The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 283 for my 57

Thanks for all your help on my last topic, but I've got one more question. I know several people have told me to skip an engine swap, but I have recently gained access to a 283 v8. I know that chevy put 283s in 57 trucks so it should fit. What I need to know is what I need to do besides get mounts and bell housing out of a V8 truck? Also what tranny could I put behind it.
p.s. I'm going to change my 57 3/4 ton 4.56 gears to 4.10

Thanks,
GrannyLow

It's an easy swap; I did one on my Dad's '57 3600 back in '90.
Pick up the front mounts from a repro outfit, they will just bolt-in to the crossmember; the holes are already there.
B'House from a '63-'66 chevy truck will work (six or eight, same B'housing). You will need a three-bolt starter for it and don't forget the gravel gaurd for the bottom!
I used a cable throttle from a '69 Chevelle (yes, the pedal arm too!). Push button starter switch from NAPA.
Six cylinder radiator worked fine; but the v8 one is better. A 180* thermostat should work.
We used a Holley 4bc on top and left the 4.57's out back.............ran 33x12.50x16.5's on the rear. Only turned 2700 rpm at 65 mph and got 15-17 mpg. Could shift into 4th at 25 mph........
Man, I miss that truck.......
Maybe I have a pic somewhere to post........

Email me if you need more details. It's a good swap, trust me. Small blocks love to scream; especially 283's....................

Right Squeeze?

sorta right, gmc248 - scream too much and they lose their voice and they like luggin equally - also make sure that 283 has all the front mount holes drilled for the OEM type mounts - some later ones and many 327's don't, and ya just might have a 327 the po thought was a 283! {bonus}

only thing I'd suggest different is ya can get the OEM design throttle linkage from a repop place, which makes it real easy to do w/ the original pedal - also if ya got it all out on the floor anyway, maybe look at the T5 tranny folks are always on about here, and see if ya can add the OD 5th for even longer legs

Bill

Even if not drilled, most all sbc's produced before 1986 have front mount bosses.
Just make sure you don't use to long a bolt in the passenger side top hole.......the fuel pump push rod is in there.........also a good trick for when you are changing pumps is to use a long bolt to hold the rod in place.

Thanks for your help, and gmc248 I will Email you when I find the parts I need. I've got one more question, my truck has the original foot starter and I would like to keep it. What do I need to do to keep it? I've read more than I need to know about about the T-5, and when I go to the salvage place I'll look for one out of an s-10. I think an 84 model will work for highway and pulling with 4.03 1st gear ratio. Squeeze, what year,type,ect. throttle linkage will work?
Thanks,
GrannyLow

Granny - the foot start will not work on the V8 - requires the 6cyl bell housing for the linkage to bolt to, as well as the 6cyl specific starter - the V8 came stock w/ the key switch start - the throttle linkage is specific to the task force series [55-59], and consists of a bellcrank sorta piece that bolts to the firewall and transfers movement from the pedal arm to the carb arm - I'd hafta look in the records to see where mine came from - I think GoldenState but mighta been Carter [not too pricey] - my 58 w/ 283, 68 truck 3spd, stock 3.90 rear, goes like a scared rabbit, and feels fine on the highway at about 65, tho could surely do higher - yu'll like it w/ a 4.10 and T5

Bill

I think Squeeze is saying check out the Reproduction vendors; like Jim Carter's, Patrick's or The Filling Station. Links are on the main Stovebolt Page site.

As far as the starter, Sorry Granny Low, you cannot retain the foot starter with the V8... .
I know, it's a really cool feature, but you have to move on when it comes to this.
An early to mid '60's truck starter W/three bolt flange is what you will be looking for.........I have never needed to shim one of these babies .

Sorry Bill, I guess I type slow! You beat me to it!
I think your advice is better, since I never used the stock configuration for the throttle linkage on the '57 3600 we had.

Thanks Guys, I figgured I wouldn't be able to keep it. I know I really want that V-8 though. Sounds like I've got some thinking to do! Do yall know about the 700r4 tranny, I was thinking about maybe puttin that behind the 283? :confused: