Am I Crazy? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ND_guy · 08-16-2007, 09:54 PM

My K20 currently has an overhauled 400sb with less than 5000 miles. It runs great, pulls hard and hasn't given me any trouble. I should be happy and satisfied, right?

Well, last year I pulled a 283 out of a parts truck and that little v8 is all I can think about. Chevrolet quit building the 283 in 1967; I wasn't born for another 16 years after that. Can I be nostalgic for the 283, which I wasn't even around for?

I must be crazy because, last night I drug the 283 out of the shed and started the teardown. After an overhaul it will be going into the K20. Is this a bad choice?
The people I have asked already seem to be split down the middle.

Here is the vicitm

71swb4x4 · 08-17-2007, 01:43 AM

What are you hoping to accomplish? Is it just for the cool factor? Gas mileage? I doubt the 283 would help gas mileage much if any. Or do you have another project for the 400 to go into?
No matter what you do, that's a nice truck!!!

bowtier · 08-17-2007, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Am I Crazy?

Methinks SO.

But, I could think of a nice warm place for that 400 to live.

62 short step · 08-17-2007, 09:13 AM

I have a 283 in my 61 4x4, it does ok. Its a good little reving motor, but that 400 will have more torque than the 283 in a 4x4. I had a sm 420 4-speed in my truck and the 283 did good. Then I changed it out for a th 350 auto, and it sucked the power out of my little motor!

But anyways thats my 2 cents.

**Yukon Jack** · 08-17-2007, 11:03 AM

I think the loss of torque is going to be very noticeable. These trucks are heavy and torque sure helps offset that weight! I also think your mileage is going to go down since the engine has to work more to move that weight.

If neither of those things matters, go for it. Build it and have a blast doing it, not like you can't pull it out later and put the 400 back in.

ND_guy · 08-17-2007, 03:45 PM

Thanks for the input, I wasn't looking for an increase in mileage, just the cool factor. But.....
Last night in the tear down I found the water jacket is cracked on the pass side. I dont really want to deal with a JB welded block. So I will push it back in the shed for now and drive the 400.

I guess I should have looked the engine over better before I started this thread sorry guys

**Yukon Jack** · 08-17-2007, 04:05 PM

Dress the engine up and throw it in the living room, would make a nice conversation piece!

Musclerodz · 08-17-2007, 04:29 PM

the 400 that is in it now is much better suited for your rig than the 283.

Mike

Burt4x4 · 08-17-2007, 04:37 PM

Ya know....a 454 would look VERY COOL in that truck! If cool is what your after Go BIG!!!
YYYYYEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABBC

vtblazer · 08-19-2007, 07:06 PM

GO BURT, GO!

I have a 283 that was destined for my daughters blazer for the sole reason of "not having much power" but still being a V-8, so the sound would be there.

powerdriver 1958 · 08-25-2007, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yukon Jack

Dress the engine up and throw it in the living room, would make a nice conversation piece!

try something like this

vk_chevy · 08-25-2007, 11:37 PM

nd_guy, your truck looks real nice, I really like the stance with your lift and tires. As far as the engine goes, they look the same from the outside but I think you'll miss torque/power once you swith to the 283,

another thing to consider is dress up your current setup with original style valve covers/intake/ air clean etc... to give it more of that nostalgic look you seem to be after,

enjoy your truck and have fun doing mods

msgross · 08-26-2007, 06:56 AM

67 had 327's in the 4x4's as well didn't they? My 68 does.... Maybe keep an eye out for one of those....

**special-K** · 08-26-2007, 09:00 AM

I knew a guy with a 283 he put in a`77 K/30 4spd that kicked butt.Another freind had a`78 F250 w/400(not that they compare to a SBC) and they went at a follow me challenge.The Ford lost and that guy had the girls in his truck.You have gears,you have power.I`d consider that/At least it isn`t crazy.But,you`re lucky to have a 400,now.At least keep the 283 around for a replacement.I really like my 400/4spd in my truck.
I`m building a`67 shortbed 2wd from scratch.I already have a 350/TH350 for it and thetheme is use what I have.But,I found a deal on a complete just pulled original`68 327/TH400 and had to have it for the`67 just to give it more`67 flavor.It`s at the machine shop now.I`m using the TH350,though.I know where you`re coming from.

JameslovesJammie · 08-26-2007, 01:46 PM

You'll DEFINITELY miss the torque...especially with those tall tires.

72cheyennesuper20 · 08-26-2007, 02:07 PM

I rebuilt The number match 283 for my 1966 Impala, That I bought from my Grandma (The original owner) Rebuilding that motor was a huge waste of money time and effort. I should have placed the 283 in the shed like you did and rebuilt a 350. Nice truck.

scotto0609 · 08-28-2007, 11:55 AM

Slap 283 stickers on the 400 and add the oil fill and be done with it!!!!

72BlckButy · 08-28-2007, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yukon Jack

Dress the engine up and throw it in the living room, would make a nice conversation piece!

Agreed!

ND_guy · 08-29-2007, 03:27 PM

I like scotto0609 idea. Time to pick up some script valve covers and an oil fill. My chinesse chrome valve covers look like poop anyway.

**1971K54X4** · 08-29-2007, 04:25 PM

That's a great looking truck. The 400 is the better engine for it.

msgross · 08-29-2007, 06:48 PM

my 68 had 327 stickers on the valve covers.... I think LMC or truck shop sells them

can't really tell in this old pic but the left one is visible...

bhoeger70 · 09-08-2007, 09:42 AM

Great looking truck. I dont think that you would be all that dissapointed with the 283 in your truck, I had one in a 68 2wd with a muncie M20 about 20 years ago. It wasnt fast but it went OK revved nice and sounded great, gas milage wasn't any better than a 350 though about 18 I still have the block in the garage but it needs a crank.

08-16-2007, 09:54 PM	#1
ND_guy Tool Addiction=Money Shortage Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Grand Forks, ND Posts: 233	Am I Crazy? My K20 currently has an overhauled 400sb with less than 5000 miles. It runs great, pulls hard and hasn't given me any trouble. I should be happy and satisfied, right? Well, last year I pulled a 283 out of a parts truck and that little v8 is all I can think about. Chevrolet quit building the 283 in 1967; I wasn't born for another 16 years after that. Can I be nostalgic for the 283, which I wasn't even around for? I must be crazy because, last night I drug the 283 out of the shed and started the teardown. After an overhaul it will be going into the K20. Is this a bad choice? The people I have asked already seem to be split down the middle. Here is the vicitm __________________ 1967 K20 400TBI SM465/NP205 posi front, Detroit locker 4.56 rear Last edited by ND_guy; 08-16-2007 at 10:00 PM.

08-17-2007, 01:43 AM	#2
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: Am I Crazy? What are you hoping to accomplish? Is it just for the cool factor? Gas mileage? I doubt the 283 would help gas mileage much if any. Or do you have another project for the 400 to go into? No matter what you do, that's a nice truck!!! __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

08-17-2007, 09:13 AM	#4
62 short step Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Greenwell Springs, Louisiana Posts: 2,882	Re: Am I Crazy? I have a 283 in my 61 4x4, it does ok. Its a good little reving motor, but that 400 will have more torque than the 283 in a 4x4. I had a sm 420 4-speed in my truck and the 283 did good. Then I changed it out for a th 350 auto, and it sucked the power out of my little motor! But anyways thats my 2 cents.

08-17-2007, 11:03 AM	#5
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,684	Re: Am I Crazy? I think the loss of torque is going to be very noticeable. These trucks are heavy and torque sure helps offset that weight! I also think your mileage is going to go down since the engine has to work more to move that weight. If neither of those things matters, go for it. Build it and have a blast doing it, not like you can't pull it out later and put the 400 back in. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

08-17-2007, 03:45 PM	#6
ND_guy Tool Addiction=Money Shortage Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Grand Forks, ND Posts: 233	Re: Am I Crazy? Thanks for the input, I wasn't looking for an increase in mileage, just the cool factor. But..... Last night in the tear down I found the water jacket is cracked on the pass side. I dont really want to deal with a JB welded block. So I will push it back in the shed for now and drive the 400. I guess I should have looked the engine over better before I started this thread sorry guys __________________ 1967 K20 400TBI SM465/NP205 posi front, Detroit locker 4.56 rear

08-17-2007, 04:05 PM	#7
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,684	Re: Am I Crazy? Dress the engine up and throw it in the living room, would make a nice conversation piece! __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

08-17-2007, 04:29 PM	#8
Musclerodz Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 2,365	Re: Am I Crazy? the 400 that is in it now is much better suited for your rig than the 283. Mike __________________ Mike Redpath

08-17-2007, 04:37 PM	#9
Burt4x4 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 1,842	Re: Am I Crazy? Ya know....a 454 would look VERY COOL in that truck! If cool is what your after Go BIG!!! YYYYYEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABBC __________________ 1972 K5 MPFI454/Sm465/Np205/D60/14FFd/Re-Centerd H1s w/Swamper Iroks

08-19-2007, 07:06 PM	#10
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,538	Re: Am I Crazy? GO BURT, GO! I have a 283 that was destined for my daughters blazer for the sole reason of "not having much power" but still being a V-8, so the sound would be there.

08-25-2007, 11:37 PM	#12
vk_chevy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Olympia, WA Posts: 231	Re: Am I Crazy? nd_guy, your truck looks real nice, I really like the stance with your lift and tires. As far as the engine goes, they look the same from the outside but I think you'll miss torque/power once you swith to the 283, another thing to consider is dress up your current setup with original style valve covers/intake/ air clean etc... to give it more of that nostalgic look you seem to be after, enjoy your truck and have fun doing mods __________________ 72 Chevy C20 Longhorn 72 Chevy, K20 Custom Camper 67 Chevy, LWB, C20, 350/350, PS, PB, 65 Jag MKII

08-26-2007, 06:56 AM	#13
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: Am I Crazy? 67 had 327's in the 4x4's as well didn't they? My 68 does.... Maybe keep an eye out for one of those.... __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"

08-26-2007, 09:00 AM	#14
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,858	Re: Am I Crazy? I knew a guy with a 283 he put in a`77 K/30 4spd that kicked butt.Another freind had a`78 F250 w/400(not that they compare to a SBC) and they went at a follow me challenge.The Ford lost and that guy had the girls in his truck.You have gears,you have power.I`d consider that/At least it isn`t crazy.But,you`re lucky to have a 400,now.At least keep the 283 around for a replacement.I really like my 400/4spd in my truck. I`m building a`67 shortbed 2wd from scratch.I already have a 350/TH350 for it and thetheme is use what I have.But,I found a deal on a complete just pulled original`68 327/TH400 and had to have it for the`67 just to give it more`67 flavor.It`s at the machine shop now.I`m using the TH350,though.I know where you`re coming from. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

08-26-2007, 01:46 PM	#15
JameslovesJammie God Bless Mr. T Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Minot, ND Posts: 348	Re: Am I Crazy? You'll DEFINITELY miss the torque...especially with those tall tires. __________________ Like a midget at a urinal...sometimes you must stay on your toes.

08-26-2007, 02:07 PM	#16
72cheyennesuper20 Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Portland, OR. Posts: 414	Re: Am I Crazy? I rebuilt The number match 283 for my 1966 Impala, That I bought from my Grandma (The original owner) Rebuilding that motor was a huge waste of money time and effort. I should have placed the 283 in the shed like you did and rebuilt a 350. Nice truck.

08-28-2007, 11:55 AM	#17
scotto0609 Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: new york Posts: 226	Re: Am I Crazy? Slap 283 stickers on the 400 and add the oil fill and be done with it!!!!



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08-29-2007, 03:27 PM	#19
ND_guy Tool Addiction=Money Shortage Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Grand Forks, ND Posts: 233	Re: Am I Crazy? I like scotto0609 idea. Time to pick up some script valve covers and an oil fill. My chinesse chrome valve covers look like poop anyway. __________________ 1967 K20 400TBI SM465/NP205 posi front, Detroit locker 4.56 rear

08-29-2007, 04:25 PM	#20
1971K54X4 Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Manchester, Iowa Posts: 1,493	Re: Am I Crazy? That's a great looking truck. The 400 is the better engine for it.

08-29-2007, 06:48 PM	#21
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: Am I Crazy? my 68 had 327 stickers on the valve covers.... I think LMC or truck shop sells them can't really tell in this old pic but the left one is visible... Attached Images __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"

09-08-2007, 09:42 AM	#22
bhoeger70 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Grand Forks ND Posts: 434	Re: Am I Crazy? Great looking truck. I dont think that you would be all that dissapointed with the 283 in your truck, I had one in a 68 2wd with a muncie M20 about 20 years ago. It wasnt fast but it went OK revved nice and sounded great, gas milage wasn't any better than a 350 though about 18 I still have the block in the garage but it needs a crank.

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