283 Build

Hey guys, new guy here looking for some advice. I've got a 66 Caprice 2D/HT with the original 283 (96k miles) and Powerglide. The motor is just weak and I think it's time for a rebuild. I would like to add a little performance to it, but I'm unsure of the best mods to make...best bang for my buck if you will. It's a 283 with a 2 bbl right now. I'd like some input on swapping heads, cams, boring, intake/carb change...etc. Without breaking the bank. I'd like to spend less than $2k, preferably closer to $1500.00. Thanks for help, and I look forward to your reponses!

Unless you want to keep the 283 in it, I'd shelf the 283 and buy a crate 350 with the $1500.00, and put in a t350 or a 700r4 tranny.

Pat

I am open to possibly swapping motors completely, but if I can build the original with enough balls, I would like to keep it in the car. This is a numbers matching car that is totally unmolested and a true survivor...so to use the original motor/tranny combo would be preferred.

The numbers matching thing doesn't mean much if you modify it. Store the 283 and tranny and stuff in a 350/350, then if a buyer wants to play the numbers game, show him the 283.

My 283 has origanal bore,have had two different sets of heads that performed about the same (461'S AND 305'S). Put a decent cam, headers, elec ign., alum intake, holley 600 vac, in my 55 and got 15ish at 94 in the quarter. Runs real good and sounds real good. If you want more than that you may have to go with a bigger motor.

As above if you want to keep it #matching pull the 283 and glide. Install a 350 /350 and have a party.:LOL: That way you can change it back should that need come.

I dunno. the 283 out of my 66 impala is going into my friends 280zx and he's got it bored to a 292, vortec heads, 262/270 extreme energy compcam with some lift on it, air-gap intake, hei distributor, shortie ceramic headers and a holley 670 doulbe pumper. It's gonna be a mild screamer. :cool:

I know the carb sounds big for the motor but we're thinking those heads and bore size will hopefully utilize the cfm's. If he can't use that carb.. heh. I'll be rebuilding an edelbrock 600cfm #1406 for him to trade for that double pumper and put it on my 355.

Point is.. I think the 283 is the perfect motor for a manual or a powerglide in a midsized to large car and alot of fun can be had with that motor. Plus you'll have those thick cylinder walls to bore out or keep those walls and have a strong motor for many more years to come. I know I had fun in my 4door 66 impala. Had alot of scooting power for such a large car. I know MPG is not a selling point anymore with these motors but I'm sure you'll get better MPG in a 283 instead of a 350 if you intend on using a TH350 trans.

I say rebuild that 283 and hop that sucker up. It's a great motor, don't get rid of it. Plus you'll save yourself some dough by rebuilding a block you already have.

As far as parts go.. I could get a figure from my friend if you'd like. He still has all his paperwork concerning machine work and parts cost. However with $2000 it's hard to get anymore bang for your buck.. Doesn't leave much room for improvement in my opinion :P

bore it to 4 inches to have a 302 ci and have fun. 650-700cfm and headers. 300+hp 302 ci and a manual trans would be awesome.

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Originally Posted by shooterpcb

bore it to 4 inches to have a 302 ci and have fun. 650-700cfm and headers. 300+hp 302 ci and a manual trans would be awesome.

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i like this guy:D

Finally, someone Scooter can identify with :LOL:

yeah im like surprised happy and ecstatic although i know of another board member who agrees with me:D

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Originally Posted by gassersrule_196

yeah im like surprised happy and ecstatic although i know of another board member who agrees with me:D

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I am glad you "old school" guys guys have a sense of humor.

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Originally Posted by erik erikson

I am glad you "old school" guys guys have a sense of humor.

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It sure would be dull without one. :LOL: :LOL:

humor? i am serious!