Cam Replacement - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

VDOG · 02-02-2010, 04:21 PM

Ok due to the fact that im short on money because of all the rain here in Cali, under my house took on water so I cant afford to work on my 350.
So im going to replace my cam on the 283 to keep it running for the time being. I will post picture as I go, if any of you see me doing something wrong or have advice jump in and let me know. Thanks

**Stocker** · 02-02-2010, 06:08 PM

What is that lying on the #1 exhaust rocker -- and why is it there?

allthrottle,nobottle · 02-02-2010, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stocker

What is that lying on the #1 exhaust rocker -- and why is it there?

looks like a loose bolt that is going to mess stuff up pretty bad if it gets left there?

Hottrucks · 02-02-2010, 06:32 PM

I'm woundering if its going to be worth it ?? I ran the #'s on my motor and found it was a 283....I'm not rel happy about the power and woundering if a cam and set of vortecs would help it any???

what cam are you going to be running?? and why are you swapping??

**Stocker** · 02-02-2010, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allthrottle,nobottle

looks like a loose bolt that is going to mess stuff up pretty bad if it gets left there?

Yes, but not just any old bolt.... it might be a stud, but what's the purpose of the flared end (at the top as it sits in the pic)?

Hottrucks · 02-02-2010, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stocker

Yes, but not just any old bolt.... it might be a stud, but what's the purpose of the flared end (at the top as it sits in the pic)?

its the pin that was on the carb for the gas peddle

evilways · 02-02-2010, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hottrucks

its the pin that was on the carb for the gas peddle

I concur on this ever so exciting mysterious bolt.

VDOG · 02-02-2010, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hottrucks

its the pin that was on the carb for the gas peddle

Thanks to all of you for your feedback. Gas peddle pin, I was wondering what it was. I placed it there for the photo. When I removed the valve cover on that side it was in the middle between two pushrods. Who knows how longs thats been in there.

GASoline71 · 02-02-2010, 08:11 PM

Vortec heads won't work with a 283... they are based on a 4" bore 350.

Gary

VDOG · 02-02-2010, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GASoline71

Vortec heads won't work with a 283... they are based on a 4" bore 350.

Gary

Had thought about Vortec's last year. Thanks for the info, did not know they wont fit.

bhoeger70 · 02-02-2010, 08:58 PM

If the valve centers are the same as the older heads the vortecs will work on a 283. Some people think that the intake valves will be shrouded by the cylinder wall (I dont think they are but I have no proof on that). I am running a 283 in my 67 it has 3.08 gears also.

HOGDADDY · 05-21-2010, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VDOG

Had thought about Vortec's last year. Thanks for the info, did not know they wont fit.

Fwiw I put 350 aluminum L98 heads on a smaller bore before (305 which is 3.736 bore) but had to use 350 head gaskets and it ran fine. 350 heads will work and I am guessing the Vortecs would work also as long as you don't add large valves.

VDOG · 05-27-2010, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOGDADDY

Fwiw I put 350 aluminum L98 heads on a smaller bore before (305 which is 3.736 bore) but had to use 350 head gaskets and it ran fine. 350 heads will work and I am guessing the Vortecs would work also as long as you don't add large valves.

I'll keep that in mind. For now im going to use the LT1 engine, less the TPI for now. The TPI will be added later on when I start a complete build, I need a motor now to use my truck for home repairs, then I can tear it down and build it the way I want.

Camaro_nut2001 · 02-03-2010, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gasoline71

vortec heads won't work with a 283... They are based on a 4" bore 350.

Gary

x2

huero · 02-03-2010, 11:04 PM

Here is my worthless 2 cents.
Buy an edelbrock performer cam and call it a day.
You can not make power with a 283 without doing tons of work to it. More work and $ than its worth.
A 283 is not a bad engine just dont expect it to run like a 383.
Leave the stock heads and save up for a nice set when the funds allow to put on that 350 you got.
Also, 3:08 gears are not bad. They are not 3.73 or 4.11's but they are a decent gear especially on a daily driver that does not have an overdrive transmission. Leave the 3:08's and save your hard earned cash.
Just my 2 cent's,
huero.

VDOG · 02-04-2010, 01:44 PM

Thanks Huero.

I thought about the edelbrock cam but I figured it was going to run like the carb, not to impressive but will still work. Im not trying to get 1/4 mile time out this engine, just want it to perform a lil bit better than stock.

huero · 02-04-2010, 02:24 PM

The cam is a decent mild cam. Great for a daily driver.
Don't expect huge power increases with aftermarket parts when you are dealing with 283 ci's. It is just not going to happen.
If your goal is a nice daily driver a 283, perfromer cam, carb, headers, with the 3:08's is a nice combo.
You are almost there.
What transmission are you running?

GASoline71 · 02-02-2010, 08:51 PM

Vortech heads are great heads... but also have different angles for the 4 bolts in the center that accept the intake manifold. So you would have to get a different intake manifold to fit those heads.

283 is a 3.875" bore... so you will be a little limited finding performance cylinder heads.

Gary

faribran · 02-03-2010, 06:04 PM

i have 062 Vortecs on my 283.. it will rev with the best of em... i have 1.6 roller rockers...(i drilled out the pushrod slots).. my son has a 350 roller engine with Vortec heads... there is no comparison...his had a stock cam etc.. and was much stronger than the 283......... if the question is 'will the heads fit the 283"?, yes they will, but i cant see a great power gain over the stock small valve heads.
my son has since added a COMP cams roller with more gonads........ its crazy powerful now.

Camaro_nut2001 · 02-03-2010, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faribran

i have 062 Vortecs on my 283.. it will rev with the best of em... i have 1.6 roller rockers...(i drilled out the pushrod slots).. my son has a 350 roller engine with Vortec heads... there is no comparison...his had a stock cam etc.. and was much stronger than the 283......... if the question is 'will the heads fit the 283"?, yes they will, but i cant see a great power gain over the stock small valve heads.
my son has since added a COMP cams roller with more gonads........ its crazy powerful now.

Now that is a new one on me. Are you running a stock bore? I live to learn, lol.

GASoline71 · 02-03-2010, 06:29 PM

062's are 1998 truck heads... I'm curious too... how you got them to work on a bore that small.

Gary

OhOneWS6 · 02-03-2010, 09:35 PM

If you are going back with a non roller cam be sure to use oil with ZDDP. Valvoline VR1 is usually the easiest to find at the local part stores.

umwtnt · 02-05-2010, 07:06 PM

Why not go on powerblock and see what they did to the 283 they rebuild on one of the horsepower/truck shows. I believe they rebuild the 283 for the 66? chevy pickup they had in the past season or two. They appeared to be happy with the power. Just a thought.

http://www.powerblocktv.com/site3/in...er-episodes?ep...
Hp2008-07 show
Good luck

huero · 02-06-2010, 01:49 AM

Quick facts
http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles...evy/index.html

Davetopay · 02-06-2010, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by umwtnt

Why not go on powerblock and see what they did to the 283 they rebuild on one of the horsepower/truck shows. I believe they rebuild the 283 for the 66? chevy pickup they had in the past season or two. They appeared to be happy with the power. Just a thought.

http://www.powerblocktv.com/site3/in...er-episodes?ep...
Hp2008-07 show
Good luck

I'd like to see this, but it appears you can't watch it online.

02-02-2010, 06:08 PM	#2
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,516	Re: Cam Replacement What is that lying on the #1 exhaust rocker -- and why is it there? __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

02-02-2010, 06:32 PM	#4
Hottrucks Redefining LowBudget Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: lebanon Cow Hampshire Posts: 4,538	Re: Cam Replacement I'm woundering if its going to be worth it ?? I ran the #'s on my motor and found it was a 283....I'm not rel happy about the power and woundering if a cam and set of vortecs would help it any??? what cam are you going to be running?? and why are you swapping?? __________________ 1970 C10 CST fleetside 472 ....big dreams little cash... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=335721 SunShine Syndicate.. Mikes Sandwich Fair Run OCT 8th 2011 http://www.thesandwichfair.com/html/...auto_show.html

02-02-2010, 08:11 PM	#9
GASoline71 "I ain't nobody, dork." Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Whidbey Island, Washington Posts: 8,921	Re: Cam Replacement Vortec heads won't work with a 283... they are based on a 4" bore 350. Gary

02-02-2010, 08:58 PM	#11
bhoeger70 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Grand Forks ND Posts: 434	Re: Cam Replacement If the valve centers are the same as the older heads the vortecs will work on a 283. Some people think that the intake valves will be shrouded by the cylinder wall (I dont think they are but I have no proof on that). I am running a 283 in my 67 it has 3.08 gears also. __________________ "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy" Ben Franklin 67 Chevy 1/2 lwb, 67 GMC 1/2 lwb (parts)

02-03-2010, 11:04 PM	#15
huero 1969 Short, Fleet, and Beat Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Long Beach, Ca. Posts: 867	Re: Cam Replacement Here is my worthless 2 cents. Buy an edelbrock performer cam and call it a day. You can not make power with a 283 without doing tons of work to it. More work and $ than its worth. A 283 is not a bad engine just dont expect it to run like a 383. Leave the stock heads and save up for a nice set when the funds allow to put on that 350 you got. Also, 3:08 gears are not bad. They are not 3.73 or 4.11's but they are a decent gear especially on a daily driver that does not have an overdrive transmission. Leave the 3:08's and save your hard earned cash. Just my 2 cent's, huero.

02-02-2010, 04:21 PM	#1
VDOG Grand PooBaa Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: LA, CA Posts: 5,302	Cam Replacement Ok due to the fact that im short on money because of all the rain here in Cali, under my house took on water so I cant afford to work on my 350. So im going to replace my cam on the 283 to keep it running for the time being. I will post picture as I go, if any of you see me doing something wrong or have advice jump in and let me know. Thanks Attached Images

02-04-2010, 01:44 PM	#16
VDOG Grand PooBaa Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: LA, CA Posts: 5,302	Re: Cam Replacement Thanks Huero. I thought about the edelbrock cam but I figured it was going to run like the carb, not to impressive but will still work. Im not trying to get 1/4 mile time out this engine, just want it to perform a lil bit better than stock.

02-04-2010, 02:24 PM	#17
huero 1969 Short, Fleet, and Beat Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Long Beach, Ca. Posts: 867	Re: Cam Replacement The cam is a decent mild cam. Great for a daily driver. Don't expect huge power increases with aftermarket parts when you are dealing with 283 ci's. It is just not going to happen. If your goal is a nice daily driver a 283, perfromer cam, carb, headers, with the 3:08's is a nice combo. You are almost there. What transmission are you running?

02-02-2010, 08:51 PM	#18
GASoline71 "I ain't nobody, dork." Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Whidbey Island, Washington Posts: 8,921	Re: Cam Replacement Vortech heads are great heads... but also have different angles for the 4 bolts in the center that accept the intake manifold. So you would have to get a different intake manifold to fit those heads. 283 is a 3.875" bore... so you will be a little limited finding performance cylinder heads. Gary

02-03-2010, 06:04 PM	#19
faribran Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: AL Posts: 1,828	Re: Cam Replacement i have 062 Vortecs on my 283.. it will rev with the best of em... i have 1.6 roller rockers...(i drilled out the pushrod slots).. my son has a 350 roller engine with Vortec heads... there is no comparison...his had a stock cam etc.. and was much stronger than the 283......... if the question is 'will the heads fit the 283"?, yes they will, but i cant see a great power gain over the stock small valve heads. my son has since added a COMP cams roller with more gonads........ its crazy powerful now. __________________ "

02-03-2010, 06:29 PM	#21
GASoline71 "I ain't nobody, dork." Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Whidbey Island, Washington Posts: 8,921	Re: Cam Replacement 062's are 1998 truck heads... I'm curious too... how you got them to work on a bore that small. Gary

02-03-2010, 09:35 PM	#22
OhOneWS6 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 764	Re: Cam Replacement If you are going back with a non roller cam be sure to use oil with ZDDP. Valvoline VR1 is usually the easiest to find at the local part stores. __________________ 72 Cheyenne Super 1/2 LWB White/Dark Yellow 07 Avalanche 2LT 74 Sleek Craft Rebel Jet Boat W/Pontiac 400

02-05-2010, 07:06 PM	#23
umwtnt Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Williamsburg, Va Posts: 226	Re: Cam Replacement Why not go on powerblock and see what they did to the 283 they rebuild on one of the horsepower/truck shows. I believe they rebuild the 283 for the 66? chevy pickup they had in the past season or two. They appeared to be happy with the power. Just a thought. http://www.powerblocktv.com/site3/in...er-episodes?ep... Hp2008-07 show Good luck __________________ The more I learn, the more I find out I don't know. 69 Chevy SWB w/67 front end 4 wheel discs 468 BB 700R4 Bagged Coming around slowly Last edited by umwtnt; 02-05-2010 at 07:19 PM.

02-06-2010, 01:49 AM	#24
huero 1969 Short, Fleet, and Beat Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Long Beach, Ca. Posts: 867	Re: Cam Replacement Quick facts http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles...evy/index.html Last edited by huero; 02-06-2010 at 01:50 AM.



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