Stippy17

iTrader: (6)

Alright so I'm looking to swap my 2.8L for something bigger. Now I planned on going the route of a 350 and building the hell out of it for street use and occasional drag races on the weekends. Gas mileage would be a facter, but how much I'm going to put into the motor is also a factor. I'm looking for a setup that will cost me around 4-5k. I can probably make something decent out of a 350 but one of my dad's buddies offered me an engine stand (Which I need) with a 283 on it for $50. It's definetely worth the fifty dollars, but is this something I could make work with my budget or should I sell/keep it for a future project? And ideas or help?

My ultimate goal is to get around 400hp if possible, and to be able to take my friend's 04' GTO w/ a 6.0L.


Will this be possible...?

Stippy17

iTrader: (6)

This is the current 2.8L in the car..

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Get as much information as you can from the 283 (casting #'s, casting dates, etc.). Sell it to a collector/restorer.

Use the proceeds towards a 350.

(And be sure you've read and understand the V6 to V8 swap sticky in the top section of this forum.)

Stippy17

iTrader: (6)

I'll get him to do that asap. He also has a 2 Speed Powerglide Trans..he'd prolly gimme that too just to get rid of it. I'll definitely read the sticky, just wanted to see everyone's opinion on where to go with the swap first.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Any idea what this 283/Powerglide came out of?

I'm afraid there's a good chance it's just a lo-po 2bbl base V8 set-up.

But, it might still be worth something to a numbers-correct restorer. I sold the 283 out of the '57 (wasn't the original engine, but it was a '57) for something like $225, in pieces, nothing special, about 11-12 years ago.

Stippy17

iTrader: (6)

I have been told by my dad it came out of a truck, and not a corvette.

So if I go with a 350, like I originally planned, is there a type of 350 I should be looking for? Like I said before, I'd like to be able to be pushing about 400hp with a 4-5k budget.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Is $4-5k your budget for the project, or just the engine?

My rule of thumb is expect to spend as much handling the power as you spend making it. If you spend $4-5k on an engine, expect another $4-5k for the rest of the car.

BTW, a 283 truck engine would be a lo-po 2bbl. But, the parts may still be of interest to a collector/restorer. It's not a good base for a 3rd gen swap.

Stippy17

iTrader: (6)

That 4-5k budget is just for the engine. I'll buy the engine stand and motor/trans from him since it is worth the money, and I'll try to sell it. If not, I'll hold on to it..

So what type of 350 would work for what I'm looking for?

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Do you need to comply with any emissions inspection or testing?

Which is more important, fuel economy or 400 HP?

LT1 might be your best bet. LS1 if your engine/transmission budget can be matched for the rest of the install.

Stippy17

iTrader: (6)

What do you mean exactly?

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I think, but I'm not 100% positive, I'll be exempt from emissions, because I'll be driving with Classic plates. Having 400 HP is more important than fuel economy, but I'd like to get decent fuel economy out of it.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

You can get a running LS1/4L80E for about $3-4k, and running LS1/T56 for about $4-5k. To get it installed, depending upon your need for things to look right and for other things to live (like rear end), it's going to cost you another $3-5k.

A stock LS1 will have as much power as a crate engine rated at 400 HP. It will get 20+ mpg without being babied.

Stippy17

iTrader: (6)

That sounds what I'm looking for then. Which do you think would best suite me, the LS1/4L80E or the LS1/T56?

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

If you're good with and like driving a manual transmission, the T56 is a great choice. If you bracket race regularly, then you'll probably want the 4L60E.

I don't want to paint too rosy of a picture here. Read the "So you want to swap an LS1" sticky in the top section of this forum. It is more involved than other choices, but arguably a very good return on your time & funds investment.

The LT1 swap is probably right about half the cost of the LS1 swap. But, the upgrade potential of the LS1 is greater, and the economy per HP of the LS1 will be better than the LT1. It's a choice between up-front costs & long-term benefits.

Oh, the LT1 sounds more like "old school" Chevy V8's than the LS1 does. Not sure how important that is to you, but it's important to some people.

Stippy17

iTrader: (6)

Alright, you have helped me learn alot about where I'm going with this swap. I'll be sure to read up on those stickies, and any other material/threads on here to learn more. Thanks again!