383 needs more guts, I think.

[sputnik 440]

In a ‘73 Duster, I have a 383 over .030 with 484 cam, Edelbrock Al Performance heads, dual quad efi, MSD , headers, 3.91 rear end, 727 trans. Question is, how will a purple .509 cam perform with this combo? The restorer told me to go with a .454 to get lower end performance. I really prefer mid range performance in a street/strip car. I won’t be racing it.

 

[Jerry Hall]

I like the 509 cam. I have never tried it in a 383. I assume power and performance would be similar but slightly less due to less cubic inches. The ones I have used make 12 inches of vacuum at idle even with crossrams and 6 packs. Driveability with automatics and 4-speeds are both good, as I have done both. Your builder said use a 484 lift, all you need to know is if the 509 will cause clearance issues with your combo. I doubt it will, but worth asking about. I have used both the Mopar Performance and Racer Brown 509's.

 

[Jerry Hall]

@DGE330/NC has one if it fits your application.

 

[slepr1]

I had a 484 and the 509 purple in my 440. It started with the 484, then a few years later the 509. You'll need to ensure that your valves are the correct size for the 509. The 509 was an improvement over the 484 but not that much imo. The best memory of the 509 was the sound. It had a very aggressive tone. I didn't like the low end torque and wanted a newer more modern cam. Last year I rebuilt and went with a Hughes cam. I am blown away on how much more I like this cam. The response is immediate and aggressive sound. They ask for your engine and car specs and will recommend one of their grinds.

http://www.hughesengines.com/Index/index.php

 

[493 Mike]

I agreed with slepr1 because I have a 509 in my spare 440 and a friend has one in his 70 Road Runner 383 with 727 and 4.10 rear axle and we both like them. But, new technology is probably better.
Mike

 

[djbr459]

In a ‘73 Duster, I have a 383 over .030 with 484 cam, Edelbrock Al Performance heads, dual quad efi, MSD , headers, 3.91 rear end, 727 trans. Question is, how will a purple .509 cam perform with this combo? The restorer told me to go with a .454 to get lower end performance. I really prefer mid range performance in a street/strip car. I won’t be racing it.

 

[djbr459]

I'm putting a 509 lift in my 383, 30 over, flat top pistons, 750 Holley.
I'm using 452 iron heads with oversized valves and dual springs.
My engine guy likes the combo.

 

[Bee1971]

What Pistons ?

They better have valve reliefs

 

[Cojohnso1]

Stroke it. You want to really wake up that B-block? A RB forged crank. You can still find in bone yards if you hunt. Min machine work to get it (B-block ready.) Ross flat top pistons with RB rods? Leaves MANY head options. Closed chamber big valve for higher HP builds (higher compression) Or big open chamber heads smaller valves for street. Cam choice last. (Depending on build)

JMO

 

[djbr459]

What Pistons ?

They better have valve reliefs

 

[djbr459]

With open chamber heads?

 

[Cojohnso1]

With Ross flat pistons. You get very close to zero deck. (Depending on block decking of course.) Open chamber typically lowers compression. (Which you may very well need for the added cubes)

 

[furious70]

Our family experience with 509 in 440 is noticable dip in tq compared to 484.
It's a big slow cam for a 383. I would look elsewhere. If you like old school check clearance and run the 528 solid.