Save a 283 or replace it with a 350 crate?

I have a 283 (not original) in my 55 Chevy and it has some issues,I think it needs an overhaul, should I overhaul the 283 or just go with a 350 crate and call it good? it is backed with a Turbo 350 transmission.
I am not looking for huge power just reliability and a solid cruiser.
let me here from ya!

 

i like 283's..actually i love them

i say rebuild and keep it , but it's up to you. keep in mind that it will cost just as much to rebuild it as a new chevy goodwrench 350

 

It may not be the popular answer here, but unless your capable of doing much of the work yourself, it would be cheaper to go with the crate engine. Try this link...

http://www.sdparts.com/

 

Voted 283, just neat to have something different. It should be just as reliable after an overhaul, which shouldn't cost more than the 260HP goodwrench engine. I know the 350 would make more torque, but if you're interested in cruising, then the 283 should give you more 'range'.

 

283

 

I have a 283 at the machine shop right now.

 

I have a soft spot for those 283.......have a 30 over 283 in a 55 and love it when I go around those bigger motors in other rides with my little motor....lol. Good luck.

 

Maybe you could just "freshen up" the 283 with new rings on a hone job, and new bearings and seals. As long as the cylinder walls aren't tapered or worn too bad, and the crank and rods are still good, you should be able to freshen that up with a $300 kit from summit or something. I've done that to several motors with great success. Last motor I did was a 289 out of a '67 Mustang. It cost me less than 300 bucks with a kit from PAW and it runs great. Been running great for over 5 years.

Besides, with gas prices constantly on the rise, a 283 has a lot of merit.

 

If you have to ask buy the 350 and sell the 283 to someone who will appreciate it!

 

I'm with Fast Elvis. I've got a 283 in one of my cars, and I used to piss off the guys with big blocks when I passed them at the end of the quarter. You can rev the hell out of those things when built right.

 

It sure sounds better when you say "im running a 283" and even better with a muncie behind it. But think about it ,a new crate motor, or a rebuild 283. If money wasnt a issue, id go with the crate.

 

I have a pair of 283's set aside for my '32. Whichever is best when I tear them down, is going in it. I'm thinking I can get away with a $300 "rebuild" like mentioned above.

I also have a 1969 300hp 350. I'm saving it for something with no character.

JH

 

283.

 

nope, not me.
stick a 350 in it and make it look like a 283.
don't forget to put the cannister oil filter on it and the small ballancer and the dinky-ass heads.......

 

The rod world needs another 350 crate motor like we need more politicians!! 283 all the way!!

 

283 is the only wat to go.
plus a little better gas mileage

 

I pulled the tired 283 out of my daily driver Suburban, and for $1300 bought a new GM crate 350 (with a nice warranty), and dressed it out like a 327; chrome factory valve covers, ram's horns, Edelbrock C3B intake with fill tube, open element air cleaner.

For me, cost was a factor, power, it's a heavy truck, I drive it daily, and it has a warranty. I doubt I could have done a REAL rebuild on the stocker, with new cam, valves, pistons, everything, for the same price.

I've got the engine tucked away, in case I ever want to build a drag car with it.

All that being said, when I start on my '56 Chevy, it'll get the '57 283 I've got under the bench, with '57 Fuelie heads with 9-fin Corvette valve covers, and factory 2x4 intake. For that one, I can live with trade offs.

-Brad

 

283 without question. Proper rebuild with the right parts without spending alot of cash and that 283 can be made to smoke a 350 and probably last longer doing it AND give you better mpg.Plus you have the advantage of telling the guy you just blew off that it's only a 283. Great motor that lasts for damn near ever. Just my .02

 

I was faced with the same problem a few years back. Rebuild the 283 that had been in my 40 Ford coupe ( since ... it ... was a new crate engine ) OR buy a 350. I went with the 283 ... because the old 40 transmission and rear end did not NEED the torque of a 350.

In your case ... I believe I would just buy a new 350 ...

 

Amen !!!!!!!!!!!! Crate motors are for the chainers!!!!
Build the 283.

 

I say junk the 283, and send it to me. If you go for this I'll be glad to send a call ticket for it.

 

283 all the way

 

350 - go for the power. Donate the 283 to someone with a 2500 lb car.

 

You are less likely to have oil leaks and such with a new crate motor with modern day engineering! Sell the 283 to someone who wants it and order the crate!

 

283, .060 over with forged pistons (TRW still makes 'em), Duntov cam (I know, it's outdated technology--if you want modern technology, sell your old junk and buy a new Corvette), power pack heads with the intake ports opened up for 1.84 valves from an '80s 305, an early Edelbrock C4B or Weiand dual plane intake, and some early Corvette, Edelbrock, or finned no name valve covers. If you've never rebuilt an engine, this would be an excellent time to learn.

 

YEAH, what he said

 

283 in my 35 Ford...
It was built back in 1990 ( not by me ) with TRW forged pistons, single hump heads, Edelbrock cam & Street master manifold & carb. Runs great, doesn't use a drop of oil and get's over 20mpg on the hwy.
I dig this little mouse.

 

Oh, I almost forgot--splurge and have it balanced.

 

Same here. Bored .030 or .040 can't remember, brass freeze plugs and hardened valve seats are in the works. I'm doing it not only because its the only small block we had on hand, but it had the "road draft" tube provisions to help date the motor as being older. Any average joe can order a crate motor out of a catalog, 283's have more character. I've heard storys of people winding properly built ones 5 digits.
Ratty55

 

283