John DeLong Camshafts

Years ago my first car was a 1956 Chevy convertible which had a three speed transmission (column shift). Engine was a 265 cu in V-8 with a 2 barrel carburetor.

At the Oakland Boat Show I found a drag boat boasting a 348 cu in V-8 (largest Chevrolet engine at the time) with three two barrel carbs. I bought it and shoehorned it into that 56 Chevy. I installed a four speed trans with a Hurst floor shifter. And a mechanic I worked with knew John DeLong so I had him grind me a cam for the 348. Later some "cam specialist" looked at the specs and said it was identical to a Duntov cam.

All 1957 283 V-8 Chevys now feared me. I turned 14.88 at the infamous Fremont Drag Strip in California.

I parted with that car to purchase a 1962 Chevy SS 409 cu in engine and 4 speed trans. I turned 12.33 at the same drag strip.

Those W motors were a thing to be reckon with in their days!

So tell me, were you cruising San Leandro or Walnut Creek back then?

Welcome to CHR! Nice story on the '56, and the '62 too! Still love the look of the W motors!