I'd suggest finding a 305, then. It's got 1/2" more stroke, and a lot more torque than a 283. The only way to do truck stuff with a 283 is to run a very low gear ratio and keep it wound up all the time. There's also a bunch more 305's out there than 283's, and if you happen to have a correct engine number for a restorer to use, your engine will be worth a big chunk of pocket change, regardless of what condirion it's in at the moment.
Jerry

"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
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