New Guy - 1967 C10

[JasonV]

Hey Guys,

I am a new guy to the forum. I have a 1967 Chevy C10. This truck was garaged for 19 years after my Grandfather passed away...I mean really garaged...the key wasn't turned for 18 years! I recently got it running..replaced many parts...new cooling system, new brakes etc...

Here is my question...The motor is original...has just over 200k on it. It runs pretty good, but i figure it will eventually have to be replaced or rebuilt. So that is the question. I figure I have 3 options:

1) rebuild current 283. After a couple of phone calls, different shops have told me it may cost 4-5 grand to rebuild it depending on what it looks like when they dismantle it.

2) Buy a rebuilt 283. Saw a Remanufactured 283 online for about $1,200.

3) Buy a new 350 crate engine.

I kind of want to keep the truck original (stock) if i can. Gonna fix it up for a cool weekend driver / cruiser.

What kind of advice can you offer me as to the engine options...would the rebuilt 283 be as reliable as a new crate engine? Does the 4-5 grand seem high to have the current engine rebuilt? Would the original 3 on the tree transmission and drive train be able to handle the additional torque of a 350?

any advice would be appreciated, as this is my first journey into the classic truck world.

Thanks.

[SuperC10Tex]

First. welcome from Texas!!

1.) rebuilding 283 for 4-5 grand is high!!

2.) look for rebuilt 283 if you want to stay "stock".

3.) 350 crate is a good option.."reliable"

My 70' has a 350 with a 3OTT, fun to drive if you like to get everything out of the engine. Great for a "weekend driver / cruiser", not for a daily driver. Main thing is.....drive it and enjoy it!!!

[Mr Chevorlet]

Hello and welcome to the club, the 283 is a good motor, if its rebuildable and the cylinder walls can be honed or bored 30.000 over i would rebuild it to keep it the same, as far as cost i am not sure but that sounds a little high.It depends on how much you can do on the rebuild yourself. But if you want to go with a crate 350 the 3 OTT will handle it with no problem.

[JasonV]

Here is a photo

[Mr Chevorlet]

heck drive it like it is until the motor dont want to give anymore

[loom34432]

Hey JasonV, welcome to the forum!! Great lookin' 67 you got!! I like that paint job, it's different lookin'.

[67ChevyRedneck]

Originally Posted by Mr Chevorlet

heck drive it like it is until the motor dont want to give anymore

The truck looks great in the pic! Love the colors too.

The truck may have 200K on it, but I HIGHLY doubt the 283 has 200K on it. It likely has been rebuilt (look down by the driver side motor mount of the block, that's where a lot of rebuilds have tags, my Mustang has a 289 that was rebuilt by Ford in the 80's and has the tag, as does the 350 in my C10) or it's been swapped. I would check the block #'s to be sure it's even a 283.

Again, it's not impossible, but highly unlikely that it hasn't been rebuilt at least once, so you may actually have a low mileage engine.

Drive it 'till it blows.

[vegadesign]

welcome and very nice truck!

[In The Ten Ring]

What a find! So glad you are able to enjoy it. I am a big fan of the 283 and wish my truck had one.

If it runs, enjoy it. Take your time to decide anything.

[54belair]

Great looking truck!
Since you know the history of the truck, and since it was your grandfathers', I think it would be very cool if you revived his truck--meaning engine as well (if possible). The old 283's--if taken care of, will run a long time. If the engine has been rebored Id be hesitant to bore it again. It will be reliable as ever at .030 or .040 over. In my youth Ive had many a 283 bored and until you get to the .060 mark they are ok. 60 over and they sometimes run into cooling issues.

Too bad youre on the left coast----here in the central states you can get a reliable rebuild about anywhere for around $1200.

[JasonV]

Thanks everyone for all the welcomes and comments on the truck. After doing a bit of research I did find an intake manifold and some other stuff in my grandfathers garage....my mom told me that he did in fact rebuild the engine at some time....she remembers him talking about "boring" the engine. Just not sure when it was rebuilt. Like I said, it runs pretty well...just drips oil on the driveway. Goal is to find out where it is leaking and see if it can be corrected. Any advice on where these engines commonly leak? Gonna check it out today.

[71sierragrande]

Great truck! Very interesting and unique color scheme, Ive never seen one like it. Pan gasket or valve covers are a good place to start looking for leaks, thats where most of mine comes from.

[Hardesty454]

After sitting for a couple of years (Let alone 19) seals dry up. Id recommend replacing the pan seal at the VERY least. If you have time and a little change you may consider timing cover seal, intake seal etc.

Great save, beautiful truck!
Keep us apprised of the fix!

[leftybass209]

I understand the needs and wants for originality. The 283 is a great motor as well. That being said, its obvious that a 350 can be made to look exactly like a 283, minus id numbers. You have lots of options, but if I were in your position id just run that motor into the ground. Who knows, you may squeeze another 50k out of it.
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[Tinkermc]

First off welcome to the forum. The 350 crate motor on the right coast can be had from dealers for under $1000.00 so if money counts I would look into that. If money is no problem I would rebuild the 283.

[JasonV]

Thanks for all the replies.

I recently changed the valve cover gaskets. I think the oil pan gasket is where much of the dripping is coming from...this will be my next task.

Thanks again.