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| | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 74 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2005 Posts: 74 | Looking to get a 283 rebuilt for a truck project, any recommendations for a shop in NC or VA are appreciated. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,747 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,747 | There's nothing particulatry mysterious about a 283, other than the fact that the newest ones are over 50 years old, and finding one that hasn't been rebuilt a couple of times already is going to be difficult. Are you looking for a "numbers-correct" restoration, or just a reliable daily driver? Finding a set of 58 CC combustion chamber 305 cylinder heads from the late 1970's or early 80's will be a lot simpler than locating rebuildable 283 heads, and they're a bolt-on swap that will give you the correct compression ratio.
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!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 74 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2005 Posts: 74 | Thanks for the reply. Definitely not a correct restoration, this will be going in a 52 International L132 to make it a driver. Will likely pair it with a sm465 and a 14 bolt rear end. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,747 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,747 | 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!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 3,438 Moderator - The Electrical Bay | | Moderator - The Electrical Bay Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 3,438 | Have you considered an LS swap? rather than an old sbc?
Another quality post.
Real Trucks Rattle
HELP! The Paranoids are after me!
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | What about a 345 or 392 and 5 speed?
Ed
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires.
'47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle.
'54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed.
'55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 74 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2005 Posts: 74 | I already have the 283 and it does run and I know it won't be a powerhouse. My thoughts were if I don't use the 283 then I'd go with a 350 or a 383 stroker. How does the cost of the LS swap compare to the sbc? What manual trans would work? This truck will be hauling 2-3 tons. | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 74 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2005 Posts: 74 | Ed, are you talking about an international motor and trans? I would certainly consider it if I had access to that combo. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,747 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,747 | If you do decide to use the 283, I'd suggest a few more gears- - - -like maybe a 2 speed rear end, or a Brownie. As I mentioned before, a lugged-down short stroke engine won't get out of its own way. I'd suggest a big block Chevy for doing some serious freight hauling- - - -a 427 or 454. You can find some low mileage big blocks in retired motorhomes.
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!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
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