please help me decide which motor - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

thisolechevy · 03-30-2005, 01:13 AM

hey there I wanted to post this in the 67-72 forum because of the overwhelming knowledge over here. I started working on my '64 today and have no clue if the motor runs, it turns over freely with no noises and there is no sign of any leaks anywhere in the engine bay. It is the original 283 V8 and who knows how many miles, so today I just popped off the intake manifold to see what she looked like inside and realized that 3 pushrods are missing! there arent any metal shavings in the oil pan, or any signs that for some reason someone pulled the valve covers and removed them, there just gone????WTF anyways I need info on if this motor is worth rebuilding with some little extra goodies for a little pep or should I can the old 283 and get a different motor. If you suggest a different motor which one?

jhow66 · 03-30-2005, 01:15 AM

Any 350--plenty of them out there.(cheaper then rebuilding the 283)

**VetteVet** · 03-30-2005, 12:13 PM

Well it depends on how important originality means to you. If you are restoring the 64 and think it may be valuable when done then I would rebuild the 283. They are great old engines and very reliable when done right and treated right. If you want a hot rod and don't care about originality then I would go for a 350 since you can get more horsepower for less cost.

Vettevet

**tnblazerk5** · 03-30-2005, 12:26 PM

why do you all say its cheeper to rebuild a 350 than a 283 ?

HeavyD · 03-30-2005, 12:36 PM

Maybe the pistons for a 283 are more expensive? I don't know this, just an idea.

busterwivell · 03-30-2005, 12:54 PM

Look up the kits, I've never seen a 283 kit for the same (or less) than a 350, always more. If you're going to rebuild, do a 350, cheaper and more power (unless, like VetteVet said, you want a numbers matching, original truck)

69ride · 03-30-2005, 02:32 PM

I would rebuild the 283. EVERYBODY is running a 350. I'm not bashing and the 350 is a great motor this is JMO.

busterwivell · 03-30-2005, 02:55 PM

69ride, why? you'd spend more, and have less power?

69ride · 03-30-2005, 03:37 PM

For one I already have a 283 block and crank, rods etc.

Second they are a great motor and it is something different. You can spend a little more money and really make the 283 have some get up and go.

If I had a 350 instead of the 283 to start with then I would build the 350.

thisolechevy · 03-31-2005, 12:52 AM

I'm with 69ride at this point it seems like everyone and their grandma has a 350 if I put another motor in her at all the 350 would probably be on eof the last...I dunno thanks for all of the comments though!!

thisolechevy · 03-31-2005, 11:13 PM

ttt

Brainchild · 03-31-2005, 11:24 PM

This might help you decide.
http://www.nastyz28.com/sbchevy/sblock.html#casting

Like everyoe says depends on what you are going to use the truck for.283 is a tough motor IMHO.Just not as much power/torque as a 350,and the 350 is a lot easier to find parts for.Used stuff for a dime a dozen.

69 Short Fleet · 03-31-2005, 11:28 PM

I'd tear it down and rebuild it, I've got a 283 in my truck and LOVE it. Has some Edelbrock bolt on goodies and is a peppy engine. I like the fact that there not as common as the 350 (nothing wrong with a 350 mind you). I did some research a while back and as far as I know they made 4 different 283's with various HP ratings, the highest output 283 was available for the corvette... I believe it was around 215, 225 horse, not sure about the fuel injected ones though. Doug

67ChevyC10Stepside · 03-31-2005, 11:32 PM

i would do the 283...original to the truck...gives it something different....everyone and their freakin brother just slaps in a stupid 350

SB_in_SC · 03-31-2005, 11:47 PM

My brother in law built a 64 with the 283. We put some hot heads and a big cam in it and it ROCKED! If you're not going to run it at the local drag strip, why not keep it? You'll still blow the doors off that jerk and his 'yota at the red light! Weigh the extra cost of the 283 parts against buying a new block and starting from scratch.

The 1964 Chevelle 283 was listed as 220bhp and ALL 65's were listed @ 220bhp

Drogster · 03-31-2005, 11:51 PM

I say rebuild the 283. I've got a soft-spot in my heart for the 283's and the 327's that are out there, still rumbling along. I had one in my '66 BelAir, and it could really make that big-azz boat getup and rock. I loved it.

jhwkns · 04-01-2005, 12:08 AM

The 283 is a great engine. All but very few of them had forged cranks. Good strong blocks. They last forever. When I first bought my truck it had one in it. I didn't expect the engine to run, and didn't much care. I put over 50k miles on that wore out old 283 until finally the camshaft flattened so bad that it wasn't driveable. They're tough. Boring one .060 over is no big deal. A stock 283 is 3.875 bore by 3.0 stroke. The legendary 302 is 4.0 bore by 3.0 stroke. Hmmm... I'm thinking a .060 over 283 with some vortec heads, and a decent cam might be a lively little engine.

thisolechevy · 04-02-2005, 01:08 AM

wow thanks for all of the info the motor!! I started doing resaerch and called our local machine shop today. And for roughly $1,200 the 283 would be sitting at the 300-320 horsepower mark, and if you ask me thats pretty darn good. Thats bore .60 over, .485 lift roller cam, vortec 68cc heads, edel. vortec performer intake, edel. carb. and some other goodies.

03-30-2005, 01:13 AM	#1
thisolechevy Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Gainesville, Fl Posts: 382	please help me decide which motor hey there I wanted to post this in the 67-72 forum because of the overwhelming knowledge over here. I started working on my '64 today and have no clue if the motor runs, it turns over freely with no noises and there is no sign of any leaks anywhere in the engine bay. It is the original 283 V8 and who knows how many miles, so today I just popped off the intake manifold to see what she looked like inside and realized that 3 pushrods are missing! there arent any metal shavings in the oil pan, or any signs that for some reason someone pulled the valve covers and removed them, there just gone????WTF anyways I need info on if this motor is worth rebuilding with some little extra goodies for a little pep or should I can the old 283 and get a different motor. If you suggest a different motor which one? __________________ Man I need another 67-72!!!

03-30-2005, 01:15 AM	#2
jhow66 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Knoxville Tenn. Posts: 3,058	Any 350--plenty of them out there.(cheaper then rebuilding the 283) __________________ 56 Chevy Bel-Air 2dr. HT (purchased new) 71 Chevy Cheyenne SWB PU (502HO) 65 GMC short bed step--work in progress and my gofer

03-30-2005, 12:13 PM	#3
VetteVet Msgt USAF Ret Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 8,709	Well it depends on how important originality means to you. If you are restoring the 64 and think it may be valuable when done then I would rebuild the 283. They are great old engines and very reliable when done right and treated right. If you want a hot rod and don't care about originality then I would go for a 350 since you can get more horsepower for less cost. Vettevet __________________ VetteVet metallic green 67 stepside 74 corvette convertible 1965 Harley sportster 1995 Harley wide glide Growing old is hell, but it beats the alternative.

03-30-2005, 12:36 PM	#5
HeavyD Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Wakaw, Sask, Canada Posts: 3,179	Maybe the pistons for a 283 are more expensive? I don't know this, just an idea. __________________ "You can take the man out of PA, but you can't take PA out of the man"

03-30-2005, 12:54 PM	#6
busterwivell Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Sahuarita, AZ USA Posts: 2,033	Look up the kits, I've never seen a 283 kit for the same (or less) than a 350, always more. If you're going to rebuild, do a 350, cheaper and more power (unless, like VetteVet said, you want a numbers matching, original truck) __________________ Bill - Tucson, AZ 47 Chevrolet 2 dr sedan 56 Chevrolet 210 2 dr sedan 66 Chevrolet Malibu 2 dr 4 speed 71 Chevrolet C30 Longhorn 86 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS (Sold) 01 Chevrolet Tahoe IM - BUSTERWIVE@aol.com

03-30-2005, 12:26 PM	#4
tnblazerk5 User #12137 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: kingsport,upper east tenn Posts: 11,598	why do you all say its cheeper to rebuild a 350 than a 283 ?

03-30-2005, 02:32 PM	#7
69ride All Go, No Show Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Creighton SK Posts: 286	I would rebuild the 283. EVERYBODY is running a 350. I'm not bashing and the 350 is a great motor this is JMO. __________________ 69 LWB Rebuilt 283, aluminum intake, edelbrock carb, Mild Melling Cam, HEI.

03-30-2005, 02:55 PM	#8
busterwivell Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Sahuarita, AZ USA Posts: 2,033	69ride, why? you'd spend more, and have less power? __________________ Bill - Tucson, AZ 47 Chevrolet 2 dr sedan 56 Chevrolet 210 2 dr sedan 66 Chevrolet Malibu 2 dr 4 speed 71 Chevrolet C30 Longhorn 86 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS (Sold) 01 Chevrolet Tahoe IM - BUSTERWIVE@aol.com

03-30-2005, 03:37 PM	#9
69ride All Go, No Show Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Creighton SK Posts: 286	For one I already have a 283 block and crank, rods etc. Second they are a great motor and it is something different. You can spend a little more money and really make the 283 have some get up and go. If I had a 350 instead of the 283 to start with then I would build the 350. __________________ 69 LWB Rebuilt 283, aluminum intake, edelbrock carb, Mild Melling Cam, HEI.

03-31-2005, 12:52 AM	#10
thisolechevy Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Gainesville, Fl Posts: 382	I'm with 69ride at this point it seems like everyone and their grandma has a 350 if I put another motor in her at all the 350 would probably be on eof the last...I dunno thanks for all of the comments though!! __________________ Man I need another 67-72!!!

03-31-2005, 11:13 PM	#11
thisolechevy Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Gainesville, Fl Posts: 382	ttt __________________ Man I need another 67-72!!!

03-31-2005, 11:24 PM	#12
Brainchild Still drivin' a Rat Rod Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Monett Missouri Posts: 4,925	This might help you decide. http://www.nastyz28.com/sbchevy/sblock.html#casting Like everyoe says depends on what you are going to use the truck for.283 is a tough motor IMHO.Just not as much power/torque as a 350,and the 350 is a lot easier to find parts for.Used stuff for a dime a dozen. __________________ Rusty Member #13872 Instead of saying.....you are a discomfort in the back of my front.....one should be able to say...... you are a pain in the a$# 71 GMC LWB 49 Chevy 85 Chevy G20 Check out my website

03-31-2005, 11:28 PM	#13
69 Short Fleet Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Kelowna B.C. Canada Posts: 1,086	I'd tear it down and rebuild it, I've got a 283 in my truck and LOVE it. Has some Edelbrock bolt on goodies and is a peppy engine. I like the fact that there not as common as the 350 (nothing wrong with a 350 mind you). I did some research a while back and as far as I know they made 4 different 283's with various HP ratings, the highest output 283 was available for the corvette... I believe it was around 215, 225 horse, not sure about the fuel injected ones though. Doug

03-31-2005, 11:32 PM	#14
67ChevyC10Stepside Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Butler PA Posts: 3,034	i would do the 283...original to the truck...gives it something different....everyone and their freakin brother just slaps in a stupid 350 __________________ 67 c-10, 400 SB, TH350, 4.10 gears, Blazer tank,camaro tach, sidemarker fuel fill (soon) WTB: stepside parts, 67 front end parts, 67 small window cab. posi for 3.73 or 4.10 for 12 bolt and 10 bolt.

03-31-2005, 11:47 PM	#15
SB_in_SC '68 C10 SWB/FS 396/TH400 Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: SC Posts: 90	My brother in law built a 64 with the 283. We put some hot heads and a big cam in it and it ROCKED! If you're not going to run it at the local drag strip, why not keep it? You'll still blow the doors off that jerk and his 'yota at the red light! Weigh the extra cost of the 283 parts against buying a new block and starting from scratch. The 1964 Chevelle 283 was listed as 220bhp and ALL 65's were listed @ 220bhp __________________ '68 Custom/10 w/396/TH400 matching #'s '00 C3500 Dually 454 Crew Cab '99 Chevy Tracker 4x4 (1 tuff little muther!)



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03-31-2005, 11:51 PM	#16
Drogster Stroke it! Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Juneau, Alaska Posts: 214	I say rebuild the 283. I've got a soft-spot in my heart for the 283's and the 327's that are out there, still rumbling along. I had one in my '66 BelAir, and it could really make that big-azz boat getup and rock. I loved it. __________________ Drog Nitrous is for those who don't know how to build.

04-01-2005, 12:08 AM	#17
jhwkns Registered Cruiser Join Date: May 2002 Location: Las Vegas NV Posts: 2,230	The 283 is a great engine. All but very few of them had forged cranks. Good strong blocks. They last forever. When I first bought my truck it had one in it. I didn't expect the engine to run, and didn't much care. I put over 50k miles on that wore out old 283 until finally the camshaft flattened so bad that it wasn't driveable. They're tough. Boring one .060 over is no big deal. A stock 283 is 3.875 bore by 3.0 stroke. The legendary 302 is 4.0 bore by 3.0 stroke. Hmmm... I'm thinking a .060 over 283 with some vortec heads, and a decent cam might be a lively little engine. __________________ I intend to live forever. So far, so good.

04-02-2005, 01:08 AM	#18
thisolechevy Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Gainesville, Fl Posts: 382	wow thanks for all of the info the motor!! I started doing resaerch and called our local machine shop today. And for roughly $1,200 the 283 would be sitting at the 300-320 horsepower mark, and if you ask me thats pretty darn good. Thats bore .60 over, .485 lift roller cam, vortec 68cc heads, edel. vortec performer intake, edel. carb. and some other goodies. __________________ Man I need another 67-72!!!

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