283 or 327? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Crank · 05-31-2003, 11:18 AM

Alright. I know the infamous Camel hump heads. But which ones are better. I know that of course the bigger heads are better for more flow. But they did come on 327's also right? But the 283 heads arent crap by any means are they? I can get a pair. Lemme know what you think.
Brandon

chevykid1969 · 05-31-2003, 11:20 AM

I would go with the 327. i have a 327 +.30 in my C-10 and i love it. IMO

jmanz69 · 05-31-2003, 11:44 AM

Whether they are crap or not depends on the casting. If you get and post the casting number, we could help more. There are more than one set of camel hump heads that could be. Some are better than others, but almost all are good. Nice thick castings so you don't have to worry much about cracking. If you can get them cheap then I say go for it. Especially if they need rebuilt. Don't over spend just because they are "camel hump" heads. I had a set I gave away off my 327 years ago, and now I wish I had them back. Also, see if they have the accessory holes because you might have the short waterpump set up on your truck. So you would need the holes to mount you alternator on. Some camel backs didn't have the accessory holes in them.

Good luck

Crank · 05-31-2003, 12:09 PM

Well. These I can just go pull off this motor. No cost involved. Just time. They do not have any accessory holes in them. I dont know what water pump I have on my truck. I do know that the truck this motor came out of, had to start the truck in 'Drive' because the shifter was broke off in the column, so it was touchy. It would turn those 31" tires over easily on accident. Hehe. Although it has a 2 bbl carb on it. .... Who knows.
Brandon

Crank · 05-31-2003, 12:11 PM

Heres a pic of the motor with the heads

jmanz69 · 05-31-2003, 12:26 PM

With your alt on the driver side you might need the accessory holes. How does you atl bracket attatch to the heads now? there might be a cast bottom bracket and a long arched bracket on top. I can't see it in the pic at all. If you have a bracket attatched to the heads, then you will need to find heads w/ the accessory holes or get an aftermarket bracket. If they are actually 283 heads you shold be fine, but if they are actually 327 heads with 2.02/1.6 valves you might want to be careful if they are going on your 305. A 305 has a smaller bore then a 327 or 350, and you can't use big valve heads in them very well. The valves hit the cylinder wall. A 305 has a 3.767 bore and a 327or 350 has a 4.000 bore. Just something to keep in mind. If they are the smaller and more common 1.94/1.5 heads then you should be fine.

Crank · 05-31-2003, 01:12 PM

Yes. I know these are 283 heads. I do not believe that anything attaches to these heads in the front. I dont know how the brackets attach. When I go down next week to work on my truck, I'll pull them and the valve covers. I'ma keep them for decoration as one is cracked. Hehe. Thanks bud.
Brandon

Rod · 05-31-2003, 01:26 PM

Well its kinda a guess but I would say the pic shows a older 283-327 possibly with the short water pump... so take the bracket that holds the alternator as well I think that type uses the water pump bolt as a source to hold the bracket. The lower mount for the alternator/generator probably uses the exhaust manifold... the exhaust manifold proabably has a ear on it thats threaded... you may need that also....but you gotta check on what type exhaust you have now and if what is on this parts vehcile will fit... the ram horn on this car type probably dumps straight down... so custom exhaust work may be necessary if you have a 305 in there now, might ass well grab both exhaust manifolds.

Rod · 05-31-2003, 01:30 PM

I guess I was typing as you were answering also... anyway.. I would say pull the whole motor if your into rebuilding something.... if not... what are those valve covers gonna cost me?.

Crank · 05-31-2003, 02:27 PM

Haha. I dont know. I kinda wanted to keep them as decoration for my garage, but I'll clean 'em up and see if they can be use to anyone. U got first dibs. lol. I do seem to remember it using part of the exhaust on the left side of the motor(lookin at it from the front) The exhaust dump at the rear. I'll just pull basically every part off that motor and keep them. :-D Then just throw the heads on my 305, keep the 4 bbl intake and carb it has now. and put on the ram horns from this motor. This 283 is sittin in a crap box Camaro. Pshh. It's not worthy. lol
Brandon

Crank · 05-31-2003, 02:28 PM

See the primered Camaro up there? Yea, that's what its in.
Brandon

Longhorn Man · 06-01-2003, 12:54 AM

Somethign else to look at, I am thinking that some of the older 283 engines had an odd style valve cover bolt pattern. You may NEED those covers.
Just something else to look out for on that.

dinnut · 06-01-2003, 02:55 AM

are those corvette valve covers or chevrolet...

kaycee · 06-01-2003, 10:59 AM

They make a bracket for this setup I ran a 327 in my 70 with a short water pump no problems.Even ran it with headers u can get the setup at your local parts store.The most sought after camel hump's are the 461X.You might as well as get the #off the heads and let us know we could guesss all day long on what they are try to get the # off the block allso it is behind the drvs. side head.

68_GMC_910 · 06-01-2003, 11:30 AM

those valve covers are friggen beautiful.

jmanz69 · 06-01-2003, 12:41 PM

Looks like the alt bracket is connected to the manifold on the driver side. Just use the old hardware and you should be fine. Also get the numbers off your existing heads. Some of the 305 heads are good for dirt track guys. I sold a set on ebay to a guy who wanted them for his race car. Might be able to make some money on this deal too. Can't ask for better than that.

*Gee_Emm* · 06-01-2003, 01:20 PM

The truck I just got has a 283 in it with the bracket on the exhaust manifold

Where should I look for the head #'s? The heads themselves have no holes in the front of them.

jmanz69 · 06-01-2003, 01:24 PM

The numbers are under the valve covers. They will be like 6-8 digits long.

*Gee_Emm* · 06-01-2003, 02:29 PM

Hehe I got lucky, the numbers were visible through the oil filler

3884520

and a seperate question, on the block the casting is 3849852, I can find the info for that but on the stamping on the passenger side in front of the head the number is 77 6527382

All I can find is that number should start with a T and it don't

help!

Crank · 06-01-2003, 02:54 PM

Thanks guys. When I go down next week to pick up my truck, I'll pull everything that goes along with them and let ya know. Thanks.
Brandon

jmanz69 · 06-01-2003, 03:10 PM

Info about heads: 3884520 60.5cc 1.72 1.5 1960-67 Some marked "Made in Canada" also used by studebaker 283/327

Should be ok heads. Good compression for a 283. Not high performance, but not bad either.

As for the front stamping, I can't really help you on that. It gives the year and type of vehicle it was originally on. If it is the original engine, then it should point to your truck.

gottastepside · 06-01-2003, 03:16 PM

You should decide what kind of motor you want in your truck, then depending on what kind of compression you want, choose the heads that correspond. You should base your decision on port size (64cc or 72cc). Intake and exhaust runners can always be ported and/or polished according to your needs. As far as motors go, I would personally go with the 327. Nothing says loving like a High revvin chevy!

gottastepside · 06-01-2003, 03:20 PM

ditch the 305. Use it for a boat anchor.

jmanz69 · 06-01-2003, 03:49 PM

hehe I got a 3.0 Mercruiser you can have as a boat anchor too!! Just had to get a new engine for my boat. Got a big crack in the side for easier sinking. I'll even let you have it. That's right, free!! Just come and get it. It's even banded to a pallet already.

jmanz69 · 06-01-2003, 03:51 PM

Here's pic of the POS too. It's a good deal man, take it!

05-31-2003, 11:18 AM	#1
Crank Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Crittenden, KY Posts: 1,964	283 or 327? Alright. I know the infamous Camel hump heads. But which ones are better. I know that of course the bigger heads are better for more flow. But they did come on 327's also right? But the 283 heads arent crap by any means are they? I can get a pair. Lemme know what you think. Brandon

05-31-2003, 12:11 PM	#5
Crank Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Crittenden, KY Posts: 1,964	Heres a pic of the motor with the heads Attached Images

05-31-2003, 01:26 PM	#8
Rod Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Eastern - Manitoba Canada, Winnipeg Posts: 4,369	Well its kinda a guess but I would say the pic shows a older 283-327 possibly with the short water pump... so take the bracket that holds the alternator as well I think that type uses the water pump bolt as a source to hold the bracket. The lower mount for the alternator/generator probably uses the exhaust manifold... the exhaust manifold proabably has a ear on it thats threaded... you may need that also....but you gotta check on what type exhaust you have now and if what is on this parts vehcile will fit... the ram horn on this car type probably dumps straight down... so custom exhaust work may be necessary if you have a 305 in there now, might ass well grab both exhaust manifolds. __________________ Senior active founding member. 70 3/4 ton GMC Suburban 4x4 250/4 spd. 71 1/2 ton Suburban Chevy 4x4, 350/350 72 Chev 1 ton tow truck 402BB w/Holmes 440 wrecker on propane 2005 FLSTSCI Harley Springer 85 FXSB Harley Lowrider 72 Triumph 650 Bonneville 5spd "Poor people don't have hobbies" Quote from wife.

05-31-2003, 01:30 PM	#9
Rod Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Eastern - Manitoba Canada, Winnipeg Posts: 4,369	I guess I was typing as you were answering also... anyway.. I would say pull the whole motor if your into rebuilding something.... if not... what are those valve covers gonna cost me?. __________________ Senior active founding member. 70 3/4 ton GMC Suburban 4x4 250/4 spd. 71 1/2 ton Suburban Chevy 4x4, 350/350 72 Chev 1 ton tow truck 402BB w/Holmes 440 wrecker on propane 2005 FLSTSCI Harley Springer 85 FXSB Harley Lowrider 72 Triumph 650 Bonneville 5spd "Poor people don't have hobbies" Quote from wife.

05-31-2003, 02:28 PM	#11
Crank Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Crittenden, KY Posts: 1,964	See the primered Camaro up there? Yea, that's what its in. Brandon Attached Images

05-31-2003, 11:20 AM	#2
chevykid1969 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Knightdale,North Carolina Posts: 377	I would go with the 327. i have a 327 +.30 in my C-10 and i love it. IMO

05-31-2003, 11:44 AM	#3
jmanz69 Careful, they attack... Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Waterford, MI, USA Posts: 1,107	Whether they are crap or not depends on the casting. If you get and post the casting number, we could help more. There are more than one set of camel hump heads that could be. Some are better than others, but almost all are good. Nice thick castings so you don't have to worry much about cracking. If you can get them cheap then I say go for it. Especially if they need rebuilt. Don't over spend just because they are "camel hump" heads. I had a set I gave away off my 327 years ago, and now I wish I had them back. Also, see if they have the accessory holes because you might have the short waterpump set up on your truck. So you would need the holes to mount you alternator on. Some camel backs didn't have the accessory holes in them. Good luck

05-31-2003, 12:09 PM	#4
Crank Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Crittenden, KY Posts: 1,964	Well. These I can just go pull off this motor. No cost involved. Just time. They do not have any accessory holes in them. I dont know what water pump I have on my truck. I do know that the truck this motor came out of, had to start the truck in 'Drive' because the shifter was broke off in the column, so it was touchy. It would turn those 31" tires over easily on accident. Hehe. Although it has a 2 bbl carb on it. .... Who knows. Brandon

05-31-2003, 12:26 PM	#6
jmanz69 Careful, they attack... Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Waterford, MI, USA Posts: 1,107	With your alt on the driver side you might need the accessory holes. How does you atl bracket attatch to the heads now? there might be a cast bottom bracket and a long arched bracket on top. I can't see it in the pic at all. If you have a bracket attatched to the heads, then you will need to find heads w/ the accessory holes or get an aftermarket bracket. If they are actually 283 heads you shold be fine, but if they are actually 327 heads with 2.02/1.6 valves you might want to be careful if they are going on your 305. A 305 has a smaller bore then a 327 or 350, and you can't use big valve heads in them very well. The valves hit the cylinder wall. A 305 has a 3.767 bore and a 327or 350 has a 4.000 bore. Just something to keep in mind. If they are the smaller and more common 1.94/1.5 heads then you should be fine.

05-31-2003, 01:12 PM	#7
Crank Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Crittenden, KY Posts: 1,964	Yes. I know these are 283 heads. I do not believe that anything attaches to these heads in the front. I dont know how the brackets attach. When I go down next week to work on my truck, I'll pull them and the valve covers. I'ma keep them for decoration as one is cracked. Hehe. Thanks bud. Brandon

05-31-2003, 02:27 PM	#10
Crank Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Crittenden, KY Posts: 1,964	Haha. I dont know. I kinda wanted to keep them as decoration for my garage, but I'll clean 'em up and see if they can be use to anyone. U got first dibs. lol. I do seem to remember it using part of the exhaust on the left side of the motor(lookin at it from the front) The exhaust dump at the rear. I'll just pull basically every part off that motor and keep them. :-D Then just throw the heads on my 305, keep the 4 bbl intake and carb it has now. and put on the ram horns from this motor. This 283 is sittin in a crap box Camaro. Pshh. It's not worthy. lol Brandon

06-01-2003, 12:54 AM	#12
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Somethign else to look at, I am thinking that some of the older 283 engines had an odd style valve cover bolt pattern. You may NEED those covers. Just something else to look out for on that.

06-01-2003, 02:55 AM	#13
dinnut Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: missouri city, tx Posts: 4,486	are those corvette valve covers or chevrolet... __________________ 70 longbed 496/th400/Ford 9"

06-01-2003, 10:59 AM	#14
kaycee Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Wyoming USA Posts: 2,445	They make a bracket for this setup I ran a 327 in my 70 with a short water pump no problems.Even ran it with headers u can get the setup at your local parts store.The most sought after camel hump's are the 461X.You might as well as get the #off the heads and let us know we could guesss all day long on what they are try to get the # off the block allso it is behind the drvs. side head. __________________ 2001 Silverado K-1500 2005 FXDWG stage3 69 CHEVY Short/Step 327/4L60 373 posi 63 IMPALA 327

06-01-2003, 11:30 AM	#15
68_GMC_910 what would Neal do? Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 150	those valve covers are friggen beautiful. __________________ 1968 GMC 910 Long Step 250/3onTree 1969 Chevy C10 longfleet, 350/350



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06-01-2003, 12:41 PM	#16
jmanz69 Careful, they attack... Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Waterford, MI, USA Posts: 1,107	Looks like the alt bracket is connected to the manifold on the driver side. Just use the old hardware and you should be fine. Also get the numbers off your existing heads. Some of the 305 heads are good for dirt track guys. I sold a set on ebay to a guy who wanted them for his race car. Might be able to make some money on this deal too. Can't ask for better than that.

06-01-2003, 01:20 PM	#17
Gee_Emm Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 4,002	The truck I just got has a 283 in it with the bracket on the exhaust manifold Where should I look for the head #'s? The heads themselves have no holes in the front of them.

06-01-2003, 01:24 PM	#18
jmanz69 Careful, they attack... Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Waterford, MI, USA Posts: 1,107	The numbers are under the valve covers. They will be like 6-8 digits long.

06-01-2003, 02:29 PM	#19
Gee_Emm Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 4,002	Hehe I got lucky, the numbers were visible through the oil filler 3884520 and a seperate question, on the block the casting is 3849852, I can find the info for that but on the stamping on the passenger side in front of the head the number is 77 6527382 All I can find is that number should start with a T and it don't help! Last edited by Gee_Emm; 06-01-2003 at 02:41 PM.

06-01-2003, 02:54 PM	#20
Crank Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Crittenden, KY Posts: 1,964	Thanks guys. When I go down next week to pick up my truck, I'll pull everything that goes along with them and let ya know. Thanks. Brandon

06-01-2003, 03:10 PM	#21
jmanz69 Careful, they attack... Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Waterford, MI, USA Posts: 1,107	Info about heads: 3884520 60.5cc 1.72 1.5 1960-67 Some marked "Made in Canada" also used by studebaker 283/327 Should be ok heads. Good compression for a 283. Not high performance, but not bad either. As for the front stamping, I can't really help you on that. It gives the year and type of vehicle it was originally on. If it is the original engine, then it should point to your truck.

06-01-2003, 03:16 PM	#22
gottastepside Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: St Louis, mo Posts: 3	You should decide what kind of motor you want in your truck, then depending on what kind of compression you want, choose the heads that correspond. You should base your decision on port size (64cc or 72cc). Intake and exhaust runners can always be ported and/or polished according to your needs. As far as motors go, I would personally go with the 327. Nothing says loving like a High revvin chevy!

06-01-2003, 03:20 PM	#23
gottastepside Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: St Louis, mo Posts: 3	ditch the 305. Use it for a boat anchor.

06-01-2003, 03:49 PM	#24
jmanz69 Careful, they attack... Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Waterford, MI, USA Posts: 1,107	hehe I got a 3.0 Mercruiser you can have as a boat anchor too!! Just had to get a new engine for my boat. Got a big crack in the side for easier sinking. I'll even let you have it. That's right, free!! Just come and get it. It's even banded to a pallet already.

06-01-2003, 03:51 PM	#25
jmanz69 Careful, they attack... Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Waterford, MI, USA Posts: 1,107	Here's pic of the POS too. It's a good deal man, take it! Attached Images

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