The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop choice of 2 engines for my 3800

Which engine should I drop in??? I need some advice regarding a perdiciment about which engine to put in this truck. Well, I'm riding the short bus since I got this truck; and have demonstrated that on a couple occasions so far. Really; in fact it's just a learning curve that i'm on regarding the visual identification of these older engines. I'm a child of the end of the GTO, Mopar, SS age so these predate my interests until now. All that said, I just figured out that the 216 I thought I had in this truck is really a 194 that was manufactured between 62-70. finally to my question. The truck came with a 283 V-8 and radiator that will fit this truck. the PO says the condition of this engine is unknown, but it appears to be a runner. Casting #'s are from 58-64. PO says the 194 did run; he heard it; had a little bit of a rattle; PO reports nothing too major sounding, tho. I think I'd like the power of the 283; but don't want to go to the trouble of putting it in if it's a dead soldier. Going with stock is out, since I don't have the means to get a 216/235/261 going for it(or rebuild the current motors, for that matter). Anyway, which engine should I drop in???

Well..If we are voting, I would go with the V-8.

I like a 283. Since it is out of the truck, I would have the heads done and anything else not too expensive, if money is a problem. While the heads are off, check for wear on the block.

Other things I would do...new fuel pump, a nice broad range intake manifold, rams horns GM exhause manifolds.

Even if the 283 is a dead soldier, V-8s are a dime a dozen.

thanx for the vote; I'm leaning that way myself...I was just going to take the gamble and drop it in and see if it's a runner...since the shoestring budget I'm on broke a long time ago.

Does your 283 have a bellhouseing and trans?? does the 194 bell and trans fit the 283??
These are some questions you need to know. But the 283 would be sweet and much better than a 194 :rolleyes: in a 3800.
first thing i would try is to see if you can get the 283 running, block it up good with a rad and check her out, gap plugs,poits oil= [change] should be a low buck no buck start to finding out .
Just make sure you block it up SOLID. Im sure there is some good help here on the Bolt, GOOD LUCK

What it looks like to me is that the PO was getting ready to do an engine swap because of the rattle in the 194. The truck came with the radiator for the 283 and 194, as well as several bell housings that will fit the 283 to the current transmission. I think I'll try that run in thing. thanks!

That 194 will never work in that truck. They would barely pull a Nova. Thats all they came in. The 283 will hook up to the same bell housing.

What wrenchbender said.

well; I'm convinced that at least, I'm not going to put that 194 back in; regardless if I get the 283 to be a runner for me. I blocked it up on a crude test stand and when I get a coil, I'll give it a test.

If you have stock ign. the coil from the 194 will work.

If you want to stay with a straight 6, the 250 will fit on the same mounts as the 194. A 292 will require moving the right-side mount forward.

I've always liked 283's and the 194 certainly isn't original, so I guess I'll vote that way too.

The bellhousing that fit the 194 is also going to fit the 283. You need to know that your exhaust manifold and steering box are going to cause a problem. Search through here and you should find several descriptions of the problem and ways people have solved it.

Good point regarding the exhaust! I was also wondering what kind of changeover I'm in for with regard to the motor mounts?

Ok, so I've looked around a little; and am a little spooked when I hear about having to move the clutch pedal and steering gear box to accomidate exhaust on the 283 V8. Is this the case? Does anybody have any information about how much trouble it's going to be to put a V8 in my 49 3800 stakebed?

Personally, I'd find a larger 6. Much easier to solve the exhaust and other issues.

The later model 6's, 250's and 292's are a lot easier to install than the V8. The stock 292 pulls better than the V8 in bigger trucks because it has more usable torque. It all depends on how much work you want to do and what you are going to use the truck for. On this site I've seen both 250's and 292's as freebies. I bought a complete 70 1 1/2 ton with a good running 292 for $300. Put it in a 54 6100 and love it. Redcoat

The 250 and 292 sixes use the same clutch and bellhousing as your 283 or other Chevy V-8. So choosing a six instead of V-8 won't solve any issues with clutch linkage.

It does solve the steering box/exhaust interference problem.

Its not clear to me if the 194 was ever installed and working in the truck. If it was, then any clutch issues were already sorted out.

I would not expect a 283 to pull like a long stroke 292, but I'll play tractor pull with my V-8 powered truck against any 292 powered pickup that comes along.

You need to choose the option you'll be happiest with. If the options are the 194 against the 283 I don't think its a contest. If the options are broader, the first consideration is how you want to use the truck and that choice should drive what motor you are looking for.

I have a good running 454 that came in a running truck for free. No its not for sale, but I mention it only to suggest that inexpensive options are out there. I also have a solid 350 (not for sale either) that came in a van I paid $150 for.

Good cheap V-8s are out there. I've seen similar deals on sixes, but haven't dragged any home. Decide how you are going to use it, then look for the right motor for that use.

you can always go to a late model car or truck and use a hydraulic or cable. 1960 chevrolet truck used hydraulic clutch setup.go to the pick a part and look around lot's of cable setups,that would give you extra room for the pipes. exemple s-10 truck with 4.3 v6 might work, good place to start good luck.

If you're looking for the least amount of work and money to get it going, go find a 250. You won't have any interference problems and it will have enough snot to at least make the truck move, the 194 would be a complete slug. You won't be happy with it. You can find good running 250's for free. Just my .02