283 Chevy Engines...are they worth very much nowadays??

I tried selling my running 283 with power pac heads for 500. No takers ,got it down to 100, still no offers or interest. Gave it to some one here on the H.A.M.B.

 

Like I posted I sold a short block core for $200. I did have to guarantee that the block wasn't cracked. I can sell any type of running small block chevy engine. If its where It can be started and they can hear it run I can sell it. Its all about the presentation and how its represented. The grease ball setting in the corner that isn't running is a pig in a poke. A power washed painted engine on a stand with water and the oil pressure guage hooked up. running through quiet mufflers. Where they can hear it run for thirty minutes will sell pronto.

 

Right now i'm into 4.3 v-6's; So i'm into small cube engines (as well as the big brutes). One advantage the 283 has over the 262 v-6 is smoothness----the 4.3's don't idle very smooth at all---especially the pre-balance shaft ones. i don't think they are as smooth as v-8s above idle either.

This is the one reason why i would consider them---you could get decent mpg's and a smooth/quiet mill.

So i would say, if you're trying to making money, or are a hoarder/collector, or want a 283, then yes gram them up as soon as you see them, because they are not easy to find vs. a 305 which you can't GIVE away. Or a 350 which you can find anywhere/anytime.

 

Have a 283 and picked up a set of 305 HO (601. 1.84 intake) with fresh valve job. What is a good head gasket to use?

 

You can search head gaskets on Summit by bore size. Most head gaskets are made for 4" bore or larger but there's the odd one that is smaller.

 

Use FP #7733PT2 Regular SBC gasket.

 

I ordered a re-ring kit for my 283 and used the head gaskets that came in the kit.

 

He's not the cheapest guy, but Al at Gasket City in Canada has always been able to come up with odd-ball gaskets for me. He had correct bore size gaskets for a 383 Chrysler I did some years back. And also had gaskets for a 4 cylinder Chevy II I just recently did. Gene.

 

If they're good, able to be bored or re ringed, grab 'em. Personally, I'm really happy to see so many guys wanting to use the old motors, without coming out with the tired "junk it and get a 350" talk. I'm always tempted to say "350? who cares?" yep, i've had 2 of 'em in rods so i can say so. (forgot to mention, I now have a 307 in an elco, you wouldn't believe the goofballs that say they never heard of one, is it a reworked 350, am I sure its a chevy motor, etc.)

 

Like 283's--great old trouble free motors. Just picked up a fresh one with all adapter stuff to early Ford trans complete with clutch PP disc starter etc. Had a 40 a few yrs back with a stock 283 with a 2bbl hooked to stock driveline. What a sweet driver! Quiet and smooth too.

 

Ancient thread but to keep current prices in Perspective I paid $300 for a rebuilt 283 within the last year

 

Are you still sitting there?...go get em

 

I have two running cars with '57 283 engines. Both have power pack heads, one has a Duntov 097 solid lifter cam and the other one has a Engle hydraulic cam. Great little simple engines. I know I'll never wear them out.

 

Just got a call today from a scrapyard owner buddy of mine. 283 that turns over for free.
Just a 2 1/2 hour drive each way. Heading out next Sunday to pick it up along with a few old C70 Hondas.
Grandpa died and the family had him come over to haul it all away.

 

If they were decent cores I'd pay the money and throw in case of beer of the sellers preference. To me they are like the Ford flathead V8s, the early hemi's, any Ford FE. Jewels from their time and when they're gone, they're gone.