Originally posted by dr_bowtie
when I did my first 283 I used a Cam Dynamics 495 lift 280 duration cam... I also used 492 heads and flat tops and a re-worked Q-jet....I use a 3500 stall conv.
I also helped a buddy build a 350 with a Comp Cams 292 cam (501 lift 292 duration) and stock 882 heads and flat tops
Most times I could pull him by a car length...I was a 1/10 faster in the 1/4....
Being a heavier car and a smaller motor....hum musta been magic... [/B]
No magic here! It doesnt take a rocket scientist to figure this one out.
dr bowtie. You had the better heads and more compression to go with your big camshaft. 3991492 (492) 2.02/1.60 valves ,proberly no more than 68cc's. used from 69 to 72. Compare those to 882( the biggest junk head chevy ever made)Thin castings,most had 1.94/1.50 valves and 76 cc's .Your friend would have picked up by using a smaller cam with that combination .

64 Bel Air, 69C-10, R Pope , 27RAT and M1-2600 are all on the right track for what You want to accompolish with your 283 on a budget.

A 327-350 cam is 222/222Dur @ 50, 447/447 lift , 114 lobe center

Check this out, Competition Products 1-800-233-0199 sells an Elgin Cam Kit( Elgin makes cams for many companies including ford and chev) $129.95 includes cam, lifters, Z28 / LT1 valve springs,valve locks, umbrella seals and assy lube . A great price for all of that. Check these out.
Part # E903= 223/223, 447/447, 114 Street/strip .4bbl,headers
almost identical to the 327-350 cam
Part# E923= 204/214, 420/443, 112
almost identical to the Edelbrock performer cam
Part# E922= 214/224, 443/465, 112
They have several others to choose from that you may want to look at. With these I listed ,headers,duals ,4bbl. some gear would help, but you shouldn't need much of a converter.You may have a good gear ratio since the car came with a 6 cylinder.
When You purchase the cam kit, make sure you purchase a decent double roller timing set to go with it. A cheepie timing set, just does not cut it. Remember, You are working with a 283, Bigger cam does not always mean better cam.
I would love to have tried a little less valve and a little less cam in dr.bowtie's 57. Im betting his 283 would have been even faster.
Have a Good Day !