The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 283

Would it be hard to put a 283 in a 53? Has anyone done it? What else needs to be replaced to make it fit, or work? Can the bell housing, transmission and torque-tube rear end still be used?

Just asking.

TIA

Dennis,

I think any post on this site that dealt with the old 350-install would apply to the 283. They are almost the same exact beast.

Stuart

The older 283's had only the front engine mount holes and none on the sides as you would find on a 350. Depending on what block you have that will enter into the equasion.

It,s been done many times. The biggest problem is steering gear clearance.

Thanks, guys. It was a good idea but in my case - I think I will try to find a 235. I don't believe I have the time and/or skills to refabricate the truck for the 283.

Thanks again for all the information and advise.

It's not really all that difficult to put a V8 in an old truck... use the tubular motor mounts and block hugger headers.. you can even push the engine over to the right side a bit to make more room for the steering... that will also offset all the weight sitting between the steering wheel and gas pedal.

I don't think I would choose a 238 for this switch. You might as well find a 350 and use it. Parts etc. are more plentiful for this engine.
Good luck with which ever you choose.

Thanks to all for your advice and encouragement. I fit in the middle of our pack with skills and knowledge. This is a wonderful site.

Last night I noticed a 235 in the McKinney area and a 216 in Dennison. Both are described as running like sewing machines and were removed from projects for huge motors. Both are asking $300 and were on Craiglist.Dallas.

Any suggestions on looking at them or experiences with purchasing like this? Are any of these people on this site or have looked at these engines?

TIA

The 283 was front mounted 'til '59 in trucks for sure, possibly later as well. Side mounts came in on cars in '58.
As far as the 350 vs. 283 thing, it really boilds down to parts availability. The 350 is the cheapest engine to build, even less to build than the 283. I won't say the 283 is a bad engine, it isn't, but for overall cost of rebuilding , the 350 is the winner there.

As far as I know, the '57 283 (first year of the 283, since '55 and '56 were all 265s) was the only 283 model to not feature the side motor mounts. I think they started the side mounts in the 1958 cars. For a long time the blocks were drilled and tapped for front mounting tabs as well. I'd say the odds of you having a '57 block are fairly low, but certainly not impossible.

Most light truck V8s were still 265s in 1957 AFAIK.