Thread: Re-Ringing my 283

Tweet

Okay I think I have this figured out. I have a 283 SB that I just Tore Down for the first time. The pistons have a 060 stamped on the top of them, so i'm assuming that means the cylinders are bored .060 over. If that is correct its not a 283 but a 292, with a 3.935" Bore and a 3.00" stroke. I'm looking at a re-ring kit from Summit Racing and they want to know bore size, rod bearing undersize and main bearing undersize. I know the bore is .060 over but how do i figure out the other two? One more thing, the heads i have are casting # 3795896 1963-65, 60cc chamber cast iron heads. I've heard something about soft valve seats, how do I know if mine are soft? Are soft valve seats bad? Can I freshen up my heads or do I have to take them to a shop, what is involved with a head re-build? Thanks,
mike

Pop a bearing out of a rod or main cap, they're stamped on the back, .010, .020, etc. Your heads are too old to have hardened seats. They won't last real long on unleaded fuel. I've had them go 30K miles before they pound out, though. The ones you have aren't worth the expense of installing inserts, and I don't have much luck with them, anyway. Find a newer set that are factory hardened.

Okay i'll check on the bearings, with the heads, i'm on a tight budget so should i look for new ones or some from another small block? Are the prices that much different? I just want a mild street engine that drives reliable but that will get up and take off if I want to. What heads would be best for that? Thanks alot!
mike

mike, you're in the same boat as a lot of other members are or have been in the past.

The little Chevy is already 0.060" over and the cylinder walls are probably tapered as well as having a ridge at the top of the bore. By the time you ridge ream it and hone it, the bore is probably gonna be too sloppy for the pistons.

The other problem is the heads. You're gonna have to spend a bundle to bring 'em back to life with guides, hard seats, springs and planin' 'em to get 'em flat.

I'd at least consider findin' a '73 to '85 small block 305 or 350 from another vehicle. Hook a battery up to it and spin it over with the spark plugs removed and the carb butterfly wired open. If it shows better than 130-140 psi on all cylinders, buy it. $250 or less should seal the deal. You'd spend a whole lot more than that on the 283 to rebuild it and still have less motor than a stock 305 or 350.

If you don't believe me, sit down with a pencil and paper and list all the costs of a rebuild.

Been there, done that.

It's a shame you aren't closer. I've got a stock bore 283 that I'm selling...for cheap.

Take the block to a machine shop and have them check the cylinders for taper. If within specs then personally I would rebuild the block. Depending on the type of performance you want the 292 should be just fine. I have run mine(over 300 h.p.) for many miles with no problems. I really enjoy it when it runs with the many 350's out there. Just my opinion.