So many motors!
 

so my 1966 longbed came with a 283 and a powerglide from the factory I plan to use the truck to drive on the highway and use it as a driver not everyday but a driver. Ive got it as a roller right now trying to determine an engine tranny set up. what do yall think? 283 with a turbo 350? a 327 or a 350? I wanna keep the truck an automatic what do yall think the best option is thanks!

Re: So many motors!
 

If cost is a factor, the 350 will be the cheapest to build, for coolness the 283 but for speed and coolness the 327 for sure!

I think the 327 was one of the best small blocks GM built. Rev well, good power and just plain cool.

Re: So many motors!
 

I agree with you! I mean money is always an issue but nothing is cheap lol I have the chance to buy a 283 with a 350 tubo but 350s are my favorite thanks
For the reply!
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Re: So many motors!
 

350/350.. Tons of them still around and you can find parts anywhere. Go to a swap meet and thats all you will find is cool stuff for a small block chevy. Even Summit and Jegs all have their named parts for SB chevy cheap..

Re: So many motors!
 

350 is the most cost effective. But everyone has one and you can keep your truck stock by tuning the 283. If you want a little more power 327. I would keep the 283 (MYSELF). For the highway, I would go 700r4.
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Re: So many motors!
 

I would keep the 283 and just rebuilt it. If you're not going to go with a 700R4, then why not just keep the power glide and regear the rearend higher?

Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't the PG, TH350, and TH 400 the same ratio in Drive? The only way you're gaining highway driveability is with the 700R4 because it has a OD gear right? I'm pretty sure the 350 doesn't have OD gear. The Powerglide is an indestructible transmission. I threw one into reverse one time going 40mph by accident on a 63 Impala and all that happend is the rear wheels locked, and the car turned off. Once I stopped I just started it up, threw it in drive and off I went on my way. LOL. I'd like to see what happens to any other transmission going into reverse.

That car actually had a 283 and man what an engine. I drove that car from Maryland to New Mexico without skipping a beat. I never had to mess with it. The engine always ran great.

Re: So many motors!
 

PG/ 350/400 are 1:1 in top gear, the 200/700 and now 4l60e are OD with convertor lock up...

Cool is cool but price is price.. Hard to beat a good running 350/383 with a 700r trans.. Good power, good fuel MPG and very good get up and go..

cool factor=$$$$$ and todays crate engines are just a great buy.

Re: So many motors!
 

I haven't looked into crate engines vs machine shop prices in a long time; however, the last time I did the price of a regular 350 crate engine vs. a complete overhaul of a small block was right around the same. Now a lot depends on how good a machine shop you have locally, but at least with my local machine shop that I use he'll always throw in a few goodies for the rebuild price like a double roller timing chain and RV cam plus a warranty comparible to GM Parts. I understand you can get different crate engines but as you get more performance the price just shoots up real fast plus you have to pay freight. I guess I'm just a little lost as to how rebuilding a 283 vs. buying a 350 crate engine is so much more money?

Re: So many motors!
 

Well lets start with the block, Correct build would be line hone and maybe bore and with cam hone, Decking block to square, Many times the shops do not go to this length.. Again re builds vary.. Some will say well its just a day to day driver and that is not needed.. Sure OK ..

The list of parts for a decent rebuild is not cheap , that is small journal crank.. etc I have been doing this for a long time and unless the guys is looking for a very custom package the crate engines with the warranty are hard to beat.. Hell look at the GM 260hp 350 tq engine( you add your intake carb, ign) its $1499 and right now free shipping to your door.. Try to get that price on the rebuild of the 283. Not going to happen. Nor will it make the power ( tq), and from the out side 99% cannot tell its not a 283.. With some older looking rocker covers etc orange paint you can have the old look with the better set up..

Just my opinion, but a 283 is a not a bad engine, however unless the OP can do much of the labor and work himself the price on a crate is extremely hard to beat.

For a 4000lb + set up with taller gears the tq is going to be helpful from a larger CI engine..

Another thing on the 283 is that if for some reason the engine is not the OE and is from an earlier date it may not be the latter thicker casting and over boring is not the best idea as the casting where very thin on the early 283.. That engine from the 57-60 I think had the thin casting block...

Re: So many motors!
 

I didnt really clarify in my original post lol sorry guys it WAS a 283/Powerglide Truck from factory but when I got it it was a roller and still is. I agree a 283 would be cool I have a 71 posi rear end in it and i think a 283 or 350 with a 350 or 700r4 would be sweet. I have a power steering and brake booster setup to go with it so im ready to get started! thanks guys

Re: So many motors!
 

Everything you stated is very agreeable. Like i say i have not shopped around in a long time. With that said my local shop does do all the extra torque plate hone or whatever you call it. Another thing to think about is the 350 tq is likely a 4bolt main where most 283 and 327 is 2 bolt main.

As far as the tranny i would build the pg over the th350.
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Re: So many motors!
 

Thanks 72 step im gunna go look at a few setups sunday! ill keep everyone updated on what I find