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.

evilways · 02-02-2010, 07:13 PM

Since he is asking for info I say go for the cam replacement, I don’t see what all the bad talk about these 283’s is, mine is nice and spunky with what I think is decent power for what it is, sure it’s not a built 350, but in my 67 lwb stock gear truck I can roast the tires in first (one legged) and get a good chirp going into second and that’s with an old worn turbo350. I personally love my 283. Everyone that has ridden in my truck is impressed with it even though it’s a small ci.

Edelbrock performer intake
Edelbrock performer 1405 carb
Long tube headers
HEI
Stock heads

That’s my 2 pennies.

Hottrucks · 02-02-2010, 07:26 PM

Evil I agree I'm just woundering what he's building I see those fancy rockers so I'm woundering??? I would be will to drop $100 to summit/ jeg for a cam if it wakes it up a bit..then I'll shoot the hell out of it till it blows up....then I will have to put in more cubes.....

sorry I'm a power whore and I don't see me ever being happy till I get more I'm just buying time till I can replace it...

evilways · 02-02-2010, 07:49 PM

Yeah those rockers have me wondering too. I would not dip into the piggy bank for one of these blocks but that’s just me, I think the 283 is a perfect DD engine if that’s what you got. I stuck to the ole bolt on’s and called it good. Now the 350 in the garage is a different story.

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, 08:34 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.

VDOG · 02-02-2010, 08:43 PM

Evilways: I would like to know what size cam you have in your 283. Mine has been in my truck for 12 years now and the only thing I had to replace until now was the water pump. IM changing the cam because one of the lobes are bad. After talking to Edelbrock thinking it was the carb and telling them what it was doing, he said either the neddles had dirt on them, or I had a bad lobe on the cam.

Hottrucks: I got this motor from a guy who had built it for his 3 speed Chevelle and he installed a rather large cam. Too much cam for an automatic like mine. So I had no bottom end unless I was in water. Top end comes on strong. Also I have 3:08's, which I hate. With the manual trans, his chevelle would move very well, in my automatic, not so good. But this motor has done from moving to towing and not let me down. So if I can get a bit more out of it, then that will work for now.

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.

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

Hottrucks · 02-02-2010, 08:57 PM

I have 3:08/auto but have another set of gears going in 3:73 so that will let it spool up a bit faster

thanx for the vortec info also

what are the cam specs on what your putting in???
did they give you and HP/torque ideas??
whats witht he rockers..stock ratio or 1/1.6???

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.

VDOG · 02-02-2010, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hottrucks

I have 3:08/auto but have another set of gears going in 3:73 so that will let it spool up a bit faster
what are the cam specs on what your putting in???
did they give you and HP/torque ideas??
whats witht he rockers..stock ratio or 1/1.6???

Not sure yet on what cam im going to run. Anything that will help it get out of its own way. LOL
Also the rockers are 1.6.

VDOG · 02-02-2010, 09:32 PM

This is where I left off today.

Hottrucks · 02-02-2010, 10:26 PM

thanx keep me posted if your happy I'll probably copy your build?? and ask about the vortecs..what I do know is that you can't have more than .470 lift with vortecs and be sure to tell them about your 1.6's

evilways · 02-03-2010, 04:56 PM

The PO said the engine had been rebuilt? But that can mean just about anything, and after seeing that most of the bolts were loose top to bottom I would say who ever did anything to this engine did not put any money into it by there building skills. So as far as what cam I have I would say stock or very close to stock since the heads are stock(3884520), with what looks to be stock springs and rockers. Also I have no type of lope or abnormal idle. The only thing that looks to be done is a very piss poor paint job.

Now you make me wonder what the hell I got in her? I just blew off what the PO said for trying to hype up this engine.

evilways · 02-03-2010, 05:00 PM

I guess working these stock heads won't help much?

Hottrucks · 02-03-2010, 05:35 PM

yep I have the same heads too...I'm still looking for someone to conferm the vortec looks like we are split 50/50 on wether they work or not???

I'm still thinking about starting with a decent 350 block???

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, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gasoline71

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

Gary

x2

02-02-2010, 06:08 PM	#2
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,692	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, 07:13 PM	#8
evilways Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lafayette, IN Posts: 226	Re: Cam Replacement Since he is asking for info I say go for the cam replacement, I don’t see what all the bad talk about these 283’s is, mine is nice and spunky with what I think is decent power for what it is, sure it’s not a built 350, but in my 67 lwb stock gear truck I can roast the tires in first (one legged) and get a good chirp going into second and that’s with an old worn turbo350. I personally love my 283. Everyone that has ridden in my truck is impressed with it even though it’s a small ci. Edelbrock performer intake Edelbrock performer 1405 carb Long tube headers HEI Stock heads That’s my 2 pennies. __________________ Mark 1967 C/10 stepside lwb daily driver 1968 C/10 fleetside lwb parts truck 1971 Cheyenne Super swb project

02-02-2010, 07:26 PM	#9
Hottrucks Redefining LowBudget Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: lebanon Cow Hampshire Posts: 4,538	Re: Cam Replacement Evil I agree I'm just woundering what he's building I see those fancy rockers so I'm woundering??? I would be will to drop $100 to summit/ jeg for a cam if it wakes it up a bit..then I'll shoot the hell out of it till it blows up....then I will have to put in more cubes..... sorry I'm a power whore and I don't see me ever being happy till I get more I'm just buying time till I can replace it... __________________ 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, 07:49 PM	#10
evilways Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lafayette, IN Posts: 226	Re: Cam Replacement Yeah those rockers have me wondering too. I would not dip into the piggy bank for one of these blocks but that’s just me, I think the 283 is a perfect DD engine if that’s what you got. I stuck to the ole bolt on’s and called it good. Now the 350 in the garage is a different story. __________________ Mark 1967 C/10 stepside lwb daily driver 1968 C/10 fleetside lwb parts truck 1971 Cheyenne Super swb project

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

02-02-2010, 08:11 PM	#11
GASoline71 "I ain't nobody, dork." Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Whidbey Island, Washington Posts: 8,948	Re: Cam Replacement Vortec heads won't work with a 283... they are based on a 4" bore 350. Gary

02-02-2010, 08:43 PM	#13
VDOG Grand PooBaa Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: LA, CA Posts: 5,302	Re: Cam Replacement Evilways: I would like to know what size cam you have in your 283. Mine has been in my truck for 12 years now and the only thing I had to replace until now was the water pump. IM changing the cam because one of the lobes are bad. After talking to Edelbrock thinking it was the carb and telling them what it was doing, he said either the neddles had dirt on them, or I had a bad lobe on the cam. Hottrucks: I got this motor from a guy who had built it for his 3 speed Chevelle and he installed a rather large cam. Too much cam for an automatic like mine. So I had no bottom end unless I was in water. Top end comes on strong. Also I have 3:08's, which I hate. With the manual trans, his chevelle would move very well, in my automatic, not so good. But this motor has done from moving to towing and not let me down. So if I can get a bit more out of it, then that will work for now. Last edited by VDOG; 02-02-2010 at 08:43 PM.

02-02-2010, 08:51 PM	#15
GASoline71 "I ain't nobody, dork." Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Whidbey Island, Washington Posts: 8,948	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

02-02-2010, 08:57 PM	#16
Hottrucks Redefining LowBudget Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: lebanon Cow Hampshire Posts: 4,538	Re: Cam Replacement I have 3:08/auto but have another set of gears going in 3:73 so that will let it spool up a bit faster thanx for the vortec info also what are the cam specs on what your putting in??? did they give you and HP/torque ideas?? whats witht he rockers..stock ratio or 1/1.6??? __________________ 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, 08:58 PM	#17
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)

02-02-2010, 09:32 PM	#19
VDOG Grand PooBaa Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: LA, CA Posts: 5,302	Re: Cam Replacement This is where I left off today. Attached Images

02-02-2010, 10:26 PM	#20
Hottrucks Redefining LowBudget Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: lebanon Cow Hampshire Posts: 4,538	Re: Cam Replacement thanx keep me posted if your happy I'll probably copy your build?? and ask about the vortecs..what I do know is that you can't have more than .470 lift with vortecs and be sure to tell them about your 1.6's __________________ 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

02-03-2010, 04:56 PM	#21
evilways Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lafayette, IN Posts: 226	Re: Cam Replacement The PO said the engine had been rebuilt? But that can mean just about anything, and after seeing that most of the bolts were loose top to bottom I would say who ever did anything to this engine did not put any money into it by there building skills. So as far as what cam I have I would say stock or very close to stock since the heads are stock(3884520), with what looks to be stock springs and rockers. Also I have no type of lope or abnormal idle. The only thing that looks to be done is a very piss poor paint job. Now you make me wonder what the hell I got in her? I just blew off what the PO said for trying to hype up this engine. __________________ Mark 1967 C/10 stepside lwb daily driver 1968 C/10 fleetside lwb parts truck 1971 Cheyenne Super swb project

02-03-2010, 05:00 PM	#22
evilways Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lafayette, IN Posts: 226	Re: Cam Replacement I guess working these stock heads won't help much? __________________ Mark 1967 C/10 stepside lwb daily driver 1968 C/10 fleetside lwb parts truck 1971 Cheyenne Super swb project



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02-03-2010, 05:35 PM	#23
Hottrucks Redefining LowBudget Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: lebanon Cow Hampshire Posts: 4,538	Re: Cam Replacement yep I have the same heads too...I'm still looking for someone to conferm the vortec looks like we are split 50/50 on wether they work or not??? I'm still thinking about starting with a decent 350 block??? __________________ 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

02-03-2010, 06:04 PM	#24
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. __________________ "

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