Hey everyone.

I might be able to get a .060 over 283 with a factory forged crank, fuelie heads [2.02i/1.60e], and an intake manifold from a '70 350 4bbl for insanely cheap. It needs new bearings, rings, oil pump, and it's missing the distributor, starter, and carb. The pistons and con rods are included. The guy said the block shouldn't need anymore of an overbore, it's right at .060 over.

The bearings and rings supposedly weren't bad, but it was a running pull and the guy took it apart to make sure there wasn't any wear.

Anyone know what I could make with a street/strip cam, Edlebrock Performer RPM intake, and an Edlebrock 600cfm [I figured that would be enough] carb?

I've never done an engine rebuild before, and figured this is the perfect chance. I don't need it done right away so I can take my time and do it as funds allow. Most of my dad's friends are or were motor heads so most of the tools we can borrow, or I can buy (I knew I should've asked for a torque wrench last Christmas ).

So, whatca think?

 

are you sure those heads will work? the 283 has a 3.875" bore, which is going to be getting tight for 2.02/1.6 valves...
also, consider that pistons aren't easy to come by, and it's harder to build compression on a smaller motor.

all things being, though, I'd go for it. Screw the block, a 283 has a 3" stroke crank. Can we say 302!?! Port the heads some, and get a good 4" bore block. The extra displacement will give you more power, and the larger bore will help unshroud the valves more.

OTOH, if you're looking for a fuel-effecient driver engine, a 283 would be more than enough to get you around as well.

 

If the block is good as is, keep it. A .060" over 283 is 292ci. You can find TONS of off the shelf pistons for a 283 in any overbore. With a +.060" bore, the valve -to- wall issues are eliminated with a mild street cam.

If you build it to rev, you can make some great power. I'd keep the fuelie heads. Throw a small single plane intake(victor jr.), 600 or 650 carb, small tube headers, and a solid lifter cam(282S comp?). It will rev to 6,500 rpm all day long and make some good power. Make sure you have lots of gearing (4.10+) for a little motor like this.

------------------
-Joe
79' Z28 4-spd
http://joesmith59.freeservers.com/
*Boycott Lapeer*

 

Thanks for the info guys.

This motor is likely going in my daily driver, a '78 Nova [with a pretty anemic 305 :\].

I'd love to do some racing with it, but I've gotta get through college without going completely broke, so I might only do a bit

My dad used to run a 292ci with fuelies in his circle track [dirt] car in the late 70s/early 80s. He said the motor loved to rev, and it took a ton of punishment [it was their backup motor but they kept breaking the primary motors... oops].

I have a couple of other questions if you guys are up to it though. First off, I'm guessing this motors powerband is going to be beefier then my 305 [god I hope so], do you think the stock TH350 and 8.5" rear [2.43 open ] with 79k miles can take it? The tranny seems strong, no slipping or rough shifts and the fluid is clean. I know the rear end gear will hurt performance, but I'd rather not replace it yet if I can help it.

My rough timetable is to probably put the motor in the car around Christmas, and wait until next summer to do either a tranny rebuilt or swap for one with OD. A gear swap would probably be done around the same time as the trans.

My reason for waiting is I'd rather have a full time job when doing the trans and gear swap because at least then I'll still have some money in case something else breaks.

Once again, thanks guys

 

well, I've heard of 10-bolt rearends taking people into the 9's and 10's in the 1/4, so I think it just might handle it. Same with the tranny - they seem to run behind just about everything, and if it DOES break, there are rebuilds/replacements as easily availible as a SBC block...

As for the power, a fresh 283 should be able to toast a worn-out 305. With the overbore putting you at 292, you're only losing 13ci (don't sweat it) The larger bore size will also give you better flow - particularly because you can fit the larger valves that won't fit in the 305's smaller bore.

Now, with a forged 3" crank, you could go WELL past 6500rpm, but you probably wouldn't want to go much past 6500 in your daily driver (or you might? it all depends) Just keep that short stroke in mind for future rebuilds
Remember that a cam rated for 3000-6500rpm in a 350 is going to be a bunch wilder (and would rev much higher) in a 292 because of the displacement - keep that in mind when choosing a cam.

 

I agree. The turbo 350 will take tons of abuse behind most small blocks. The rear end will live, but your car will be a dog with those pitiful gears. The 283 won't make nearly as much torque as a 305(you give up .25" stroke). You will need a relatively deep gear for the motor to run well. As well as a decent stall converter. Without those to things, a 283 will be a dog. I think you should save up till you can do it all at once, or you'll be dissapointed with your 'hot' motor.

------------------
-Joe
79' Z28 4-spd
http://joesmith59.freeservers.com/
*Boycott Lapeer*

 

Like Joe said, it probably will be a dog on the low end, but will run like a raped ape on the move. 60-100 is perfect for the holeshot pass on the single lane highway.

I say, put it in and enjoy it.

Jon

[This message has been edited by 67LT1Bird (edited July 10, 2002).]

 

Thanks guys, I appreciate your input