The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Need 283 eng info advice

Howdy!

My 59 Suburban has a 235. The 58 Apache I owned for 32 years had a stock 283. I'd sure like to go back with a 283 in the 59 Burb. I found one on Craigslist. The seller bought a jeep and it came with an uninstalled / freshly rebuilt (30 thousands over) 283 (#gm10 3756519). He was told it came out of a 58 sedan. It has all original components, except alternator. Stock intake / 2 barrel carb (intake #gm8 8746826). Rams head exhaust manifolds. Orig valve covers, air filter, pulleys, water pump, fuel pump, distributor, etc. He sez the bell housing looks to have been modified ??? to support another transmission. I have a 4 speed granny. Is that bell housing an easy find to mate my granny with a 283? He wants $1200.00. Am I on track here? Please let me know. Thanks!! Maddog

that block number does read as a 58-62 ..... not sure how/why the bell housing would have been modified other than cutting off the mounting ears, but it's common for a lot of years .... for that price I'd want a money back guarantee, it'd cost more to have one rebuilt, but you'd be more certain of what was done, who did it, and if it's still good after sitting however long

note you'll also need some original front mounts [available repro] or an aftermarket crossmember to put it in the 'burb, as well as a rad shroud

Bill

A guy on Craigslist got it from a guy, and now wants to sell it to another guy (you). To many guys who you don't know involved in this deal for $1,200. I would offer less than half that much money. The sum of all of the parts are worth that much if the block and heads are rebuildable.
Carl

my opinion, which may not be worth much..... I agree with 52Carl but will add this. If the guy your buying it from lives close to you then ask him for a guarantee. That being you will put it in and if it starts up and runs as it should, with him there, then you can hand over the money. If there is a problem your out your labor.
...or half down, half when its running. I'm sure you get my idea.

You say "Freshly Rebuilt". That SOUNDS good,but was it done recently enough to have a guarantee,as previously mentioned? Since the engine "supposedly" has never been used,is there a transferable warranty? If that's the case,then the asking price sounds reasonable.I.E.:1 year/12,000 miles,parts/labor. If not,please take Carl and Alvin's advice. I bought a "good" 350 Buick Diesel,to replace one in an Olds Toronado. Customer drove it with three broken connecting rods,60 MILES!! Had to replace the injector pump,motor mounts,injectors,and since we had to have the pan patched and welded,anyway,I plasti-gauged the rod bearings. The Best one was out .010! Some "good" engine! Junk yard did not have any warranty,or guarantee,either! Live and Learn!! Cost more to fix the engine,than we bid to change them out!! Oh,and he forgot to mention the torque-converter seal,(Diesel,Front-wheel-drive), in the tranny leaked,until AFTER we test-drove the dang thing!Good luck.