[JWC1719]

In a couple of weeks I am going to start a 283 rebuild and beef up for a T-Bucket that was not quit finished then passed down to me. I do not know a ton about a 283 motor but I do believe this one is bored .030, not sure of cam or crank specs, Holley 4bbl intake and carb with power pack heads(not married into keeping any of these as they are from a very old rebuild). I have been searching and have found a ton of opinions on a 283 set-up but not anyone saying this is what I have, the numbers it puts out and it runs great. I'm looking to achieve around 350hp and a modest budget. So if anyone has a good set-up, knows a good set-up or has anything else helpful to add other than "just get a 350" I would appreciate it.

[ericnova72]

350 hp is going to require a pretty stout cam, and decent heads, to get that from a 283. How radical of an engine are you willing to put up with?? How high do you want to rev it?? 350hp 283 is going to require 7000 rpm to get there.

[JWC1719]

I am willing to go as radical as I need to have a very solid motor (minus NOS or blower). This will just be a cruise a few miles on the weekend car so super smooth running engine is not a priority. 350hp might be a stretch without breaking the bank and having a motor that cost 3 times what the rest of the car does.

[JWC1719]

and yes high rpm is the direction I was wanting to go.

[bighotroddin]

I think head choice for a 283 is tough with having such a small bore.

I went with a set of 416 that were work over to get the terible casting marks and rough edges out of them and put in 1.84-1.50 stainless valves also installed guide plates, screw in studs, Comp springs, and had them decked . Got them back two weeks ago and the bill was $500.

I was also contemplating the vortec route but with 1.94 valves it seems you don't gain much as the valve shrouds the bore. But for high rpm it may be a better choice and with the right cam, intake, carb choice might yield you 350 horse.

I'm hoping for 300 out of mine as it is going to be in a 1800 lb car it should be enough.

[jb2wheels]

Why not spend the same $ on a 350 and put 283 stickers on it?

[poncho62]

Just my opinion, but with a "T" bucket, you don't need all that much HP to pull it along nicely........a mild 283 would do it quite well........

[bighotroddin]

especially when you have drum brakes, bias ply tires, and wishbones holding eveything together.