[stallion0606]

I have just acquired a 283 sbc engine. question is what is the best route for it still runs good doesnt smoke. should i put it in a pontiac or put it in a 4x4. i would like to know a little more about this engine if anybody can else help id appreciate it THANKS

[blyndgesser]

The 283 is a pretty good motor but it's small. It's great for something like a t-bucket, but it would not be good for a big car or a full-size truck. If you could give us some specifics about the vehicles you're considering, we could give you better advice.

[Mojo56]

Came in everything from 1957 until 1967...cars and trucks. 180 to 195 HP or so... still popular in old style hot rods. Used to be a hot engine in certain NHRA classes...

[vpd66]

Install a small rv cam and aluminum intake with a 4 barrel carb. Find an S-10 and swap it in. If you use a overdrive transmission you'll end up with a pretty quick street ride that will get in the 20s for fuel economy.

[blyndgesser]

That's a good suggestion, vpd. Keep it light and you'll be pleased with the results.

[sstock]

Put a bored 283 in my T bucket, this thing definitely does not need more motor, pretty stout. Keep the small 283 out of the heavier vehicles though as said, anything more than say early nova size is too big, IMHO

[1971BB427]

There were a lot of full sized Impalas with 283 engines and they ran very well. Don't underestimate the 283 for power. The 283 power pack engine was rated 220 hp, and the Corvette version with fuel injection was rated 283 HP.
I built a 283 for my '55 Chevy that ran 1.84 fueler heads and a dual quad intake with twin 400 AFB's and it dyno'd at over 350 hp with stock bore and stroke. It also wound 6,500 with ease.
I would tend to not want a high winding engine in a 4x4, but for most anything else the 283 will serve you well if properly assembled and the right tranny and rearend behind it.

[stallion0606]

i mostly deal with off road vehicles, but i do have an 85 trans am. now apparently the heads are not drilled or threaded might be a problem. now what can i do to it for a 4x4.

[swvalcon]

305 heads make a good update for a 283. A lot cheaper than setting up 283 heads for unleaded gas and they have all the holes.

[1971BB427]

As mentioned, if the heads haven't been rebuilt to run unleaded fuel, then they need all SS valves, and hardened seats. My local guy charges $300 to redo them, and at the same time he'll make the intakes 1.94" for a 283, or 2.02" for larger SBC with 4" bore.
I just got a pair of old 2,02 camel hump heads from him, and I just welded up a bracket to make my alternator mount on the front two header bolts, and adjusting arm off the water pump.

[stallion0606]

is it possible to make enough horse power to run it in a 4x4

[cobalt327]

Originally Posted by stallion0606

is it possible to make enough horse power to run it in a 4x4

In my opinion, no. It just doesn't make the amount of torque that is needed. You'd find yourself running it floored much of the time unless you were driving on pavement.

Personally, I'd consider anything smaller than a 350 SBC incompatible w/a 4WD full sized vehicle (Chevy Blazer/C-10 truck, etc.). A 305 might squeak by, but that's the absolute bottom line. Now, if you had an import/LUV/Ranger/S10 all stripped down (meaning light weight) you might do OK w/a 283. But any place a 283 fits, a 350 fits....

[stallion0606]

ok than i have a 283 sbc for sale 300.00 oir best offer.

[327NUT]

Now you know you can't run add's in the forum....don't you? Try the classifed section.

[vinniekq2]

I have 2x 283s I picked up for $50.I think I will look for an old chevy2 or like the other poster said (blyndgesser) some light weight car.My plan is to make about 360 HP.The 283 has very little torque so she will get some gears.I wouldnt go so far as to say I will use an RV cam though.so far its just a whim,,,looking for heads that will flow enough air and fit