts
Default

Just wondering what I can expect for labor cost on a cam install?


Quick Reply: New 383 troubles



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:14 PM.