Hi all: New to this forum so hello everyone. I have a 1966 Nova SS with a 283 stock engine, stock converter, 308 gears, 245/17 wheels, headers, Edelbrock torker manifold (I am changing to a performer EPS or RPM), Edelbrock 1400 carb and CPP power discs. I have been searching for a cam combination that will give me mild chop at idle, work with a stock converter and not have a major affect on the power booster. I have spoken to a well known cam manufacturer three times and each time given a different cam recommendation.

I would really appreciate any advice or experience any of you might have with this. Thanks in advance for your responses.

JT  

I would use about 250° of duration on a split pattern, with a 110 or 112° lobe separation angle. 4° of "ground-in" advance is VERY customary.

If the engine doesn't have headers use a 112° or even wider LSA. A more modern and "intense" hydraulic flat tappet should make about 205° of duration @.050 with the above mentioned kind of advertised duration. Don't be scared by a less intense exhaust profile. Look for 4-6° more duration on the exhaust side of the cam. Lift will probably come in around .425".

I estimate that a cam like this will pull 16-18 inches (of Hg) of vacuum with your motor - plenty for your brake booster.  

Thanks for the information, I can't believe how many different answers I get on this. I have been from a 218 218 @.50 112 LSA to a stock cam in recommendations. The latest one today was a 210 @.50 with a 110 LSA, they stated this would be the max they would go on a 283 because apparently most cams are rated for a 350 and the smaller displacement of the 283 makes the cam more aggressive than being installed in a 350 ci.engine. This really throws many tech help lines for a loop when I explain the combination to them.

JT  

It is true that a 350 can handle more overlap with the same or better street manners compared to a 283.

The main reason you need to cam small is because you have a small displacement engine with tall gears and very little modifications to make it "breathe" easier.

I don't think 210° @.050 on a 110° LSA is too far off. I believe that it's heavily dependent on how efficient your exhaust system is.