I have a '52 6400 that a former owner converted to a 350 V8 (stock transmission etc.). The 350 is a small block and I don't know if there is any real difference in exterior size with the 283 but I don't see how you could do the conversion without moving the steering box outward a little. In fact, because the engine sits down inside the frame rails, the top edges of the rails had to be ground a little for clearance. It uses the stock radiator with an electric fan...never overheats.