1970 350 vs. 1978 350 ???

[57taskforce]

Larry has an excellent point about cost of rebuilding vs. buying new. Machine work ain’t cheap. Neither are quality rebuild parts…

However that little 283 is what I’d probably go with in this case. There’s just something cool and different about it. In the performance world, it doesn’t take that much to make them scream like a bat out of hell.

[Steeveedee]

One of my high school buddies bored the 283 in his '60 Chevy out enough to get a "302" out of it. That was one high-winding mouse, I can tell you. He was replacing generators all the time because he was revving them well beyond design specs. One thing I used to do on any engine that I was going to run at high RPMs was to install a large pulley on the alternator. That's also a little speed trick, since not spinning that mass up to speed leaves more torque for the ground. Every little bit helps.

[MT65]

Originally Posted by 57taskforce

Larry has an excellent point about cost of rebuilding vs. buying new. Machine work ain’t cheap. Neither are quality rebuild parts…

However that little 283 is what I’d probably go with in this case. There’s just something cool and different about it. In the performance world, it doesn’t take that much to make them scream like a bat out of hell.

Do a price check on the parts for the 283 against the 350…you’re gonna find it more expensive for the 283 parts..good parts…I have a good friend who owns a machine shop who verified this for me….

[SCOTI]

Nostalgia 'aint cheap.

[special-K]

People pay more for what they want. A person who doesn't want a 283 wouldn't see sense in spending even as much on one as a 350. A person who does want a 283 will be happy to know the rebuild will cost less than most other engines. We are all spoiled by the reasonable cost of owning a SBC compared to anything else, especially a 350. You look around the old car hobby and you won't be saying a 283 is expensive to build. We all run what pleases us. Dave can decide for himself.

Wanting a 283 isn't only about nostalgia. It isn't for me, that's for sure. Those who know Chevy motors know they were, therefore still are, great engines. Those who don't have nostalgia for them or care about small block heritage should at least be aware that the 350 is what it is because only because of the first SBCs. Ironically, cubes got bigger due to emissions standards. A 283 can spin serious HP, they powered heavy duty trucks and all sorts of machinery, and I believe they outlast 350s. For certain you can't get the power AND economy from a 350 you can from a 283. Depending on your goal, there are actual practical reasons to want a 283 over a 350. One is economy. People whine about the cost of gas but still think bigger is better. The less it costs to drive our trucks the more we can drive them.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by special-K

People pay more for what they want. A person who doesn't want a 283 wouldn't see sense in spending even as much on one as a 350. A person who does want a 283 will be happy to know the rebuild will cost less than most other engines. We are all spoiled by the reasonable cost of owning a SBC compared to anything else, especially a 350. You look around the old car hobby and you won't be saying a 283 is expensive to build. We all run what pleases us. Dave can decide for himself.

Wanting a 283 isn't only about nostalgia. It isn't for me, that's for sure. Those who know Chevy motors know they were, therefore still are, great engines. Those who don't have nostalgia for them or care about small block heritage should at least be aware that the 350 is what it is because only because of the first SBCs. Ironically, cubes got bigger due to emissions standards. A 283 can spin serious HP, they powered heavy duty trucks and all sorts of machinery, and I believe they outlast 350s. For certain you can't get the power AND economy from a 350 you can from a 283. Depending on your goal, there are actual practical reasons to want a 283 over a 350. One is economy. People whine about the cost of gas but still think bigger is better. The less it costs to drive our trucks the more we can drive them.

You keep all the 283's & I'll balance it out by taking the 350's.
I won't think for one second regarding the difference in any efficiency (economy ) variance when it comes to the cost of gas. I'm def not 'one of those whiners'....

Again, nothing wrong w/a 283.... I just don't buy-in to the hype..

[jimijam00]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

You keep all the 283's & I'll balance it out by taking the 350's.
I won't think for one second regarding the difference in any efficiency (economy ) variance when it comes to the cost of gas. I'm def not 'one of those whiners'....

Again, nothing wrong w/a 283.... I just don't buy-in to the hype..

I don't buy into the 350 "hype", so you can keep those. Some of us prefer big blocks.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by jimijam00

I don't buy into the 350 "hype", so you can keep those. Some of us prefer big blocks.

I will & keep them..... w/my big-blocks.

I'm not scared to have each. More than one. I have a couple 400ci sbc's as well so there's that.

[special-K]

Sounds like someone is buying into the bigger is better hype. I wouldn't know how to buy into hype. I am a man of my own mind. Why be hating on 283s? I'll keep my 350s AND would like to have a 283. I like them all. My first post was all about 350s. It's not a black & white world. Watch a B&W TV, it's all shades of grey. I don't get either/or thinking when there is no limit to great options. Like I said, I don't care what Dave uses. I also don't mind people with other suggestions. He's getting some great info here.

[67 twins]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Nostalgia is great but that doesn't mean it makes sense.

We are talking about trucks so the additional crank stroke & cubes of a 350 w/the right choice in heads = more torque. Additional torque is a difference maker when doing truck stuff. There's absolutely nothing wrong w/a 283. If his current engine was in a good state of repair, I wouldn't swap a 350 just to have a 350. But if it's worn & wounded, upsizing to the 350 makes sense here.

He can continue to utilize what's currently there while building the next power-plant. If he's buying an extra sbc to build, building for increased torque makes more sense than the nostalgia of being able to say "It's a 283".

First off apologies to the OP for derailing this thread.

I know you'll probably give me huff for this post as well but here goes. I also know not everyone has this option. If I need more for doing truck stuff as you put it, I'll get my 3/4 ton with 292, 4 speed & 4.57 rear gears. Use that torque multiplication and the better torque curve of that six to get the job done.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by special-K

Sounds like someone is buying into the bigger is better hype. I wouldn't know how to buy into hype. I am a man of my own mind. Why be hating on 283s? I'll keep my 350s AND would like to have a 283. I like them all. My first post was all about 350s. It's not a black & white world. Watch a B&W TV, it's all shades of grey. I don't get either/or thinking when there is no limit to great options. Like I said, I don't care what Dave uses. I also don't mind people with other suggestions. He's getting some great info here.

I buy good deals, not hype. Vintage '69 350/350 combo for a couple hundred bucks? I'd snag it. Free 400sbc? I snagged it.

[dave6672]

Thanks for all responses. The 283 in this truck is tired and if it was the original engine (it is not), I would definitely rebuild it.

The 70 and 78 engines that I originally posted about are off the table now for different reasons (lack of desirability on the 78 and price on the 70) However I have come across a freshly rebuilt 1972 350 from a Monte Carlo at a reasonable cost, which is OK since I'm short on time these days and getting one that's already done is helpful. Plus the owner has provided internal pics, etc. of the work and he's has been a good person to talk to and deal with, which mean a lot. I'm not after a powerful engine, just a smooth runner that's happy in town or on the road. Here's a couple of pics - he's a boat guy so he painted the carb and fuel pump black out of habit, he said, because he doesn't like oxidation.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by dave6672

Thanks for all responses. The 283 in this truck is tired and if it was the original engine (it is not), I would definitely rebuild it.

The 70 and 78 engines that I originally posted about are off the table now for different reasons (lack of desirability on the 78 and price on the 70) However I have come across a freshly rebuilt 1972 350 from a Monte Carlo at a reasonable cost, which is OK since I'm short on time these days and getting one that's already done is helpful. Plus the owner has provided internal pics, etc. of the work and he's has been a good person to talk to and deal with, which mean a lot. I'm not after a powerful engine, just a smooth runner that's happy in town or on the road. Here's a couple of pics - he's a boat guy so he painted the carb and fuel pump black out of habit, he said, because he doesn't like oxidation.

Sounds like a decent score.

[Grumpy old man]

I'm looking for another small block 350 what did they want for the 1970 , They are getting hard to find around here . ?

[special-K]

There you go. Smart shopper! The right one came and found you. But don't go and shoot that 283 whatever you do

[dave6672]

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

I'm looking for another small block 350 what did they want for the 1970 , They are getting hard to find around here . ?

They wanted $1000 and it’s condition was unknown so I would’ve had to spend time and money to go through it. Didn’t pay that much more for the one I bought.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by dave6672

They wanted $1000 and it’s condition was unknown so I would’ve had to spend time and money to go through it. Didn’t pay that much more for the one I bought.

I wish them good luck getting $1k for a used sbc regardless of size that's not in a vehicle.

[special-K]

Wow, a thousand dollars!! I kind of want to laugh and kind of want to cry. How sad to think a person could ask that much

I sold two early 350 4-bolts in the last couple years that were of unknown condition. I was going to ask a bit more, but I got caught with my pants down. Rather, caught with the engines outside and uncovered when a surprise downpour came along. Only being able to drain, put fresh oil in, and spin slowly I listed them for $100@ for quick sale advising the buyer an immediate teardown was required. I was figuring on asking $300 before that. Pay $1,000 for one to rebuild is going to be an expensive motor any way you do it. That seller is pushing his buyers into a crate engine

[duallyjams]

My 68 has the original 327, it's easy on gas and it does run good ( HEI / rebuilt Q-jet ) but sometimes it does lack in having enough torque. A larger cubic inch engine will burn more fuel but will have more torque, that's what you need to move a heavy vehicle like a truck. The 350 that you found is a good option and will work great for your application, I'm sure you will very pleased with it.