The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 1947-55 283 v8?

i have a 1953 3600 3/4ton with the original 216ci.

now i know i need the two mounts on the sides of the engine i've decided to go with the ones from chassis engineering where you do not need a crossmember. will the front of this motor bolt into the two holes in the front form the original motor?

and will a 283 bolt right onto my existing bell housing clutch and trans.

and is there any difference between the 283 and the 350 size wise? if i'm going to swap for a v8 should i just go for the 350?

any help is appreciated,
Rick

The 283 and 350 (as well as all other smallblocks Chevies) are the same size externally. As to the fitment, I don't think it will line up on the front, you'll probably have to use a side mount setup with a crossmember. Also, the V8 will not bolt up to the bellhousing.
I would advise going with the 350, if only for the increased power and reduced building costs, unless you already have the 283.

The 283 has a cool factor the 350 never will. I'm gearing up to pull the 283 out of my '57 Chevy to replace it with a 350. Why? Because the 350 will offer more power, similar mileage, and is cheaper to maintain.

Not all small blocks have the side mount bosses, but you're not likely to find a motor without them. Not all small blocks have the front holes drilled and tapped, though I think most do.

You're biggest problem is exhaust/steering box interference.

I have a 283 with PP heads. No accessory holes in the heads, so it can be a pain to find the right parts to make things work.

thanks guys.

i was doing some research and it looks like the front-mount 283 (in the 55-59 trucks) will work. would a motor of this time period bolt to my bell housing? if not what can i do to use my original 3-on-the-tree trans?

As mentioned previously, you will need a V-8 bellhousing and a flywheel. You will also need a crossmember from a 54-59 to mount the bellhousing to. Nothing from the 216 engine can be used in the conversion. The transmission can be used however.
Fred

No Chevrolet V-8 ever made will bolt to your stock bell housing. But your stock transmission will bolt to V-8 type bell housings, so its not an insurmountable problem.

The best bellhousing to use is the one from a V-8 Chevy pickup from '55 to '67. However none of them will mount to your bell housing crossmember without some kind of adapter.

The front mounts are not going to reach the front crossmember without adding some brackets. And you still have a steering box problem.

sorry for being a pain but i found a good deal on a 235ci. i have read a couple places that you will need to switch some plate in front from the 216 and something about the water pump. i was just double checking is there anything else?

53Rick,
The easiest way to fit up the 235 without finding and switching a 216 front plate or a 235 already drilled is to simply notch out the front of the existing plate already on your 235. I did it on mine, measure and go slow.