Have an opportunity to pick up a free 283 block. Don't have any real plans for it right now but might make it a fun father/son build over the winter. I'm told the block is a '57 283. Other codes and numbers on the block are: GM over 3731548 H followed by a T (with a dash above it) followed by a 6 548 D2557 Block looks to be in decent shape, I just want to determine if I want to drive 90 minutes each way to pick it up. Can't tell from pix if it has a spin on oil filter or not. Thanks in advance for any insight provided!
casting number looks 57 ish, the casting date with the 57 at the end looks 57 ish, too. there's a picture of one on the internet, no side mount bosses
A '57 block would have a canister filter, not a spin on. As already mentioned no side engine mounts. About a traditional as they come, a great start for a period perfect hot rod engine.
The one in our recently acquired 57 wagon # F1118GF has a canister filter and the three side mount bosses on each side. One source says it was a fuelie but I doubt that.
Last three digits in casting number...548, found on drivers side of bellhousing flange should be a '57 283. Yes, no side mounts but can be used anyway.
I understand there were some 265s installed in some '57 Chevys. How do you tell the difference between a '57 265 and a 283 without opening it up to measure the bores? Did the 265 and 283 each use a different block casting number? I see 283s without side mount pads for sale every now and then but I wonder how many are really 265s with '57 numbering.
i have seen the PQQR ol 57 with 265's and 283 side mounts ( but still bolted ) the normal way up front.... ya ya i know there are / were stories of GM using what they had .... and yes they (the PQQR ol 57's) could have suffered from SWAPS. and certainly dealer replacements for the late builds ...
1958 was the first block with provisions for side motor mounts. The '55-'57 blocks had no bosses cast in or any tapped holes to accommodate side engine mounts, front mounts only. I've had 2 of the '57 283 blocks and both were smooth where you'd normally expect to bolt on side mounts. Both had a 3.875" bore, they weren't 265 blocks.
Regarding the 57, 265's. The BASE V-8 engine for 57 was a 265, only came as a 2 barrel, and only with manual 3 speed transmissions. The 283 was used with ALL automatics, Powerglides, Turboglides, and the cast iron, dual range Hydramatics when used in trucks. The 57 265 and 283 blocks share the same casting number; they could be bored to either specs that way. Most guys think since the 283 came out in 57, that that's all that was available, not so. Dito on the no side mounts and cannister oil filter, for both the 57 265 and 283. I am Butch/56sedandelivery.
Thanks Butch, that clears up another old wives tale. Good to know that the 265 blocks will go to 283. If they share the same casting, will a solid 265 go to 292? 301?
I've always wondered why Chevrolet went from using sidemounts on theirs cars with inline sixes, up to 1954 and switch to front mounts for three years and then back to the sidemounts.
They did? The early sixes I've owned were front mounts, but they were pre-1950s. I don't remember side mounts for sixes until about '62.
That's right! Who can forget their hit singles; "Take a ride in my (pu) bed" and "Oil feel better when you're gone" RIP Swinging Pickups. (OK - back to work...)
Just for clarity; this is a 55, 265 engine. No block mounted oil filter or starter motor pad (that began in 57 with both the 265 and 283 blocks), and of course, no side mounts. "Swingin' Pickups"? Is that oil pickups, trucks, or girls? I am Butch/56sedandelivery.
Just for clarity; this is a 55, 265 engine. No block mounted oil filter or starter motor pad (that began in 57 with both the 265 and 283 blocks), and of course, no side mounts. "Swingin' Pickups"? Is that oil pickups, trucks, or girls? Cannister oil filter arrived in 56. I am Butch/56sedandelivery.
Just for clarity, this is a 55, 265 engine; no block mounted oil filter or starter motor pad (that began in 57 with both the 265 and 283 blocks), and of course, no side mounts. "Swingin' Pickups"? Is that oil pickups, trucks, or girls? Cannister oil filter arrived in 56. I am Butch/56sedandelivery.
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