Just for fun 283 what would you do?

[impalaboy9]

Alright guys here is the deal. I have a 305 in my truck cuz it was free and running well. This summer I want to pull the 283 out of my parts truck do my first engine rebuild and run the 283. I have a guy that knows what he is doing teaching me the first time around but the build is fairly open so I figured I'd solicit for opinions. There are a few stipulations..... 1) I bought a tunnel ram for it and am using it mostly for the novelty of having it 2) I have a set of sweet old school vette valve covers I want to run so no vortec heads 3)I'm going to the local swap meet this sunday so if you have part numbers I can try to find some of this stuff. 4) I also have a set of 305 "416" HO heads that I believe I heard run well with the 283. Open to any and all suggestions, nothing ridiculous this will be in my daily driver.

[blackedoutharley]

Take the tunnel ram (if you're set on running it) and have an Enderle bug catcher installed and then converted to EFI.

[Rich 5150 69]

Holley 390 cfm pn-0-8007, convert to a roller cam set up, ($$$$$) but well worth it, limit the overbore, ( overheat issues) limit the compression tp 9.5, add in HEI, look for a forged steel crank very wide parting line 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide, from 57 to 64 only, also had small hub for a balancer pn-3795272 used on all high performance, military, and 2.5 ton trucks and larger.

[k1rodeoboater]

there's a guy over on c10forum who turbocharged one...

[duallyjams]

Originally Posted by blackedoutharley

Take the tunnel ram (if you're set on running it) and have an Enderle bug catcher installed and then converted to EFI.

x2

[chevyrestoguy]

I'd warm it up a little bit, but not too radical that it can't be driven daily. Find an old GM dual quad intake, run the Carter WCFBs, and use the Corvette valve covers. Make it look like an old 'Vette motor.

A 283 is a great little engine, but it has it's limitations. It's not going to make a ton of power, but it can be built into a nice little runner. Our trucks are heavy beasts, and with a 283, you'll have to put a lot of rear gear into it to make it work.

To me, I'd build a dependable engine and drive the wheels off of it and have a blast.

[impalaboy9]

Ya dependability is key. Basically I just wanted a little lope out of the cam run the tunnel ram and vette valve covers for the look. It wont be heart stopping fast but my 64 impala is pretty dang quick so I got that department covered.

[kc0kfg]

I doubt you are going to like the tunnel ram on the street, by the time you get that into its power band that 283 is going to be out of its range.

What I mean is the Tunnel ram is built for power in higher Rpm's.you need it in the bottom end of the power band to get all that mass moving.

Don't hate me, I am the first to use what I have but these trucks love torque,

My advice, sell The 283 and the tunnel ram, pick up a tpi 350 from a 88 up c/k truck and build that motor.

[kc0kfg]

[60ratrod]

or just use the tunnel ram as wall art

[Rannos]

Originally Posted by impalaboy9

Ya dependability is key. Basically I just wanted a little lope out of the cam run the tunnel ram and vette valve covers for the look. It wont be heart stopping fast but my 64 impala is pretty dang quick so I got that department covered.

If sound and drivablitiy are more a concern then winning races I would look into one of the Comp Cams Thumpr series camshafts. Hydraulic or hydraulic roller. they work with moderate compression make decent power and you wouldn't have to zing the motor to 7,000rpm. A lil 9to1 283 with a set of the 390 holley's on a tunnel ram would be peppy and be decently dependable if your up to tuning dual carbs. Plus you don't have to run a huge stall converter either. I would run the 279 thumpr. Comp says stock converter is ok but recommends a 2000rpm stall for best performance. This set up will sound really nice give you a decent boost in power to low 5k rpm range and can be step up on most stock sbc heads as its under .480 lift. Also you can buy the complete cam kit (cam, lifters, springs, retainers and valves seals) for under $350. Pick up a set of push rods and either roller rockers or long slot stamped steel rockers and you would have a nice lil motor.

[glos55]

I agree with kc0kfg.

[impalaboy9]

Thanks rannos, that sounds pretty decent for what I'm trying, also the tunnel RAM is just a single quad I had the opportunity to buy a dual quad but let's face it gas is never going to go down in price
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[Heater63]

I agree with kc0kfg

Save the 283 for a light car
Lose the tunnel ram- it's a race item
Use a 350 or even 383 stroker.
You need torque and some cu. in.

If you want to spend $$$ build a 292 L6 like me !
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[John Gilbert]

I had a 301 in a '59 'Vette, 283s love to be punched out to 301-inches, they rev like crazy! Back in the day a strong 301 would stay with a 327 all day long.