I am considering having a stroker built for in my 72 Convertible. I thought something that would develop around 400 HP. I know I have to use the performer intake for hood clearance reasons and was wondering what others are using for cams, heads and carb combinations. I am thinking with a stroker motor I shouldnt have to go to radical on a cam and would like to stay with something that is very driveable and will allow for plenty of vacuum. I have a bowties 2004r trans ready that is rated to handle 450/500 HP and 400/450 lbs torque. I will also be changing to 355 gears with a posy unit. Looking forward to your suggestions as I hope to start buying parts so I can assemble the motor for early spring installation. 
Rodney

My stroker has AFR 190 stage II heads with 750 Holly carb. Came from American speed with Comp 232/232 cam but I changed it to Comp part # 12-000-8 because I wanted a little more thump.

You can't go wrong with the GM crate motors.  They sell a 383 complete motor, and I believe they also have a long block so you can add the intake you need to fit.

Larry

I just spoke to edelbrock about combinations to get a 400 hp stroker. Bottom line he said is he can get me close but with being limited to the performer intake due to hood clearance it wasnt really possible. He said that intake will make great low end but not high end. I would have to go to a RPM intake and the clearance is not there. He highly recommends a roller cam, #22085 with RPM heads #60899. Just those 2 parts would run right around $2000 and I can buy a GM crate motor for just a little more. I really wanted to keep my money here in a local machine shop but it might not be the right thing. A little disappointing. 

Hey, Rodney, you gotta do whats best (and most economical) for you. Besides, don't the crate motors have a warranty? Thats a BIG plus.

 Hey Rodney,  Edlebrock was right about the Performer intake limiting what you can get out of a 383. I just got my engine back from the builder using a Performer (because of the clearance) with new Iron Eagle Platinum heads 200cc runners, 72cc and 202 intake valves, forged Mahle pistons and a 228/235 472 lift 110 lobe center w/4 degree advance cam. Best he could get with the HEI ign on the dyno was 386 hp @ 5300 and 425.2 torque @ 4200 rpm. Not as much as I was hoping for but a heck of a lot better than anything I've had! It'll be strong on bottom and mid range with the torque.

 You could probably spend less with a crate and get a warranty like Barry said. Only thing is, I know how this was built. Should be running tomorrow. Let you know how it feels. Maybe add a 50 or 100 shot NOS later or change the hood for more clearance and a better intake. 

Dwain,
Thats a good lookin 71 you have there. I think my favorite part of the late 60's early 70's is the louvers on the side. I know what you are talking about when you say you know how it was build. The engine builder I use has a GM crate motor right now that he says the cam bearings were in wrong. He didnt show me what he meant by that but he said he sees it alot. Is your cam a roller cam. Edelbrock really pushed me towards them. Said its really the only way to go in todays engine builds. The problem I have with that is the amount a money it takes to go that route. Thanks for your input.
Rodney

[QUOTE=longhorn294] Hey Rodney,  Edlebrock was right about the Performer intake limiting what you can get out of a 383. I just got my engine back from the builder using a Performer (because of the clearance) with new Iron Eagle Platinum heads 200cc runners, 72cc and 202 intake valves, forged Mahle pistons and a 228/235 472 lift 110 lobe center w/4 degree advance cam. Best he could get with the HEI ign on the dyno was 386 hp @ 5300 and 425.2 torque @ 4200 rpm. Not as much as I was hoping for but a heck of a lot better than anything I've had! It'll be strong on bottom and mid range with the torque.

 
I don't quite understand how the Performer intake can restrict you that much. I have the same intake and my engine is making 505HP and 510 lbs torque at 4200 rpm.

Hey Rodney I haven't told you this yet but the guy next door to me is a GM rep that sells GM performance parts..I can see if he can get you a real price on a stroker..get me the part number out of the GM catalog you want and I will ask him..I don't pay list for nuttin!!!  Rich yostusota2010-11-30 19:14:37

[QUOTE=rearn2go72]

 
I don't quite understand how the Performer intake can restrict you that much. I have the same intake and my engine is making 505HP and 510 lbs torque at 4200 rpm.
[/QUOTE]   Jim, are you sure you have the plain Performer intake and not a Performer RPM or Performer Air-Gap? With that LT1 hood you would have room for one of those taller intakes.   Rodney,  My cam is a hyd flat tappet. Roller cam is the way to go if you can afford the extra bucks. It would free up some poneys for sure, but i still think that intake would be restricting. I could be wrong. longhorn2942010-11-30 21:52:26