283 Small Block Chevy Specs

• The Chevy small blocks are a series of V-8 engines manufactured by Chevrolet of General Motors. Production of the Chevy small blocks began in 1955 and continued through 2002 when the small block was replaced with the GM LT and the GM LS engines. The Chevy 283 small block was produced between 1956 and 1967. The engine's specifications were set by 1960 and only minor adjustments were made during the 283's final production years.

General Specifications

• The Chevy models that used a 283 small block were the Biscayne, Bel Air, Impala and several station wagons. The 283 performed best with a wheelbase of 119 inches. Most models with the 283 small block used a 20-gallon fuel tank; several wagons had 18- and 17-gallon tanks. It took 4 qts. of oil plus one for a filer change.

Performance

• The Chevy 283 small block had a bore and stroke of 3.875 and 3.00 respectively and a piston displacement of 283 -cubic inches, hence the small block designation. The engine had a compression ratio or 8.50. The 283's average horsepower came in at 170 hp at 4,200 rpm and its torque at 275 foot-pounds at 2,400 rpm.

Pistons

• In the V8 compartment of the 283 small block, the pistons were carefully tuned and timed for top performance. Eight pistons sat in two banks, the right and left. The right bank was numbered 2, 4, 6 and 8, while the left was numbered 1, 3, 5 and 7. The pistons had a firing order of 18436572. The engine idle speed was 425 rpm and the timing mark was four degrees BTDC, "before top dead center."

Valves

• The valve seat angle of the 283 small block was 46 degrees. Valve timing operated intake and exhaust systems at precise operating moments. The intake opened at 18 BTDC and the exhaust closed at 20 ATDC, "after top dead center." The 283 inner spring pressure was set at 160 lbs. at 1.30 inches.