Thread: 283 question

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Then there was a dual-4bbl 275 HP Corvette engine I think
Bert [/B][/QUOTE]

I don't remember exactly, but each of the WCFB's were rated at somewhere around 300 cfm, and in stock form the linkage was progressive and the cam was pretty mild by today's standards

i do belive it was lingenfelter who said use the longest rod you can. and the 6 inch rod would give your more torque vs the 5.7 i run 5.7 cause i like the way it winds up..........scooter

Originally posted by NTFDAY
Auto or standard ? Headers?

Auto trans wanting a 350turbo not sure on headers yet. Will run duals for sure and flowmasters

k, seeing as how we are doing theory. I'm not a chebbie guy, but I have been know to run a few 289's. The only way we got power out of the Blue Mouse was to rev the snot out of it. Cam it to make power all the way to 8500, then grab another gear and do it again. So anyway, whether a Blue Oval or a chebbie, is torque a consideration, or just the horsepower numbers??? I've played with step headers, but never on a dyno so I'm not sure what the do for little inch motors. My understanding of a step header (correct me if I'm wrong) is to move the maximum torque down in the RPM. Thus, would step headers on a 283 build torque to carry the motor until the horsepower and RPM take over.??? Or would the torque rise just start sooner and then flatten out????

Originally posted by bassfisher
Auto trans wanting a 350turbo not sure on headers yet. Will run duals for sure and flowmasters

I believe you are going to have to fabricate motor and trans mounts. I'm no expert, but if that truck was ever offered with an auto trans it was a powerglide. The motor mount is the front saddle mount since all '55 thru '57 265's and 283's have no bosses for side mounts and I'm no fan of saddle mounts.

Where headers are concerned I'll see if I can find the number of the headers I had on my '62. They are a short tube header and should fit your application with out any problems. I've got them hanging out in the garage and as soon as I get a chance I'll post a picture.

Bassfisher....

Look around I know they make the tranny mounts to put a 350 turbo in that truck....I have mounts like that in my 57' ....easy upgrade.... The front mounts will be fine I never changed mine to side...I just added a nice little chain on each side from the engine to the frame ( Impalas had cables from the factory)

As far as the rod lenght issue I don't really know if a certain way is better or not.... Everyone has theories and good strong points....
Now a while back HotRod did and article on "350 Gm should have built" It was a 400 block and 307/327 crank (3.250) and Ford 300rods (6.250's?)

now they assembled this thing with flat tops and 64cc heads and the static was 11.0:1 and they dyno'd it with 87 octane and made right around 350hp and never made a ping....They still sell this kit....

I am not sure weather the power and use of low octane came from the rod or the bore/stroke combo....but it worked

Now having said that... This year at the engine masters all most all participants that built motors used shorter than stock rods?
When asked why? they said the help fight off detonation!

The shorter rod spends less time at TDC so it has less time for detonation to occur? so this rod thing could get pretty confusing real fast....

I say unless you could build 3 identical engines except for rod length and put them thru all the test....best low-end torque ....how much power.... how low of octane can be run...how much timng...

then we may never know other than heresay?

Here's Iskenderian's take on rod lengths and other subjects.....see #2005 for rods.....
http://www.iskycams.com/techtips.php

[QUOTE]Originally posted by bassfisher
[B]Hi I just bought a 57 chevy truck and wanting to put a small block in it. Guy at work has a 283 laying around thats need rebuilt so he says. Motor is complete execpt for intake and carb.He wants $50.00 for it.
In 1957 Chevrolet offered 6 different 283 engine combinations
185 H.P. 2bbl.
220 H.P. 4bbl.
245 H.P. 2-4 bbls.
250 H.P. Fuel Injection
All the above had hydraulic lifter camshafts
270 H.P. 2-4 bbls.
283 H.P. Fuel Injection
Both of these had Duntov solid lifter camshafts

From 58 to 61 horsepower jumped up somewhat in the different options.
220 H.P. (power pack) jumped tp 230 H.P.
283 Fuel injection jumped to 290 H.P. for 58 & 59 and it jumped to 315 H.P. in 60 & 61. They also offered a 275 H.P. Fuel Injection in 60 & 61.
After the 327 was introduced the horsepowers were dropped back in the models that still offered the 283.
After 1961 the most H.P. offered in a 283 was 220 H.P.

From 1958 on the 283 could use side motor mounts or front motor mounts . that option was not there in 57.

You can build a real nice 283 for your 57 and you dont have to spend a lot of money either. Small valves work well with a 283 and You really dont want to go bigger than a 1.94/1.50 valve.
Use a RV type camshaft like a Comp 252 or an Edelbrock performer to make sure you dont sacrafice torque. Use small tube headers, A performer intake and a 500 cfm Carb would work well.Everything You do here ,You want to work towards torque and not worry too much about horsepower. It will be an enjoyable ride. Have Fun with your project

>> A performer intake and a 500 cfm Carb

Is this a 2 barrel carb or a small 4 barrel?

Bert

>> A performer intake and a 500 cfm Carb

Is this a 2 barrel carb or a 4 barrel?
I've only seen 2 bbl 500s.

Bert

Built a 283 in my 55--punched it .060 to 292 cubes, 10-1 pistons, power pack heads off Corvette, Lazer cam--duration--270 on the intake, 275 on the exhaust, Gross lift on the intake--465, exhaust-460, Lobe seperation 108, edelbrock rpm intake and 600 carb through Hedman hedders=317 hp and 319 ft. lbs. of torque at the flywheel. runs strong and dependable. didn't break the bank either

[QUOTE]Originally posted by SBC
[B]>> A performer intake and a 500 cfm Carb

Is this a 2 barrel carb or a 4 barrel?
I've only seen 2 bbl 500s.

If my memory serves me corectly ,my 65 Corvette 327--350 H,P, came from the factory with a 565 cfm Holley. That motor had 11 to 1 compression and 461 Double hump heads. Why would anyone think a 283 that the intent was to have 220 to 250 H.P. needed anymore than 500cfm.
My point was You dont need too much carburator.

Look in Jegs or Summit and You will find 4bbls with 390, 450, 500, 525,575 cfm, and they dont list everything that is available.

If you look in Dec 04, SuperChevy, Danger Mouse 355, Aluminum heads , roller cam,485 Horserpower, 458 lbs.ft. torque. They were using a 650 cfm carburator.

Looks like to me thats somewhere around 235 H.P. more than You are shooting for with the 283.

Too Big a carb, just like too much cam,for the application just creates a real dog ,rather than a good running vehicle.

Thanks for all the info on my question, would like to clear up a couple things might help with some tips or suggestions. The 283 I mentioned do not know what year or what it came out of all I know it looks like small heads are on it so I been told. As regards to motor mount and tranny. Truck has been subframed from a 74 1/2 ton already guy I bought from had a 305 with a 400 short tail tranny in it. I just on a limited budget being only person working in the house. I have to think of cost for machine work and if bore new pistons you know the story. Not looking for a radical rod but one I can crusie down the road with my family to shows or ?. Please send more thoughts if you have some. Thanks Bassfisher

You can also run the performer intake or go with cast iron GM spreadbor intake and find a quadrajet carb or even a 650 spreadbore Holley. Direct bolt on. 750 cfm (quadrajet) but has the small venturis for fuel economy and bigger ones for power. very versatile setup. Don't need to break the bank that way. I built mine for less than 1500 in 1994 and drive it everywhere. It is a 59 283. good luck with yours--sure you will enjoy it.

Why would anyone think a 283 that the intent was to have 220 to 250 H.P. needed anymore than 500cfm.
My point was You dont need too much carburator.

I agree completely -
The 220 HP 283 has a 4 bbl - but what size?
What did that factory motor come with?

Then I hear that 500 CFM is plenty for a 283 so why apply more?
So for now I'm assuming that 500 CFM is good for 220 HP.

But who has a 500 CFM 4bbl.

Now I see there is an Edlebrock Performer 500 CFM 4 bbl that I believe will accomplish the 220HP objective in a 283 SBC. I'm gonna check out JEGs next.

And how could you ever reasonably utilize dual quads in a 283?

Thanks for a great discussion.

Bert