283 saga

[itsa64]

I have a 66 Chevy 283 engine in my 64. Last owner added Edelbrock Performance Plus Cam with Duration 278/ 288, Lift .420/ .442. EdelBrock Performer RPM Cylinder heads - Aluminum, 70cc Chamber, 170cc Intake, roller rockers, MSD 6200 ignition control, Edelbrock Performer dual plane intake manifold, and Edelbrock Performer Carb @ 600cfm. I have adjusted the timing several times between 6-10 degrees advance. The thing runs fine but has no torque on the low end. I couldn't smoke the tires unless I used a blow torch!

I figure the static compression is well below 8:1. I want to improve the low end the cheapest way possible short of dropping in a 350. Do I change the heads, the cam or both?

It also has posi and the original M20 4 speed. Any comments on how I get more out of the low end?

 

[trs]

283 >>> 350

You should probably do a 327 or 350 for the Vette and drop the 283 into a nice '66 Impala or Chevelle, then you'd have 2 sweet rides ; )

 

[JohnZ]

You don't have a breathing problem, you have a compression problem; static compression is not only low, it's WAY too low to make that cam work, and even if it was working, it's too radical to generate much low-end torque, especially with a 283, which is automatically down 13% from a 327's torque capability just in terms of displacement. It'd have more low-end torque with the stock cam than with the one that's in it, but until you have more compression and more displacement, it's hardly worth the effort to change it.

 

[bradfordsvettes]

what is your axle ratio it is important with a 283 and the large cam. what is the compression if tested with a gage and cranked over :confused Steve

 

[bossvette]

swap the 283 short block for a 383 that would be the best bet and you can use your existing heads, cam, intake and carb

there is no substitute for cubic inches the 383 is the best small block Chevrolet never built.

 

[itsa64]

You don't have a breathing problem, you have a compression problem; static compression is not only low, it's WAY too low to make that cam work, and even if it was working, it's too radical to generate much low-end torque, especially with a 283, which is automatically down 13% from a 327's torque capability just in terms of displacement. It'd have more low-end torque with the stock cam than with the one that's in it, but until you have more compression and more displacement, it's hardly worth the effort to change it.

Ya the guy who put this stuff on didn't seem to have a clue. The thing is fine at 5000RPM but the local guy with the Yugo beats me off the line. ad
If I slap on some rebuilt 58cc heads (or 305 heads) with 1.94x1.50 valves and a tamer cam do you think that'd do the trick? Or should I just keep saving $$$ for a 350?

Thanks

 

[bossvette]

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If I slap on some rebuilt 58cc heads (or 305 heads) with 1.94x1.50 valves and a tamer cam

Thanks

That was actually gonna be my first recommendation, but stick to the 1.72 valves. That will be a stopgap measure you will not have the power you want with a 283

 

[Stan's Customs]

Change the cam and heads...for more low end torque...

Beware of some 305 heads, 1.94 valves and no runner volume.....and no compression. Attention to quench (or squish) and higher compression would be very helpful. 305 heads will not accompolish that. Any local machine shop can guide you in that area...


And by the way JohnZ is dead on...

Stan M.