Thread: looking for help with 283 build ideas

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Can't really help you with the 283, but I will say that if you are going to go into a SBC as far as boring and reworking heads, you are much better off with a 350. 283 internal parts will cost as much or more than 350 parts. So, there is no savings. Reworking heads will cost almost as much or more as budget replacement aluminum or cast irons head do new. Machine shop work is not cheap.

I'm not sure what they go for now, but the GM replacement crate 350's were less than $2000 not long ago. Even a stock 350 will give you more low end torque than you will probably ever get out of a 283.

Also, the 350 will fit with little to no mods to the car. All small blocks share motor mount locations and all external accessories will interchange, including water pumps. The only issue you might run into is your current exhaust manifolds may be a little under size for a 350. Slap the 283 valve covers on and no one but you ( and someone pretty knowledgeable) will know that it's a 350. Depending on what 350 you get, your Powerglide will fit either straight up with the 283 parts or might need a new flexplate.

283's are nostalgic, but not worth the effort unless you are dead set on keeping the car as it left the factory.

Edit: Apparently the engine I was talking about is no longer available. Looks like most replacement engines are now in the $3000 range. I still stand by building 350 will be much better than the 283 statement, though. You really need to visit a machine shop and price out the work you outlined. I think you will be shocked at how much it will cost.