Replace 283/Hydramatic With 350

[jrad]

How does anyone feel about replacing a stock 283 with a Hydramatic, with a 350/Turbo 400 in my '57 GMC....
The thing is, this is only a partial custom job...lowered suspension, upgrade to power/disc brakes in the front only, and change of color, new rims/ tires....BUT I have all stock parts...Will I regret changing the engine too? (more horse power, smoother shifting, alternator, fuel injected, fuel economy) or keep the stock motor/ trans. if it runs fine and just get a new manifold and 4 barrel edelbrock?
By the way, the 283 and hydramatic run fine, I'm just thinking I might want to do the work now, when it's just the frame...instead of 5 years from now

[ShamrockCustoms]

That issue could be debated for a long time. I am all for doing what YOU want, not worrying about anyone else. Now, if you want to keep it ALL original, keep it ALL original. If you want to go all out custom, then go for it. There are lots of in-betweens... All are cool in my opinion.

The 283 is a good motor. If this is a daily driver though, I would opt for the new motor/tranny for those same reasons you mentioned, BUT you could keep the 283, just swap transmissions. If you are not going to hot rod up the 350, and stay pretty stock, you should keep the original 283 and add some aftermarket pieces that you like. The 350 pieces will fit the 283......


In either case, good luck and show pictures!