I was tossing the Idea around of building a 302 chevy to put into a third gen and make my own 5.0 high output f-bod. I want to kind of mix first gen and third gen.Any way I was wondering what exactly I need to build one. I'm thinking a 350 block and a 283 crank? I was wondering b/c I thought I read that all 283's were small journal? I was just looking for advice on how to build the shortblock.
I don't want aLn exact replica 302, just want to get that displacement. Any help would be great, thanks!


P.S I would rather use a gen I small block than a LT1. But I have both gen I, and gen II in my garage so whatever works.

Josh

 

You need the 283 crank and a set of small journal rods for a 283 or early 327. Aftermarket rods are also availible with 2.00" rod journals. You also need a 4" bore piston with the same compression height as the 283. Don't know about that number off hand. Everything else is the same including the main jounals.

 

I believe you can also go late model (Gen I or LT1) with a Caprice/Roadmaster 265 crank with a 1 piece rear seal. You will need 302 pistons, but standard 350 rods - check the crank you end up with.
The early model set-up will require small journal rods.

 

so i can use a 350 block and a 283 crank.Thats what I thought. Does anyone know who sells repo new/recondition 283 cranks? I downloaded Eagles catalog on pdf and they don't offer one. Any helps great right now.


Josh

 

Use the 1 piece main seal block from a thirdgen 350, truck 350, etc, the crank and rods from a L99, stock 350 pistons.

 

what vehicles came with the L99? I have never heard of that engine.What displacement was it?

 

the l99 is from the caprice its the baby lt1,this engine actually displaces 4.3L BUT its a v8.GENERAL MOTORS' Mark Mcphail created this special 302 a few years back in an lt1 form and it rocked!

 

Thats sweet! Thanks for the help, another ? though will that 4.3 L99 crank work in any 1 piece rear 350 block? Does anyone have a web site or more info on the build up of a chevy 302?

 

Yes it will work in the earlier 1 piece seal blocks just fine, you will want to use the stock 5.94" rods from it and off the shelf pistons for a 350, or you could go chasing down other parts if you want something stronger.