1960 / 283 Roller cam kit application

[Norbert R.]

Don't shoot the questioner !
I believe that I have a worn out cam, (OIL ISSUE)???
I have a FI and lost my acceleration.
(Not the original engine) but a 60' 283 w/FI. W/1000 miles/15 years.
I plan to attempt checking the lobe distance from the rockers
and would appreciate knowing if anyone has done this? HOW?
Last of all, has anyone done the homework on the Roller cam kits that would be the closest to the original OEM setup for the 283/FI 275 HP.
If so, will the roller cam / lifter setup fit under the original fined valve covers? I also have two other 283's for rebuild and the Original block ready for my 60".
Any suggestions comments would be appreciated before I move forward.
thanks

[Tim S.]

Re: 1960 / 283 Roller cam kit application

Well Duke? This one is all yours!

[Terry D.]

Re: 1960 / 283 Roller cam kit application

You don't really give a lot of details about how the engine is reacting. Does it idle ok? Any backfiring or missing? Will it pull rpm's?
If you do have a lobe that is worn I would think that rocker would be out of adjustment. Also if the cam lobes are worn down, there will be metal in the oil. Pull the filter and strain the oil thru a paint strainer, if there is a lot of silver stuff in there plan on taking the motor apart before you do any more damage. Just my 2 cents
Terry

[Duke W.]

Re: 1960 / 283 Roller cam kit application

I see, Norbert, that this is your first post, so I expect you are new to the TDB. We have a 10+ year knowledge base, and there have been many, many discussions on how to get "more power" from an OE engine without killing the low end torque or screwing up the OE idle characteristics. So you need to spend some quality time with the search function.

The bottom line is that there are no roller cams that are equivalent to the OE flat tappet cams, and virtually all of them have too much overlap, so your smooth idling hydraulic lifter FI engine will idle like bubba's '72 Nova.

OE cams and valvetrain components will have OE durability with C-category oil. (Do some research on what engine oil to use in vintage Corvettes.)

The secret to "more power" is head work. Beyond that all OE replacement parts should be used with the exception of the connecting rods, which should be upgraded to improve durability; 283 and 327 rods are weak.

Lobe lift can be measured by setting up a dial indicator on the rocker arm pushrod socket in line with the pushrod. Rotate the indicator until you are on the cam's base circle, zero the dial, then rotate the engine until you achieve peak lift. Your hydraulic lifter FI engine's OE camshaft, (2798 ID number cast in) was used on base and some optional engines from 1957-1966 and has a nominal lobe lift of .26581" on both sides.

The "2798" is obsolete, and I do not recommend its use, even if you can find one. It was replaced by the 3896929 (ID 6930) in 1967, and it may be purchased in the Sealed Power product line of Federal Mogul OE replacement parts at NAPA.

It sounds to me like you are buying into the "oil's no good you need a roller cam" hokus pokus. You can buy into this BS or spend some time educating yourself to understand the facts. Your choice.

Duke

[Clem Z.]

Re: 1960 / 283 Roller cam kit application

if a cam lobe is "flat" you don't need a dial indicator to see this as the reduced movement of the rocker arm will be very visible

[Norbert R.]

Re: 1960 / 283 Roller cam kit application

I have researched much of the "OIL" zink content issues, and I don't want to change my Vette cam OEM status. The replies confirm my feeling and thoughts on the cam replacement. I'm not getting backfiring, Idle is very good, some missing until warm. (Fuelie) Just wants to bog down at acceleration? Good start-ups. I have DeGrgory's cam recommendations also. He's a great person, I have HIS fuelie unit. (20 years now)
I will check lifter travel and I purchased a dial indicator kit to check lifts.
Time to learn something new. I will do everything recommended,
THANK YOU to everyone. Very helpfull information moving forward.

[John D.]

Re: 1960 / 283 Roller cam kit application

Norbert. You are too kind. Glad to see you are considering going with the stock cam. Failure to do so will just result in heartaches and frustrations.
Speed Pro CS113R by Federal Mogul. Lifters AT 992. Equiv. to Zora's '097 cam.
I ordered one at Car Quest for a customer. Take care, John
20yrs huh. Whew!!!

[Bill B.]

Re: 1960 / 283 Roller cam kit application

Norbert. You are too kind. Glad to see you are considering going with the stock cam. Failure to do so will just result in heartaches and frustrations.
Speed Pro CS113R by Federal Mogul. Lifters AT 992. Equiv. to Zora's '097 cam.
I ordered one at Car Quest for a customer. Take care, John
20yrs huh. Whew!!!

John - Didn't the 275hp fuel injection engine have a hydraulic lifter camshaft?

Bill


1961 Black/Silver/Red Int. 283/315 FI
power windows. Frame off 65% completed.
1989 White/hard top/Grey Int. daily driver 167,000 miles

"The problem with Liberalism is that eventually you run out of other people's money" - Margaret Thatcher

[Duke W.]

Re: 1960 / 283 Roller cam kit application

Yes, see my earlier post. It's really a carry-over '59 250 HP since the 275 HP rating was based on the still born 1.94/1.50" valve aluminum heads and higher compresssion. Either way the camshaft is the same as the base 230 HP engine.

I actually doubt that there is a wiped lobe issue assuming it is a correct OE replacement cam and OE valve springs, but it never hurts to check. I expect it will turn out to be a fuel or ignition issue.

Duke

[Norbert R.]

Re: 1960 / 283 Roller cam kit application

I've been spending most of my time working on those two causes also.
I sure hope your correct about fuel and ignition.... If John remembers,?
I spoke with him last year ++ about the inline fuel filter and I did find the cranking signal valve broken off in the plenum. I did check timing, found a little tight. But replaced everything? re-timed. I'll run thru again.
Great brainstorming, thanks to all.