283 power pack 520 head flow specs

[AntiqueAtHeart]

I'm rebuilding my 283 out of my '66 c10 and I am wondering what the flow specs of my power pack heads are. The information I am looking for is information such as .100 lift/ 54cfm intake etc.

Any information on these heads is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.

-Cam

[The Rocknrod]

The casting numbers would tell the tale: http://www.nastyz28.com/sbchevy/sbch.php

[PGSigns]

That list wont give you the flow numbers he is looking for. Any numbers you get will be good for reference only and my not be even close to the set you have. The old heads had a lot of shrouding around the valves and it varied a good bit between heads. What valves that are in the heads and the valve job can affect the numbers. If you need real world numbers get your set flowed.
Jimmy

[urmyboyblue]

My guess- slightly better than a flat head.

Newer heads flow waaaaaayyyyy better. Maybe too good for your 283. If you are truly worried about flow, go to a vortech head. That should flow more than your 283 can ingest. Plus they have hardened valve seats- something your heads needs if they haven't been installed already.

[AcampoDave]

Are you wanting to stay with the power paks so as to maintain the original appearance?. As you may know, the 283 heads have a smaller combustion chamber volume (around 58cc) a vortec 350 head has around 64cc (I think) and then there is the lowly 305 with chamber volumes similar to the 283 and came with some decent castings on the H.O motors. I personally use the 305 casting ending in 416. I'm curious as to the plan for your build since we 283 guys are becoming a rare breed. Also don't forget about the "engines and drive train section" of the forum since many long time small block guys hang out there and some have personal experience building 283's "back in the day". Some still find them a great topic of conversation today.

[AntiqueAtHeart]

Originally Posted by AcampoDave

Are you wanting to stay with the power paks so as to maintain the original appearance?. As you may know, the 283 heads have a smaller combustion chamber volume (around 58cc) a vortec 350 head has around 64cc (I think) and then there is the lowly 305 with chamber volumes similar to the 283 and came with some decent castings on the H.O motors. I personally use the 305 casting ending in 416. I'm curious as to the plan for your build since we 283 guys are becoming a rare breed. Also don't forget about the "engines and drive train section" of the forum since many long time small block guys hang out there and some have personal experience building 283's "back in the day". Some still find them a great topic of conversation today.

Nice to see a 283 fan out in the world. I'm just rebuilding it stock with the original heads because I have them and you can't beat old school heads for stock, daily driving duty. I've had around 7 sets of the 416, 882, etc heads and every single one of them had cracks around the valve seats. I just learned overtime that you can't beat oldschool engine parts in some/most cases. The last 283 I built and sold, I put a 250h extreme energy comp cam in it, stock rods and crank, 30 over hyperutetic pistons, the power pack heads, and the original 2 barrel intake and carb on it. Its still running strong after 4 years, has respectable torque for a 283 in a 66 impala and I've been told it gets 24 mpg with a th350 trans. I love simple, little engines

[AcampoDave]

Yep, I'm very happy with mine as well. I have a stocker in my longbed and a warmed up one in my shortbed. I'm glad I took the time to do some research before modifying one because the assumption that "a small block is a small block" leads to problems.

[andyh1956]

For the 283 I think this is the best cam you can get. With a set of flat tops, the PP heads & a small 4 bbl carb this cam will give a slight lope at idle & pull from the time you touch the throttle. If I remember right it was the L82. Worked great for me.
Chevy part # 3896982 350 / 350 hp
Duration is 320* advertised (0 lash), 224* @ .050" (int & exh),
.450"/.460" lift, on a 114* L/S (and installed "straight-up" at a 114* ICL)

[philB]

is the 350/350 cam sold or hyd?
in the day we used a Crane cam, cant remember the number but with the 4 speed, 456 posi, 57 post belair, left many bigger cars in the back window for about two blocks, lot of fun.
I'm going to do some changes to the 283 w/520 heads and 700R4
not sure on pistons, was in the truck (69c10short step) when I got it.

[andyh1956]

That cam is actually a Hyd grind, the L46 OR L82.
OEM # 3896962
Here is the least expensive repro I've found-
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevy-350-3...m/163115917432
Let us know how the little 283 does w/ the 700 trans.

[philB]

thanks for info and vendor, will consider the cam, should have a nice exhaust sound,

[andyh1956]

I was just in your neighborhood Monday. La Louisiane bakery in Metairie has one of our CNG compressors & I serviced it.
Funny I was wearing a Tee shirt & them boys had hooded sweatshirts & down vests on!

[philB]

you know those bakery guys/gals hang around the hot ovens all shift long,
some folks can't get warn enough.
CNG compressor? must be a big place, don't think I ran across any unless it was industrial/oil use, but never know, every day is new.

[Steve66]

When I rebuilt the 283 in my 66 C10 I used 416 305 heads and am happy with them. I also used a small Edelbrock cam and intake along with their 500 cfm carb. Runs great! The only thing I really need to change is the Powerglide because it's always in the wrong gear

[philB]

understand on the heads, been looking for a pair, ones I found are close to new ones, alum, but for the old engine to sound good, look good, and go down the road like the big guys with monster moters, and they all carry a 5 gal. can of gas in the trunk, I get to the weekend show and have choice of spots,
it's a lot of fun and if you want to go racing, I prefer to watch at cost it takes to run with um nowdays.