Hey guys.
I've got a 283 power pack motor from the early sixties. I'm putting that Into my firebird. Anyone have any horsepower numbers on a 4 barrel 283? I have a chevy ll book for my old 64' And it only has horespower ratings for a two barrel. 283's were great motors, guy's have actually bored them over .125. They have increadibly thick cylinder walls. I have already reamed and honed the block. I'm not boring it out any. I'm building it for dependablity, with a big ol' bumpstick of course.:rockon: And has anyone ever run a 283 with 2X4 tunnel ram?? If so, how'd it do? thanks in advance.

 

You didn't say exactly what year it is, but you did refer to 64 so I'll put a number from 64. The 9.25:1 283 4bbl available in the Chevelle was rated at 220hp (gross of course).

 

I have also built a 283, Check out my Sig.. Although I have yet to install it I have heard some pretty good things abouit this engine. Make no mistake about it you will have a few critics talk about cubes and how this engine will have no top end, just Ignore the negative and go for it. Thats my take on it. I think that I will get about 300-340 HP out of mine. I just found a 350 block so I might also build a 383...

 

the bad thing about 283s in our cars is that they are high reving enignes. To take adavantage of that you'd need steep gears. Our axle is weak in the first place but then you get up there in numbers 4.10+ it becomes even weaker.

 

I COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND THAT, HOWEVER WE ARE NOT TRYING TO WIN THE DAYTONE 500....

Sorry for the caps I had already finish typing before I knew they were on...

 

No dude it will have all top end and no bottom end. And 300-340 hp's outta a 283 isnt that hard; it's getting more than 350hp that's a challenge.

 

The only good stories about a 283 are from the day when they were made. Yes, they were once popular but they have been outdated and outperformed for 30 years.

You're going to spend roughly the same amount of money whether you build a 283 or a 350. Do you want to have average acceleration or be faster than average? It's a no brainer. Get the best bang for your dollar and start with a 350.

 

uh=oh..here we go again.....the fella said he is building the motor for dependability....what better motor than the 283. If you dont mind being somewhat restricted on hp #'s go for it. And yes the power is ALL top end with low bottom end torque..thus the need for a high stall on a performance build. And if you want dependability...scrap the tunnel ram idea....keep the 2 barrel.(sp)