[345coupe]

I appreciate all of the advice and opinions I have received regarding my 283. That little engine seems to hold a special place for many a hot rodder. Several others on the site have asked questions and gotten great advice as well. With some engines, particulary the 305, someone invariably suggests to yank it and stab in a 350 crate engine. In some instances, that is the prudent thing to do, both from an economical and performance standpoint.

Granted, a smaller engine will have a hard time out performing a larger one. It can be done if the gearing and power to weight ratios are there, but that money would be better spent on a larger engine.

Am I missing something? Is bigger always better? Sure, I could drop a 383 stroker in my coupe and really haul the mail, but to me that is not hotrodding. That is just an engine swap. There is NOTHING wrong with that, it just isn't my thing. I thought hot rodding was squeezing the most out of what you have. Sure, it costs $$$$$ to make a 283 scream, and a crate 350 would do it better for cheaper, but who ever got into the hot rod game to save money?

[hotwheels55]

You make good points and in the end, pay no attention to anyone else's opinions...well, except the wife ...about what you chose to do with your car.
I had a very mild 283 in my previous '57 150 sedan. With an M21 and 3.50 posi that little motor performed very well for my intended use. It had a nice sounding idle, never overheated and revved like no tomorrow. All it had was a mild RV cam (whatever that means), a 30 over bore, Mallory ignition, EDELBROCK carb and manifold. I even used rams horns.
That being said...I didn't wait to long to replace that motor with a crate 350/300hp motor. The 283 still sounded better!

[345coupe]

Thanks '55. I will continue to do my own thing, as I am sure others will. I guess there are no two small blocks 100% alike anyway, regardless of the c.i.d., when you consider the vast amount of aftermarket parts.

As for myself, a 289 Ford may find its way into the coupe one of these days. There is something about bowtie power in a Ford that just doesn't sit right with me. But that is just me.

[hotwheels55]

Now that would be unique, a small block Ford in your '34 coupe. I'll bet no one has even considered that before. Ford has got some really nice SVO motors available.
I know some guys who machined up some adapters to allow the use of sbf valve covers on their sbc motors, both of which are in nice '40 Ford sedans. I think the two guys are latent homoFORDians.

To the majority of people who look at the motor(s), they don't even question the distributor not being in front.

[345coupe]

I have a coworker who has a 289 and a C-4, free for the taking. Did you hear that? That was my wallet crying! Perhaps a shot of nitrous.................

[hotwheels55]

That sounds like a plan and leaves you with money for other projects.

[MK2TMR2]

I come here to randomly post my 2¢ and disappear into the night - silent for weeks on end. You never know where I'll strike (post) or who will be my victim! Well it's you this time!!!

MUAHAHAHAHAH!!!!

Ok. Anyway.

If you ask me, bigger isn't always better. There's something to be said for squeezing a ton of power out of a smaller engine. I've spent most of my wrenching days on 2.0 liter motors. My current one will be making close to 400hp when all is said and done...and that's with just bolt-ons. (no NAAAAWWWSSSS, either).

If you want easy power and tons of torque...go big. If you want a challenge and don't mind going a little bit more high-tech....you can have a lot of fun with a smaller motor.

Back to the shadows...

Peace
MK2TMR2

[Kevin45]

345...a 283 is a decent strong engine. Though it is no major tire burner, you can get some decent horses out of it plus it is pretty decent in gas mileage. You have quite a bit of meat in the block if you decide to bore it also. Built right it will last for ages too.

MK2...another country heard from. You need to pop in more often.

Kevin

[345coupe]

I appreciate everyone's opinions. I guess that I am "old school" and love the fact my coupe has something different. I am not looking to make a killer full race 283 like the old days. I have a few simple bolt-ons (see the gallery shot) but it is stock internally. It runs great and moves the coupe faster than I'll ever need. That is why I was wondering if bigger was necessarily better. For me, it isn't. Am I getting old????????????