Okay, this isn't crucial, but... I'm just the analytical type and when someone asks me what I have in my truck, I like to have a true answer.
The guy I bought my '61 from says he swapped out the 283 and put in a 327 years ago. That was good enough for me until I took it down to my mechanic when I first bought it to make it street worthy and legal. He swore that it was a 283. Well, considering the gentleman I bought the truck from doesn't have the memory he used to, I figured I'd believe the mechanic. But the engine had few miles on it since it had been rebuilt and didn't need any work persay, so the mechanic didn't delve into it. All he did was brakes, wiring, etc...
Now, the truck is on the road (YIPPEE!!), and I asked the guy who is helping me what engine it is. We pop the hood and look at the mark on the header. He says, "One mark = 283. Two marks = 327." Mine has one mark. The guy I bought it from doesn't remember any details, but still insists it's a 327. Either his memory is distorted after so many years, or...?
Please correct me if this is wrong, but evidently the headers would fit either engine. So, the engine could have been swapped, but they could have put the original headers back on. Or, a 283 can be bored out to be a 327?
Like I said, it probably makes no difference as far as I'm concerned. It runs great, drives good, sounds awesome - I'm happy.
I just want to know.
1.) Is there a way to tell what it really is without tearing into the engine? Everybody tells me the engine is as tight and solid as can be, and advises me against having it messed with (if it ain't broke...).
2.) And, 283 versus 327? Is one better than the other? I read a lot about how 283s are good little motors, but haven't seen a lot on here about the 327s. Just curious what the opinions are.
Thanks for the input,
Husker
P.S. Haven't decided on the rear-end swap yet. I'm going to drive it around for a while before I jump one way or the other.
