1960 Engine Question

[Alan #44172]

I recently purchased a 1960 vet with a 283 1x4 carb. I cannot find engine timing information such as dwell. Could use input on this matter. Engine # is 102641F10800.

Second question is some people who have looked at the engine claim that because the valve cover holes are in line that this is not the original engine. Others have looked this up and found that the holes in the valve covers can be in line and still have a valid original engine. Can anyone shed any light on this issue?

Third question is this car has a 3 speed manual transmission and it is not synchromesh down to first gear. Does that seem correct? Also I just had the transmission rebuilt and when I go from first to second gear I have to ease into second from first or the gears grind. This was the way it was before the transmission was rebuilt. I have been told this is the way these older transmissions were and could use some input on this subject.

Thanks, Alan.

[Jim T.]

Re: 1960 Engine Question

Dwell for the ignition points 28-32, I usually run 30. Its been a long time since I have tuned a 283. I set the ignition timing on the 68 and 70 usually 10-12 degrees BTDC. If it pings, reduce it a couple of degrees. Applied the same to my 64 327.

[William C.]

Re: 1960 Engine Question

3 speed is non synchro on first gear, but should not gring going from first to second.. Second to first requires some paracice with a technique known as "double clutching" which is well known to any driver of a 1950's era school bus.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1960 Engine Question

Alan-----

I don't know if the car has it's original engine, or not. However, the heads are correct for a 1960 Corvette with respect to valve cover bolt configuration. All 1960 Corvettes used the non-staggered or "straight across" valve cover bolt pattern.

[Tom D.]

Re: 1960 Engine Question

Alan - Check the posting "two doors up" from yours for a correct casting number. Look at the rear top area of your engine, between the back end of the head and the bellhousing. If you find that "519" number, then go looking for a cast date on the other side, same area. C90 = March 9 , 1960 (for example).

Tom D.
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