Technical Camshaft?

I recently bought a 1956 Chevy that had been parked since 1973. The original owner swapped the 265 for a 283. The 283 has solids which I need to adjust, but I don't have the cam specs? What to do? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

First suggestion is to contact who you bought it from, see about details.
If not possible, start by measuring current lash and post the results.
General question, does it sound like “a hot cam” ie lumpity lump, or? Might give those an idea, who know.
I’ve only adjusted two solid cam engines, both 235’s, but did it while running and fully warmed up, yes, you have a curved feeler gauge when done.

 

If you have a dial indicator and magnetic base, then check the peak lift on both intake and exhaust....this might point you to which factory solid cam was used in it.
The old 097 Duntov cam is a relatively low lift, like .399" and also has a really tight lash spec, .008-.014"
The later cams have larger lift and also have much larger lash spec, like the "30-30" cam with .030" lash.

I also agree to check where it is now, it can give you a good idea what lash.range should be used.

 

Some stick shift 283’s had solid lifters just like 265’s. Their lash was set at .008 and .018… These were not performance cams aka Duntov’s.

 

The original owner who built the motor p***ed, and no one in his family knows. Does not sound like a hot cam no lumpity lump. The car is a factory 3 speed overdrive with a posi/4:11s.

 

Thanks I'll try that!

 

That might be the answer!

 

If using the magnetic base and indicator, you have to keep a “zero point”. Ie a spot it fits on the side of the head then contort it to check. Then rotate it some, so the indicator is centered on the other valve. You want one intake and one exhaust valve.

 

I would also check the intake center line of the camshaft to at least reveal where its at with the "dots aligned".

 

I would set them both at 18 thou. cold and you should be fine.

 

If they run a touch big it’s not goina hurt anything