Last winter I rebuilt my original 283 engine. Everything runs smooth but has no power? It was rebuildt using all stock 230hp parts. It idles smooth maybe too smooth. I want to install a better cam, I think the 327/350hp L79 cam. Is it good for a 283 and will it affect my NCRS judging? Or does anyone have a better suggestion? I don't have any ignition or fuel problems, it just doesn't run near as good as the 327/350hp I pulled out. Thanks Bill
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Re: 59 corvette low power
350 hp inus 230 hp = 120 hp . if you wanted the 283 to run as well as the 350 hp sb, the time to make modifications was before the 283 was re-installed. A stroker crank, oversize jugs, port/polish heads9 install larger exhaust valves, balance assembly and on and on.
Doubt the 350 hp cam will come anywhere close to rejuvenating the 283 but it'll help some. mike -
Re: 59 corvette low power
Thanks Mike, but I am planing to tear the engine down again. What can i do thats still simple and would still have a good idle. Or doesn't the NCRS judge idle? BillComment
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Re: 59 corvette low power
if you're referring to NCRS doing a performance verification test on your c-1 then the idle characteristics must be near or the same as the stock hydraulic cam that came in the engine. i've never installed the 350 hyd cam in a 283 but suspect it'll lop a bit so the judges may or may not pick up on it.Since you're looking for about 350 hp and apparantly going to attempt a P.V., i'd guess you can't have your cake and eat it too. regards, mikeComment
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P.S.
why not hang on to the 327/350 you removed, tweak on it a bit(bore/stroke, head job and 450 hp not out of the question), install it back in the c-1 after you've taken the 230 hp engine thru the ncrs judging arena.swapping 230 for 450 would nornally take a day. mikeComment
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Jeeze, my 265...
Is a stone-stock 55 265 with Duntov cam, and it gives enough power to chirp the back end when it shifts into second (powerglide) and real strong up the highway ramp to legal speeds (and beyond). Have you checked the cam timing and other not-so-usual tune specs? BTW, I have used the 327/350 cam in numerous engines, usually with Roads lifters, with real good performance from idle to the redline. A great choice if you want to stay hydraulic.Comment
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Re: 59 corvette low power
Actually, the 1957-63 283 blocks are not internally clearenced for anything larger than the oem forged steel 283 crank. The only way to stroke them larger is with a high $ custom "Nascar" crank that retains a 283 profile counterweight.
Additionally, you'd have to bore the block to 4.00" in order to accomodate a set of 2.02 valve heads without shrouding. Performance-wise, the 1.94" valves are the largest recommended on the stock 3.875" bore.Comment
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Re: 59 corvette low power
Charlie: if one takes a small journal 327( an 870 for example, carefully cuts out the 870 cn and inserts an equally sized 548 casting # in the place of the 870 and then welds from the back side, one can then order a 1/2" strocker, clearance the pan rails a tad, grind away the three engine motor mount pads on each side of the block as well as the tell-tale clutch bell crank pivot boss, one can end up with a "548" block with 364 ci making @ 425 hp using the old rochester FI. I got way too much time on my hands. mikeComment
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Re: 59 corvette low power, Charles
You sound very informed, is it reasonable to expect a cam swap would produce good results. I do not want to rebore, I just want a little more snap and pass NCRS judgeing.Comment
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