My '75 Scamp 383 Build

383Scampman said
Look what Andy F. has done , amazing. Also, go to "Uncle Tony's Garage " on u-tube . I'm not here to debate builds or critique someone else's opinion . "budget" builds , imo, don't do well , in the long run . I'm not saying that you should throw money at your 383 . If you build your motor to 68-69 specs. you can't go wrong . Cleanliness and good machine work are mandatory for a long lasting machine .. I wouldn't invest more than $750on head work . Go aftermarket here . Edelbrock Top End Kits are cost effective . Clean , clean , clean and balance EVERYTHING . You won't be sorry. Good luck

Good point on the edelbrock heads. Compression would be my priority over cam, bolts, etc. I always go new rod bearings because they get hammered even if they're not worn, and they don't snap into the rod like they did new. Aluminum heads also help with detonation; they say you can add a point of compression with al heads. I did a lot of head swaps in the seventies when compression ratios dropped. It always made an amazing difference; the snap was back. There's talk about low compression cams, etc, but they'll give you horsepower but never seen any snap.