Chiphead;
You asked about the 283-302-327 stuff. Add the 307 in there for good measure. The 283 and 327 came first. The 302 was made because of the Trans Am racing series limit of 305 Cubic inches. Chevy took the 327 block (4" Bore) and added a 283 short stroke crank (3") and made the 302. The 302 was only put into the 67-69 Z28 Camaro's. Chevy then took the 283 Block (3.875 bore) and the 327 crank (3.25 stroke) and made the 307 which was the entry V-8 engine in nearly all Chevy's including pickups for several years in the late 60's and early 70's. Funny thing is that Chevy really liked using parts in various engines. The 307 V-8, the 230 L6, and the 153 L4 all used the same bore and stroke.
Hope that clears it up a bit
Dude
