283 Heads

[pmercer]

I am rebuilding a 283 from a '63 Pontiac for my '61 GMC and plan to install a 700R4 along with it. The rear gear is 3.90. I need to rebuild or replace my heads. I would rather replace as it will probably be cheaper to buy new than rebuild the old. And also I could then get heads with the bolt holes in the front so I can install the alt and power steering set up from a 305/350. What heads should I use????

[Chris65GMC]

Originally Posted by pmercer

I am rebuilding a 283 from a '63 Pontiac for my '61 GMC and plan to install a 700R4 along with it. The rear gear is 3.90. I need to rebuild or replace my heads. I would rather replace as it will probably be cheaper to buy new than rebuild the old. And also I could then get heads with the bolt holes in the front so I can install the alt and power steering set up from a 305/350. What heads should I use????

You should clarify that its a canadian pontiac;otherwise, it could be confusing with the 283. There are lots of heads you could buy, but i would mostly be concearned with the size of the cumbustion chamber. 305's are going to have a 58cc head which could bump your compression higher than you want it, and 350's could have up to a 76cc chamber which could drop your compression lower than you want.

-Chris

[pmercer]

Yes it is a Canadian 283. What is the difference. Isn't a 283 a 283?

What heads are best for this motor combo?

[Chris65GMC]

Originally Posted by pmercer

Yes it is a Canadian 283. What is the difference. Isn't a 283 a 283?

What heads are best for this motor combo?

I guess a 283 is a 283 but in the US we would be confused as the Pontiac did not have a 283 in it here.

-Chris

[pmercer]

My mistake, I thought you meant that a Canadian Pontiac 283 was different from a US 283. Sorry for the confusion.

Peter

[1Bad62Pro/Street]

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[Winola73]

Originally Posted by Chris65GMC

305's are going to have a 58cc head which could bump your compression higher than you want it,

'64-up US passenger car 283's had 58cc chambers with flat top pistons and were rated at 9.25 to 1.

The '416 or '601 (last 3 digits of casting number) 305 HO heads have 58cc chambers, 1.84 intake valves and flow very close to the old '461 Double Hump heads. They also have hardened seats and accessory bolt holes, great heads for a 283.

[pmercer]

Thanks guys for all the info.

Peter

[DPowers]

The '416 or '601 (last 3 digits of casting number) 305 HO heads have 58cc chambers, 1.84 intake valves and flow very close to the old '461 Double Hump heads. They also have hardened seats and accessory bolt holes, great heads for a 283.[/QUOTE]

That's good info to have.

[protrash64]

The heads can be drilled for the accessory bolt holes.

[DPowers]

There are brackets to add PS that you can use if you don't want to drill the heads. I guess alot depends on how you are going to use the truck/motor. IMO the 283 is a good little cruisin motor, but if you are looking for some serious HP, it could be done, but your $$ would be better spent with a 350. If you do go with those heads, make sure that you get the valve seats hardened.