I just found out one of my engines is 283 ci, wich I think is bad news.

Is there anything I could do with this engine (besides using it as flower pot).

On the other hand, I found out another of my engines is 400 ci

Nonni

 

283s are great little V8s, extremely durable. In its day, the '60s, everyone was convinced GM stopped making them because they ran perfectly for too great a length of time. It isn't a powerhouse but 250+ hp is not difficult to obtain. Should be good on gas, too.

 

I agree!

Those are great engines. Some people make power with them. I think most of what you'll hear about them though will be that they're very reliable engines. They sound just as good as any other small block too!

Clem

 

Its a good motor for a daily driver car. Definetly dont get rid of it. Some people might tell you stories about how back in the day they built one that would perform with the larger engines. It can be done, but if you have performance in mind build the 400. You'll be much happier with the results.

 

for the 283, sell it. guys rebuilding older cars like them for the nostalgia factor. remember that all the stories of fast 283's were from a time when a street car was fast when it ran 16's. as for longevity, again 60's engines were only good for 70k with decent compression so 100k was a gem. they are basicly worthless and should be sold to guys that have a use for them in projects.

 

Cool thing about the 283 is it will take about .125 overbore..poor mans 302(actually was the first way to get a SBC over 300ci's), if you have the need for one.

 

That is not true. 283s typically ran 150,000 miles here in western Canada, and we have darned hard winters to cope with! American winters are child's play, unless you are in Montana or Alaska.

Sure, it is a great nostalgia engine for someone needing that sort of thing, but if 250-275 hp is all you need, the 283 will do that without breaking a sweat. They pulled 180 hp stock with a 2 bbl!!!!