283 truck vs car block

[Figuarus]

Hey guys, I just came back from a trip to California, and brought back my brother's 283 from his 64 Impala wagon.

I want to rebuild it, but want to know a few things.

First, are there any differences between the truck and car blocks during that year on the 283's

Second, I was contemplating on swapping out my camelback heads onto the new block, but might just use the heads he already has installed. I dunno if this is a good idea, or if I should find another set of heads.

Eventually, the 283 in my truck will be overhauled and re-sealed due to various leaks and issues. I will need an engine in the interim since it's my daily driver.

Thoughts, ideas, criticism, etc?

[urmyboyblue]

A 283 is a 283- no differences despite the vehicle it came in. You might see a minor difference in heads or a 4 barrel vs a 2 barrel, but that is it. I would run whatever heads come on it. Not really worth changing heads unless there is an issue with the ones that are on it.

[GRX]

Yep. No difference. Same casting numbers = same block.

[Figuarus]

Cool. just wanted to be sure. I'll pull the block number in a little while and figure out what I have.

[65chevysub]

What's a good way to beef up a relatively stock 283? I'd like more pep to pull my 65 Suburban around with my TH350.

[Figuarus]

yep.

I have a different intake, a quadrajet, 192 camelback heads and headman headers. The block is still stock. I upgraded to HEI ignition.

It's not a huge HP gain, but I do notice a difference from what it was to what it is now.

Plus, running in this config, I manage to get very close to 14 mpg on the highway.

[par4tom]

If you're going to go ahead and rebuild it, I'd go ahead and look at swapping out the factory cam for something that fits your needs a bit better. In the old days, they had "RV Cams" which gave a little lope at idle but were pretty well mannered out on the road.

There is nothing the matter with the double hump heads, but you will want to check the valve seats and see if they are OK for running unleaded pump gas.

If you do get into a rebuild of those heads, you may find it more cost effective to go with a newer-style aluminum head that flows a bit better then the old double humps and for about the same amount of money.

I went through this a couple of years back on a 350 and there is no one single answer other than what your budget will limit...

Bottom line is that you've got a pretty good tried-and-tested motor that should give you years of trouble-free service once you get it all dialed in.

Tom

PS - If you have a local machine shop, ask the guy there for his thoughts. I'm sure this is not his first 283 he's done...

[LVPhotos]

My 283 had no side engine mounts. Only the front horseshoe mount and manual bellhouse ones.

[GRX]

Originally Posted by LVPhotos

My 283 had no side engine mounts. Only the front horseshoe mount and manual bellhouse ones.

'57 block - a pretty rare piece. 1958 was the first year for side mounts, and '57 was the first year for the 283. So it's a one year deal.