ok,i have been designing this motor for a few years now,i am still hung on the best cam for a LONG lived 383 for the sleeper!
i don't have the $ for a roller right now but i already have a cc xe274,non gm vortec heads,and a complete valvetrain set up around this cam.this includes stock dia. valvesprings (981's),comp 1.250"retainers,10*locks,?(yes the locks fit the retainers!),p/c seals,comp magnum 1.52:roller tips,crane kool nut poly locks,and pbm 1.94/1.50 valves.
i am looking at about 9.5:1 comp ratio with the wiseco -20cc forged pistons and a steel shim gasket @ .015-.018 to bring a quench to .040-.043.
should i keep the already broken in xe 274 or find a better cam that can take advantage of the brand new valvetrain
solid or hydraulic??(new comp lifters either way!)probably hydro since i already have the springs?
Eric B

Sounds like the XE274 will do fine, imho..

pdq67

If youre willing to step up to a hyd. roller, then my cam is a great sleeper cam.
224/224 568/568 on a 114LS, it idles smooth in my 383 when it warms up.

I'd keep what you have. I don't think you will gain much with the RPM band you will be running by going to a different cam.

A roller like Rafel suggests would probably help a bit, but you mentioned you are on a budget and roller parts cost $$$'s.