...heads and dual quads (at least that's what the guy said it is) as I was out looking to buy another car. The guy said that it was rebuilt about 8 or 10 years ago and was driven approx. 3000 miles before it was pulled out of the car. The Block casting number is 3731548 and the heads are 3731539. Of course I asked if it was for sale and he told me to make him an offer. I really don't NEED it, but before I make him an offer, I figured I'd see if there was someone interested out in HAMB-land. If so, PM me, email me at oldhotrodder1@yahoo.com or call me at 912-278-1314 anytime from 8 a.m. till 9 p.m. Eastern time ***I'm editing this after a bunch of input. Thanks to all who are bringing me up to speed on this. In reality, I'm a darn good paint and body guy,, but I'm really trying to learn the engine specifics, so THANKS to all!!!
Those wcfb carbs are not totally correct, or the front one anyway. The cast iron base will be "thin" on the vette ones, all others were a thicker cast iron base. What are the carb lid and bowl numbers? If the bowls are not 1049 or 049, they are not true vette carbs. IF the lid number is 1271, its probably the 57 chevy 1x4 carbs. Vettes had 1299 lid numbers.
I could tell you all thats not quite right here, but no matter. I will say thats a vette dual/four set-up. On 57 Passenger car...dual/four would be either 245 or 270 hp. I've got the books if you need some "for sure" facts. Funny...I used to know all these numbers. Now? Not so much.
The intake, return spring tabs, and fuel filter seem correct and possibly the rear carb. The correct front carb never had a choke, or provisions for one. Also the brass bowl vent tubes that cross over the top are not there. Numbers tell everything...
As previously implied, the one horsepower per cubic inch in '57 was a fuel injected engine, the dual quad would have been 245 horse for the hydraulic lifter and 270 for the solid lifter engine.
It is a correct 1957 283 block...as far as being a fuelie motor, I'd want to know what the suffix code is. The heads are correct for a single 4 brl and also for fuel injection. The heads are not correct for a 2x4 carb setup...that would be 997 heads...the 997 heads are also correct for a fuelie motor though...I know, confusing....depends on which cam came with it. As it is now, it is not a 283/283 motor.
Looks like a bunch of mismatched parts. Your block was the last to be made without side mount holes. Date and casting code will tell what it came out of; either car, vette or truck. Heads are small valve. Carbs are not right for a 57. NOT a "fuelie" engine......sorry