John The last year for the 283 was 1967, all small block flat lifters are interchangeable, if you are just looking for a stock hydraulic lifter any 283, 327 lifter will be the same. The 58 specs you looked up must be for a solid lifter, not hydraulic, as the old 1/4 turn past 0 lash was always the method for adjusting them.
Be sure to take a good look at the cam surface on the lifters as you remove them, be sure that there is not a wear mark from the camshaft on the lifter indicating that the lifter is not rotating. This would tell you it is time to replace the camshaft also. We are finding out that our oils today have eliminated a zink additive that is needed to lubricate our older flat lifter camshafts and we are seeing failures. Every cam manufacture recommends an additive or a high performance oil with zink. Chum Nault -----Original Message----- From: chevelle-list-boun...@chevelles.net [mailto:chevelle-list-boun...@chevelles.net] On Behalf Of John Nasta Sent: Tuesday, May 24, 2011 2:26 PM To: chevelle-list@chevelles.net Subject: [Chevelle-list] SB lifter question Hi everybody, Unfortunately I have what seems to be a collapsed lifter in my 69 El Camino. If I try to adjust it, I can turn it until it stops tapping, and then when I try to go the additional quarter turn, it starts tapping again. My question is, does the year of the block matter, or are all SBC lifters basically the same? It is a 1958 283 engine block. Most auto parts store computers only go back to 1968. What was the last year for the 283? I need to buy my parts and I want to make sure there aren't any problems/surprises. I looked up the 1958 283 engine specs here. It says: Valve Lift Zero Lash: Intake: .398 Exhaust: .398 http://www.secondchancegarage.com/public/628.cfm Also my parts list is: intake gasket set sillycone valve cover gasket set oil & filter lifter set (may as well change them all) Am I missing anything? Thanks, John Nasta Thanks
