383 4bbl swap for 2-4?

[Steve009]

So this is a result of long Canadian winters with too much time on my hands to plan. I was all set on simple double pumper with an eddy perf rpm intake for my 383. Then I heard someone mention that in the early 60s some dealers would offer a 2-4bbl set up on 383s. Never new this was an option for 383 in early 60s but now I'm interested. Is this just stupid and asking for more problems then it's worth? Anybody recommend a good 2-4 setup for a 383? I was thinking 2 390cfm carbs but don't know what to use for intake. Just brainstorming here.

 

[PurpleBeeper]

I had one of those factory 2x4 cast-iron intakes and I love them. I'd planned to run a 383 2x4 car and a 440 3x2 car, but I never ran the 2x4. I think you're right on about using smaller carburetors. The intakes are reasonably easy to find & I think you're limiting factor with be the carburetor linkage as the toughest part to get. I'd try to either A) figure out what carbs & linkages were stock on 383 in-line 2x4 systems and see if you can find them (or a similar Carter/Edelbrock carbs) or B) See if you can find an aftermarket 2x4 carb linkage and run your 390 Holleys. I think Holleys have to be mounted sideways. Hope this helps at least a little. Go for it! One last thing....I've always wondered if the carb spacing on a 383 2x4 intake was the same as a Hemi? It would be ultra-sweet if you could run a Hemi air-grabber air cleaner on a 383 2x4 with a functional hood.

 

[Garys1969RR]

What is the intended use for the car? I think a good single 4 barrel on a good intake such as a Victor or Perf RPM will produce as much or more power than the 2-4 setup. And the single 4 is easier to jet and tune. For show, the 2-4 barrel set up is going to be quite impressive. Is this a street driver, drag strip, or show car?

 

[Steve009]

I had one of those factory 2x4 cast-iron intakes and I love them. I'd planned to run a 383 2x4 car and a 440 3x2 car, but I never ran the 2x4. I think you're right on about using smaller carburetors. The intakes are reasonably easy to find & I think you're limiting factor with be the carburetor linkage as the toughest part to get. I'd try to either A) figure out what carbs & linkages were stock on 383 in-line 2x4 systems and see if you can find them (or a similar Carter/Edelbrock carbs) or B) See if you can find an aftermarket 2x4 carb linkage and run your 390 Holleys. I think Holleys have to be mounted sideways. Hope this helps at least a little. Go for it! One last thing....I've always wondered if the carb spacing on a 383 2x4 intake was the same as a Hemi? It would be ultra-sweet if you could run a Hemi air-grabber air cleaner on a 383 2x4 with a functional hood.

I'm cutting a hole in the hood anyways for a hemi scoop so why not make it functional!

 

[Steve009]

What is the intended use for the car? I think a good single 4 barrel on a good intake such as a Victor or Perf RPM will produce as much or more power than the 2-4 setup. And the single 4 is easier to jet and tune. For show, the 2-4 barrel set up is going to be quite impressive. Is this a street driver, drag strip, or show car?

This is a street car but I still want a lot of balls. Well as much as a 383 can have. Stock bottom end with strong hydrolic flat tappet cam in the 1500-5500 range, long tube headers, upgraded ignition, 906 heads, 4 speed with 4.10s. To be honest I didn't want the 2-4 setup for more power just the badass factor. I know I could get just as much with a single 650-750 Cfm.

 

[A383Wing]

I have the dual quad intake on my 383...it is not the same spacing as the Hemi....I had to make my own air cleaner baseplate in order to use the stock top part of the air cleaner

 

[Steve009]

I have the dual quad intake on my 383...it is not the same spacing as the Hemi....I had to make my own air cleaner baseplate in order to use the stock top part of the air cleaner

Is your's an aftermarket intake or a stock cast iron? What brand if aftermarket?

 

[A383Wing]

stock cast iron intake is what I have

 

[Steve009]

stock cast iron intake is what I have

You know of any aftermarket aluminum ones? All I could find was offenhauser.

 

[Garys1969RR]

The Offenhauser hi rise 360 degree may be the only choice, unless you can find an original cast iron one. I think a dual plane dual 4 barrel is going to give you better all around performance, if they are even made. The Offy has short intake runners, so I don't think they are going to give you much, if any, ram effect. Is the original factory one a dual plane? Anyone know? Anyone out there have any pictures of it? Good luck! Not too much winter left for you!

 

[Steve009]

The Offenhauser hi rise 360 degree may be the only choice, unless you can find an original cast iron one. I think a dual plane dual 4 barrel is going to give you better all around performance, if they are even made. The Offy has short intake runners, so I don't think they are going to give you much, if any, ram effect. Is the original factory one a dual plane? Anyone know? Anyone out there have any pictures of it? Good luck! Not too much winter left for you!

The offenhauser is the only aluminum one currently made from what I know for a 383. The performance is terrible. I've seen tests where it drops 30hp and 30 ft/lbs compared to an eddy perf rpm with a single 4bbl. Looks cool though!