TRASH or TREASURE? Cheap* VINTAGE Small Block Chevy 283's-From Craigslist…

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Here we have 2 old mid 60's 283 engines...bought them for about 300 each just on the word of the seller...

[@MidwestOptimist]

Here's the bottom line on the 283. It makes all the right sounds. Revs faster than other larger small blocks. Uses 10-25% less fuel than them. Sure, they're a little light on low speed torque. But if your car is less than 3200 lbs, it'll work just fine.

[@betweenthesharksgarage]

You and I could hang out

[@nicksnarski5973]

Those engines 283s are getting harder to find today.I picked one up for 50 bucks 20 years ago .040 1967 version.

[@judenowinski4344]

Man this video is so right on. Especially your poetry at the end.

[@clarkmarkey1498]

One great thing about SBCs is that with the appropriate adapter, any era valve cover type can be used. an elcheapo 305 or even a "gasp" 262 can look the part. They can be adapted cheaply, somewhat, to early ford drivelines if desired. The lowliest units can be cheaply made to run over 200hp, which is a damn good street flathead.

[@mikewillett5076]

I'd like to see a 262 done up just for the hellofit. But not with "just an 'RV' cam because it's so small". A little more than that.

[@xMrChippyx]

Its a Chevy, find parts and someone anytime or anywhere can fix them. I lived with Ford flatheads, I love them, give me a Chevy anytime, just reliable. Even today I drive a Chevy, I won't change.

[@Rottingboards]

I like your thoughts on running 283s. No stress...Just enjoy the ride...

[@betweenthesharksgarage]

dont say it too loud, they are so cheap right now

[@smokeygasser4037]

Love the power pack 283s. Literally little anvils

[@betweenthesharksgarage]

I believe in them wholeheartedly you and I could hang out

[@AtomicReverend]

How did I miss this video? 2 weeks late but I am still watching.

[@judenowinski4344]

Great video. I liked it. I love 283s. I still drive my mostly origional 1967 k10 shortbed stepside. It's got a 283. If you have a guy helping and parts you can practically rebuild one in a day. Good luck with yours.

[@jimthomas1989]

I do believe that you have a 307 which is a 327 crank in a 283 block , that is what in my 1968 K20 My 1967 K20 had a straight 6 cylinder 292 By the way , the DZ 302 that came in the 1st generation Camaro is a 283 crank in a 327 block

[@judenowinski4344]

I just cut the end of an old distributor off and weld it to a rod and spin oil pump without having to throw a distributor in.

[@Ruststored]

Availability is what made SBC so successful. Crome valve covers are notorious for rusting inside. pull them and check for rust.

[@danielortiz8473]

I just checked my 283 in my 62 c10 and it was 120 across the board and run great. Even tried to start when i was checking! 😆 🤣 good enough for me.

[@timothynewkirk2654]

Couldn't Agree More! ...Newk from Kentucky

[@betweenthesharksgarage]

thanks newk

[@Geoduck.]

Vortec SBC 520 and #059 heads fit first generation 305's. Has anyone tried them with a 283? Curious if they clear the cylinder walls? Those stock vortec heads flow very well and can be found fairly reasonably.

[@tomellis5462]

Well this successfully got me looking for some 283 options in the PNW… and wouldn’t ya know it, a couple ~$300 options came up right away! So my question, anything different that a guy would want to watch out for on a 283 from 57 Bel Air?

[@betweenthesharksgarage]

Thats great! I love 283s... and thanks for watching so here is what a guy has to watch out for on a 1957 283... none of it is bad, but a good question deserves a good answer First...i have a video coming out sunday that will dive into 55-57 bellhousings and starters.... but the 55-57ish blocks had bellhousing mounted starters...however prior to 57(i think) there were no holes in the block for a more modern style (62-forever) style starters .. the 55-57 starter is still available commonly but you need the bellhousing with it (if you are running a manual trans) the early powerglide trans has an adapter plate for the starter... for a more modern automatic you can purchase an adapter plate for a 55-57 with no block mounting position that will take the 55-57 starter (and 168 tooth flexplate) . (by the time the th350 and th400 came out the starter mounted to the block) But... you will need the 168 tooth flywheel or flexplate...both are commonly available but its important to know what you need.. watch the next video ... its long but will help second be sure that it is a 283, not a late 265... nothing wrong with a 265 but they oil a little different and that requires a 265 specific distributor...i think ... i have never run a 265 so hopefully someone reading this can expound here. But you outta know third. the valve covers have a staggered bolt pattern. this limits your options for valve covers should you run stock heads(dumb...but you outta know). the best part is that is awesome... staggered valve cover bolts say "this is a 50's motor" from a distance and some of the best after market vintage valve covers (cal customs) or factory (early corvette finned aluminum covers) are cheap with the staggered pattern because so few people run them ...because so few people have those heads....but they are way cooler . they changed in 58 and stayed that way till 86 so there is a bigger market there. I think those are the big ones...after that... its a small block chevy... but thanks for bringing this up... i hope anyone else that watches the channel will chime in with more corrections or advice for you... thank you all .. cheers

[@betweenthesharksgarage]

also remember there are no accessory mounting holes in those heads, the generator mounted to the exhaust manifolds, so you may need to get creative depending ...

[@tomellis5462]

@@betweenthesharksgarage thanks for taking the time and some great info! Don’t get me wrong, flatheads look and sound great but it’s pretty sweet learning about some cool non-flathead options. It’s seems like a whole new world when you look beyond option 1A for building a hotrod. Like using parts that are available instead of being betrothed to Hank Ford himself is actually a viable option… who’d of thunk!?!?

[@mikewillett5076]

Haven't seen it mentioned in the comments yet, but pre-'58 small blocks don't have the bosses and bolt holes for the side motor mounts that have been the norm since. The lack of starter mount provision is a big one too as someone mentioned.

[@Geoduck.]

Nice find at $300. Prices here in the NW are high and often the quality is poor.

[@user-david6265]

Don’t blow them up tho 😂 change the oil every 3k miles and oil filter every 6k miles

[@Geoduck.]

I have a worn out 305 in my square body and would seriously consider a used 283 if the price was right. The only down side to the 283 is no aftermarket heads and lower displacement thus modest torque.

[@Sabe53]

Vortec heads bolt right on and everything clears, just need Vortec style intake.

[@Geoduck.]

@@Sabe53 True story. I got a pair of 059 vortec heads recently for my 305. They would fit a 283 no problem.

[@lonniemorrison3576]

I'm currently driving my cruiser (1955 Ford Fairlane) with a good running 1964 power-pack (from a Nova). I'm seriously considering a 350 sbc swap. I would no longer need my 283sbc.

[@cdeprima1209]

good engine for a Bmw! :)

[@betweenthesharksgarage]

Good engine for everything

[@lonniemorrison3576]

I'm currently cruising with my 1964 power-pac 283 sbc. It may be for sale if I swap in a 350 sbc?

[@betweenthesharksgarage]

If it’s a good runner and you you were near by I would pick it up. I dig those things

[@mikewillett5076]

Try your best to NOT blow it up! They're not super rare yet but not exactly plentiful either. Also, 283's and early 327s have weaker rods. '66-'67 327 rods are stronger.

[@betweenthesharksgarage]

thats interesting about the 327s I ve nevr run a 327 but i have one stashed. i think i picked it up for about the same 250ish bucks... wonder if its any good