I've watched this thread with interest because I had the same dilemma, 409 or 283. I chose the 283 for several reasons. The smaller size makes fitting it in the engine bay much easier. My truck has a camaro subframe, and I was concerned the heavier choice would have a negative effect on handling. My truck is a driver so the mileage potential of the 283 was also a plus. My engine wound up a dual quad or almost. Keith Black flat top hyper pistons, compression ratio of about 9.4 to 1. Heads are late 90's 305 Vortecs casting #059. Essentially 350 Vortecs with smaller intake valves and 58cc chambers. The cam is a mild Howard's hydraulic roller. The block was decked, bored .040, and align honed, the rotating assy was balanced. If you want to save money build a 350, if you want a 283 this makes a great cruising motor with a little punch. My truck runs an Edelbrock C26 dual quad intake converted to port fuel injection, with a pair of Dodge Dakota 3.9 throttle bodies to control airflow. The computer is a Megasquirt 2 which is a batch fire system. Over the winter the plan is to upgrade to Megasquirt 3 xtra which will gain me sequential injection, better idle control, and a few other things. Attached is a link for a YouTube video for some possible ideas. If the link doesn't work just search Megasquirt 283 on YouTube.
