*If this has been covered before, please feel free to let me know what to search for... I'm coming up empty on the searches I've tried. How much torque can you reasonably expect out of a mild 283 compared to a mild 350? I have one of each, and both in running condition. I know the 350 is more cubes and longer stroke, but the 283 (from a 67 Impala) is just so much cooler looking and more in-line with the traditional flavor* I want this car to have. I have this 52 Chevy Fleetline that I'm pretty much just getting started on. The car will probably be more custom than rod, but I still would like to horse it around a little. I already have a Super T-10 and a 12-bolt posi waiting to be installed. They say you buy horsepower, but you drive torque... and I know torque is more fun on the street... especially in a heavier car like my Chevy. I did have a 283 in my previous 52 Chevy, but it was way worn out and running through a mushy TH350, so I can't really use that for a real comparison to the 350/Muncie that was in it when I sold it. To keep matters a bit more complicated, I'm considering keeping the 350 as a spare motor for my daily beater pickup. *I say traditional flavor, because this won't be a period perfect car. (See trans & rear axle info above.) Expect an alternator and probably radials... so dressing the 350 to have the earlier vibe wouldn't be out-of-character here.
Lets see some pics of the new ride!!!!! I vote 350 cause I may need the 283 for the 32 if I dont find a flatty for cheap
My father's '56 Chevy has a bored-out 283 (about 299 ci IIRC)mated to a close-ratio T-10 and the original rear axle (3.73 ratio?) and it seems to have plenty of torque for cruising.
Not much to look at, but... If I do keep the 350 in the car, I'll prolly harvest some of the cool stuff off of the 283 (bracketry, cooling fan, valve covers, points dizzy, etc.) to stick on the 350.
Honestly, no one will know about the t10 and rear end, but with a front fill intake (from a 283), chevrolet script valve covers and a powemaster generator lookalike most people wont be able to tell the difference between the 283and the 350, unless they look for a road draft tube....
It's true that I could make the 350 look passable to all but the purists... I guess the heart of the matter is whether or not I should put the 283 in the Fleetline and keep the 350 for if/when my 89 pickup gets too many miles on it.
Its going to have a hood on it and ac, and power steering . You will need more power to run the compressers for the bags, all that billit stuff . So go with the 350. I have a BOP 350 auto with a lockup. (overdrive) if you need it. Just kidding but I do have the trans..
Just my input but I would put the 283 in the 52 and keep the 350 for your truck because you will need more torque in the truck for when you bring your next project home on the trailer or tow strap. Put the 283 in the old coupe, it will get decent gas milage and still leave the 350 for the truck!!!
1.1 ft-lb of torque per cubic inch is a good figure for mild to moderate street engines. You do the math.
I'm with Danny....if you're going with A/C and alternator, then I'd go with the extra cubes....especially in a car that size.
Alright... I guess it's the 350 for the Fleetline... but I might go ahead and stick the 283 in it just to get it on the road, while I build the 350 for a little more grunt. Hmmmm... 350 cubes could take advantage of 8 barrels.... Danny-- you know I want that auto... NOT!
how's that gonna help him...the holes won't line up on the bellhousing plus he'd have to wire up a lockup switch/sensor for that bastard. no fun there
since when do BOP fit everything...never heard that. only know about the dual pattern ones from the late 70's working for everything.
I'd go with the 283, but that's just me. Of course, a 350 that looks just like a 283 is almost just as good.
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