Thread: engine build combination ideas

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OK Guys I have a good knowledge of building stock small block chevy engines ,but im not that educated on good high performance engine combinations or building. I have an 04 Colorado that I put a small block in and it runs fine but it just don't have the power, torque or throttle response im looking for.
Now, I have a fresh 1966 283 block that torched a couple of rod bearings.
Any good engine build ideas for this block ?

My first thought would be to move into the LS series of small block. Build a 383 Stroker. Fuel Injection and Computer Tranny control too.

And welcome aboard.

Welcome to CHR. I think most on here will agree that the old 283 is not worth the time, effort and dollars you'll spend to bring it to life. Get yourself a later model roller lifter block at a minimum, to survive with today's low ZDDP oils, or like Mike says step into the LS series, like maybe a takeout package of engine, tranny, ecu and harness? Great power & driveability, and good efficiency, too.

Welcome,
Before you jump into a complete engine build, possibly some tuning could make what you have perform better. On a stock motor a lot can be achieved thru ignition and fuel tuning, without spending very much. Tell us what motor you have in your pickup, how is it's equipped and what you want from it, we'll try to help.

chevy only made one or two more worse engines than the 283 .. unless you have a 265 or a 307 in your truck now just improve what you have ,, a 283 is a step way backwards ...yeah i know ... so and so knew so and so who had a 283 55 chevy that would outrun the word of GOD....

Originally Posted by HOSS429

chevy only made one or two more worse engines than the 283 .. unless you have a 265 or a 307 in your truck now just improve what you have ,, a 283 is a step way backwards ...yeah i know ... so and so knew so and so who had a 283 55 chevy that would outrun the word of GOD....

I believe that was a 265 in a '56 Chevy???

In 1957, the 283 was the ticket to ride, and they were the best of their time. By 1966, the 283 had been far surpassed by the 327, technological advances, and aftermarket attention. Yeah, there are still some around, I had one in my garage up until a few years ago, sold it for scrap; and, one of our fellow CHR denizens just used one in a project - but in general, you just wont get the value for dollars you will get from a new technology engine.

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Sorry, Double tap.

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RSPEARS is right on track for you. Find a 350 from a late 90's early 2000's Chevy PU or van. That should be a roller block. Keep the block and throw everything else away. Once you have determined what your goals are for the truck, daily driver, purpose built drag truck, or Saturday night special, we can help you make some choices. IMO don't do the LS thing so you can stay away from the computers at this point in your development as a motor head. If you do not have the knowledge, there will be no hair on the sides of your head and your wallet will be empty

Originally Posted by voltmap

OK Guys I have a good knowledge of building stock small block chevy engines ,but im not that educated on good high performance engine combinations or building. I have an 04 Colorado that I put a small block in and it runs fine but it just don't have the power, torque or throttle response im looking for.
Now, I have a fresh 1966 283 block that torched a couple of rod bearings.
Any good engine build ideas for this block ?

Please describe the small block that you put into the truck.

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Not to sound mean but if you have a boat the 283 may be used as an anchor

"......and, one of our fellow CHR denizens just used one in a project........"

HEY.....I resemble that

To the OP......... In case you're wondering I built a little 283 and it went into an 87 Ram 50 (Mitsubishi) 2WD Pickup with a 5 Speed, 3.90 gears and short tires. Weighs well under 3000 pounds and is a ball to drive.

That being said without deep gears in the rear end (and a manual gear box with at least 5 gears) and/or in a heavier vehicle it would be a real pig in spite of the mods the motor got during the build.

It cost way more to build than a 350 ....... into the range of what a good 383 stroker would run (which by the way would turn the truck from being fun to drive into a monster if you could get it to hook up).

I had some errands to run today, and did part of them in the Ram 50 and some others in my 83 El Camino. Now the EL Camino is quite a bit heavier than the ram 50, but it's powered by a (pretty stock) 500 Cadillac engine.......I can tell you without a doubt BIGGER IS WAY BETTER


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the 350 vortec engine mid 90s til the LS era were pretty good-they had one of the best head packages that chev ever had and roller lifters, tbi-good torque, hp economy

You guys realize that Voltmap posted his question, waited seven minutes and hasn't been back since, right? Just sayin', he's not read any of the responses yet, but we've got him 12 to one in post count, considering one's a double pump. At this point we're just talking among ourselves.

Originally Posted by rspears

You guys realize that Voltmap posted his question, waited seven minutes and hasn't been back since, right? Just sayin', he's not read any of the responses yet, but we've got him 12 to one in post count, considering one's a double pump. At this point we're just talking among ourselves.

Thanks Roger, I feel much better now.

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