Hey thanks guys for the replies so far.

I didn't even realize that 283 had the mounting holes up front, but I double checked and it does! Wow, cool. That would certainly make things fast and easy if I just got the bell housing to use the existing tranny mounts.

Bob, could you or anyone else elaborate on the downside of using the stock mounts and the long span bell housing stress? I see where that might be a concern. Is that due simply to the weight of the motor, or is it magnified by higher horsepower engines?

I take it the tri-fives that came from the factory with V8's used the same mounts? Did they have inherent problems? I'm not looking to drag race this thing, more of just a fun cruiser with a nice rumble. I may have a little fun with it, but I don't plan on hammering it. Not yet. Future plans could see a big block and narrowed 9 inch, but not this phase.

This motor, as built, I'm guessing has maybe 250 - 275 hp? 283 bored .030, camel hump 461 heads, Carter AFB, Edelbrock Performer dual plane, the cam I'm not sure of, but it has a relatively smooth idle, very similar to my '64 Corvette's 327/300 hp motor.

With this new knowledge about the 283 mounting up to the stock mounts, I'm seriously leaning toward just finding an early correct bell housing and going that route. Any input on that guys? It would definitely be less of a PITA and less money I'm sure.

Thanks again for all of the help.

T