Help me build a 283

I just picked up a 283 with a powerglide for $125 and went out and bought a sbc rebuild book, and read through that and im still not knowing how i wanna build it, i wanna try to build it as a good daily driver motor, so i dont need alot of power. I was planning to do a close to stock rebuild on it. I searched and didnt find too many threads on a 283 rebuild. This is my first engine build and i wanted some input from some of you guys on the subject. Pictures are always welcome so post up some pics of your 283 if you have any too.

Thanks for any input
Drew

P.S. Ill probably have pics coming soon

 

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=326999


http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=242405


2 good threads on 283

 

i'm surprised that a search for 283 didn't bring up any threads with useful information.

you didn't say what rebuild book you bought , the one that David Vizard wrote is an excellent one. as in any engine rebuild , the tear down is important to determine the condition of the parts ,help you decide what needs to be replaced and what machine work will be needed. mark your connection rods and caps so you can keep them in order. be careful when taking out the rods/pistons so you don't nick your crankshaft. check the bore for wear and taper in a couple directions and for ring ridge. if you need to bore i recommend going as little as you need to clean it up..leave your self another rebuild. chances are you will need a bore. measure each journal of the crank at least 3 directions for wear and any egg shape. if the crank is in good shape...and there is a good chance it is...you may not need to grind it

the cam/lifters/timing chain oil pump will most likely be junk....plan on replacing them. i suggest you go with a mild dual pattern cam , new stock oil pump and a double roller timing chain

find a good machine shop to do the boring if needed. have them bake it clean , magnaflux , bore and install new cam bearing and expansion/oil gallery plugs

have the heads checked...they will probably need new valve guides , hardened seats and possibly new valve springs. they should be magnafluxed and checked for any warping

have the rods checked for straightness , inside diameter and any eggshape. you may need them resized. new rod bolts are a good idea too

parts like pistons , rings , bearings gaskets are available from many sources..you will find that the prices can vary with the quality. check with your machine shop...sometimes they can give you the best deal


assembly is just the opposite of dis assembly...just be very careful and clean. torque everything to the proper torque

i'm sure i missed a few things , hopefully your book will have the info

here is a 283 i just did

 

good basic advice for sure.
good post.

Nice job on your 283" The valve covers are really nice!

 

36-3window, that is some really good information and i appreciate it greatly. BTW thats a very nice looking 283

 

There are a few things that will be different than the later engines but they are still a small block chev and for the most part what works on one works on the rest.

One issue may be if the engine is a two barrel engine you will be looking for better performing heads. Either power packs or the infamous camel hump heads with 194 intake valves will work. On issue you may run into with any of the older heads is having to install hard seats in the heads to get along with unleaded gas. The other being tadshat often those heads have had more than one valve job or are beyond worn out and will need extra machine work to bring them up to snuff.

Other than that cam selection to match the displacement and how you intend to drive the car. The early 70's Z28 spec hydraulic cams usually wake up a 283 pretty well and aren't expensive.
As 36 3Window said, use quality parts and use a top quality machine shop.

 

The 283 was the first engine I learned how to rebuild . It's really not hard at all . Just take your time and get a good manual . Remember to bag and tag the bolts so you know where they all go . You can always take some pictures and load on you computer for reference .
Good Luck with you build !

 

Thanks guys, ill try to get some pics up tonight. My block checked out as i think a 1962 on mortec. and the heads were also around the same era. The guy had pulled it from his 63 impala and before that it ran but smoked.

 

As promised here are some pics

 

Nice pics Drew,
That will make a nice one.
The small Chevy is easy to do,,,you will do a good job.
Those little engines really run good.

Tommy