I'm having a hard time try to decide what cam on my next 383....usually I'm ok with this but guess I'm trying to get the best of both worlds here. Vacuum is an issue b/c of the accessories and brakes. Mostly the brakes. This is for my daily driver. MPG ain't important really but drivability is and performance certainly is. Power band of 2000 to 5800 is what I am after. Dyno desktop shows the 280XFI to peak at 5800 and the 224/230 to peak at 5500.
The combo:
-383
-10.5 compression
-Cam???? It will be hyd. roller
-AFR 180cc heads
-Pro Magnum Roller rockers 1.52
-Stealthram(non-ported but deburred and polished)
-700R4
-3.73s
-Long tube 1 5/8" headers
-Dual intermediate 3" pipe
-Custom Corsa 3" exhaust
I'll get the stall to match the cam so don't worry about that. It will be a 3000 Yank or Edge.

This is my daily driver for another year so street manners has to be good and of course, must have performance. After that, it will just been when I want to drive it. Goals are mid-low 12's.
My top two choices so far are:
-Comp 280XFI(230/236 with .550 lift w/ 1.52 rockers and 113 lsa)
-Comp 224/230 .510 lift and 112 lsa
-I have also summited a form to Ed Curtis and Camshaft Innovations for custom cams.

 

go big or go home baby! woooooooo

 

Yes yes....I know your vote.

 

I'd go with the smaller of the 2, I had a Comp Xtreme 274 flat tappet in a 383 in my 72 Cheyenne and it was still small enough to tow my boat, but hit a lick at idle.

 

Oh, forgot to say, I don't tow anything. Forgot that part if that makes a difference.

 

In my 93 I had a similar setup
383
8.5-1
232/232 112
Edelbrock Performer heads-intake
1.52 roller rockers
4L60E
3.73
JBA shortie headers
Vortech charger

The brakes were just slightly softer than stock, but you will have 2 points more compression and no charger. I think the 230/236 cam would be ok.
I have since gone to a different setup using a 244 cam and of course need an electric compressor for brake assist. I mention it because it was easy to install, it works, and even with the engine off you have full assist because the vacuum pump uses electricity. I just wanted to say that no idle vacuum isn't that hard to fix.

P.S. I'm now using the AFR 195 CNC Comp heads and am also a big fan of AFR

 

Thanks for the advice, I know its not hard to do but its one of those things I would rather not until I didn't drive it every day. Did you happen to pull any vacuum readings with that 232 cam but chance. I read on the chevelle forum that the 230/236 on a 110 lsa in a 383 pulled 11 in of vacuum and about 9 in gear.

 

My truck pulled 12 inches at idle hot, never had a problem with the brakes, drove it daily for 2 years. To utilize those heads (180cc- you'll have a lot more torque than trying to fill up 195s), you're right in the correct range, plenty of velocity and enough duration to breath too. Just remember that the wider the lsa, the easier it is to tune and the better it will idle. When I built the TPI motor for my Camaro I went with a custom roller with 236/242 .540/.550 lift on a 114, and I was able to tune it no problem.

 

Sorry, no readings. It wasn't that low for me to bother. I overlooked one thing, your tranny would use vacuum than my electric tranny doesn't, so that may be a consideration, I don't know.

 

My tranny doesn't use vacuum. The computer locks-up the converter. So, that's not a problem.